Sen. Clinton talks high speed Internet in New Hampshire

On a recent trip to New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton discussed high speed Internet access in her appeal to voters, promising "to expand broadband access in rural areas, create jobs and invest in high-tech industries."

In addition to talking about the importance of rural high speed Internet access and investment in tech industries, she made an important connection that expanding high speed Internet access until it is universal is not unlike our transcontinental railroad system or interstate highways.

Senator Clinton's remarks echoed the point made in the CWA Speed Matters White Paper:

Throughout our history we have been able to benefit from major technological advances because we adopted national policies to ensure their widespread and equitable deployment. In the 19th century we adopted policies to develop canals and a national railroad system. In the 20th century we instituted policies to develop national telephone and highway systems. It is now the 21st century but we still do not have a national high speed broadband policy.

As the only industrialized nation without a national high speed Internet policy, The U.S. must choose a president who understands the value of universal access and gives the issue the attention it deserves. Our nation is currently far behind the rest of the industrialized world in both connection speeds and universal access. Likening universal high speed Internet access to the railroad and highway system drives home how basic a need these connections are.

Clinton Talks Tech (New York Times Blog)

U.S. Falls Further Behind in High Speed Internet Access (Speedmatters.org)

Need for a National Policy (Speedmatters.org)

Speed Matters: Affordable High Speed Internet for All