Sunday, March 21, 2010

Editorial #5- FCC wants Broadband


Broadband has become a major part of Americans' lives. Over the past 10 years, the number of Americans who have broadband at home has increased by 192 million users.

The Federal Communications Commission has released the NAtional BRoadband Plan that faults the market for failing to "bring the power and promise of broadband to us all." What they're saying is that they want the government to fund broadband usage for everyone including the poor and those who do not currently receive it. They stated that it was like the necessity of a telephone. However this Washington Post editorial states that while Internet and Broadband usage has become an important part of daily life, it is not as vital as a telephone, which can be used to call for help in emergencies.

The FCC also wants to expand the broadband infrastructure. Washington Post believes this is an premature action because we can't tell what technology will exist in the future. Also, big businesses usually get involved and that's not what we want right now.

I agree that some of the FCC's assertions are a little hasty. They seem to want to expand their commission without any evidence that states that they need to. However, I think that Internet access is very important for the country. Students who live in poor or rural areas should also have access to telecommunications because that is the primary source of business in modern times.

Click here for the editorial in the Washington Post.

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