I am always envious of those living in large towns where internet providers are limitless, which helps keep the bill down. Living in a town with EXACTLY ONE option for high speed internet and phone service I am always excited when I read about new national broadband initiatives. Well the opposite was the case this week. North Carolina State Senate passing a new broadband bill that places a 14-month moratorium on cities and towns that want to build their own high-speed broadband networks. It is so frustrating to see state representatives fighting to basically keep equal access unavailable to many of its constituents.
http://www.mountainx.com/blogwire/2010/senate_passes_broadband_bill_a_killer_for_cities
As we discuss access to technology being available to everyone this week during class, it is a shame that it probably never will be that way. When your internet connection is limited, so is your ability to communicate with the rest of the world. While I may be able to upload a PDF file in a relatively fast manner for a class assignment, many people do not have that option. Can you imagine downloading songs or apps for your new iPad if you live in rural North Carolina? It would probably be so much frustration you wouldn’t even care to buy one. I can’t imagine technology companies who require their products to have high speed connections are happy with these rulings. Sure satellite internet access is usually available in most areas, but usually at extremely high costs, which makes it unavailable for most rural communities. Before we made an offer on our current house a few months ago, I had to find out if high speed was available. I made this call before I called about any other utilities and their prices, so I know it becomes one of the top priorities in many families’ day to day lives.
So why would you the North Carolina Senate pass this bill (it has not been passed in the House yet)? If I had to guess I would say it is the doing of the telecommunications companies. The telecom companies want to keep competitors out of the area, so they grease the hands of the senators to ensure ideas of broadband expansion go nowhere. There are so many hoops to jump through that it would be an almost useless fight for smaller cities and towns to even try to get such measures approved.
The biggest shame in it for me is the realization that while we can talk about expanding our horizons and making technology available to everyone, big business still controls our country and probably always will. So much for “equal and unlimited access.”
Christine
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I agree as long as we allow corporations to control legislation through financial support of the legislators, citizens well being is going to take a back seat to corporate control of our government.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the case with so much more than internet connections. I agree that our priorities need changed!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea that the government had the right to pass that kind of law. What gives them the authority to do that???
ReplyDeleteI was shocked also and the just outright refusal to allow communities to try and grow. It is basically telling them, "oh well...try again in 14 months." It is ridiculous that the NC government is worried about this. I am sure there are much higher priorities that need bashing :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like the supporters couched it in the language of socialism vs. free enterprise. Apparently it's socialism to allow a local government to try to provide any service that a private company is capable of providing.
ReplyDeleteI don't see how this is much different from the government subsidizing other utilities for rural areas. This is only going to inhibit the growth of these communities. With regards to using an iPad or iPhone in these areas, these customers would need to use a data plan that would quickly be drained by having to do everything through the cell network.
ReplyDeleteWhew...I didn't know they could do that. I really hope the House doesn't pass the bill. I wonder if more citizens will protest and complain to their representatives? How many don't realize the huge impact this can have on them? Who will lobby for them?
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