Broadband could speed up Florida's economic recovery

In 2007, one half of all Floridians did not subscribe to high-speed Internet. For a state now in severe economic turmoil, slow Internet is only making the problem worse.

Liz Cox writes about the issue in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune:

"According to the Communications Workers of America, in 2008, Florida's median download speed, while better than the national average of 2.35 megabits per second, was only 3.99 mbps. This still leaves us well behind many countries, including South Korea (49.50 mbps), France (17.60 mbps), Finland (21.70 mbps) and Canada (7.60 mbps). To truly compete in the global economy, the U.S. needs to catch up."

We've written before here about how expanded broadband offers a plethora of economy-boosting benefits. But before we can take steps to catch up to global broadband speeds, we need a good understanding of where our nation is already served, underserved, and unserved by high-speed Internet service providers (ISPs). As CWA President Larry Cohen testified before Congress in 2007:

"We don't know the full extent of our problem because our data is so poor. We don't know where high-speed networks are deployed, how many households and small businesses connect to the Internet, at what speed and how much they pay."

The stimulus package is designed to do just that - starting with a thorough mapping and data collection initiative. Stimulus funds are also available for projects designed to improve broadband infrastructure and adoption.

Increased broadband could spur the economic recovery of states like Florida. High speed Internet holds the promise of job creation, business growth and overall improved quality of life. Other benefits include improved video and teleconferencing, distance learning, worldwide research, and more efficient emergency response.

Those interested in applying for broadband stimulus funds to help bring Florida up to speed only have 10 days left to apply for the first of three rounds of funding - the Florida deadline is August 14. Visit www.broadbandusa.gov for full application details.

More broadband could speed state's recovery (Herald Tribune)