Slow growth for high speed Internet

Although effortsbystate governments to expand high speed Internet access have refocused attention on the need for a comprehensive technology policy, the yawning digital divide separating connected from unconnected in America threatens to grow worse unless national policy changes as well.

A recent report published by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices reveals that high speed Internet reaches just 73 percent of urban households, and a paltry 55 percent of rural ones.

The report also calls for a more comprehensive policy in order to connect millions of unconnected Americans, including use of policies as diverse as tax incentives for rural network providers and state bonds for financing infrastructure development. With Internet users increasingly turning to video and high bandwidth applications -- and high definition video on the way -- "the [current high speed Internet] infrastructure is not strong enough to support the growth that needs to happen," says Ken Hubbard, president of networking startup InteliCloud Technology.

That's why both our government and telecom providers must take a proactive approach to bringing crucial high speed connections to all Americans. As InteliCould's Hubbard said,

"We need to change our slow growth into fast growth."

Help toward achieving that goal may be on the way. The Broadband Data Improvement Act (S.1492), introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye, is being considered in the Senate and would be a great step in the right direction. This bill would provide funding for states and local community planning teams to evaluate the current state of their Internet connections and take steps to expand access.

This legislation is a prime example of the proactive approach that is needed from our government. The Senate should act quickly to pass it, and our leaders should pursue further efforts to bridge our nation's digital divide once and for all.

Minnesota moves toward a high speed future (Speed Matters)

Gov. Strickland kicks off Connect Ohio (Speed Matters)

Tennessee Creates Non-Profit To Improve High Speed Internet (Speed Matters)

State Efforts to Expand Broadband Access (NGA Center for Best Practices)

States move to expand broadband access (Government Computer News)

Does the US Need a New Broadband Policy? (PC World)

Broadband Data Improvement Act (U.S. Senate)

Senator Inouye Introduces Broadband Data Improvement Act (Speed Matters)