Companies continue to expand high speed Internet, despite poor economy

Despite a sluggish economy, Internet providers aren't slowing the pace of high-speed network deployment and expansion. In fact, the major internet service providers have big plans to improve their available Internet speeds and capabilities. This is because, regardless of the current economic climate, there is an undeniable demand for speed.

"Irrespective of a recession, there is a growing need for speed that is raising the stakes for broadband providers," says Craig Moffett, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein in New York. "I don't think there is much chance that the telcos will pull back on their network deployments. That ship has already sailed."

In addition to the demand spurred by movie downloading services -- provided by companies like Apple, Amazon, Movielink and Netflix -- a number of other services are only available with high speed Internet, including telemedicine and distance learning programs. Without a concerted effort by telecom companies to expand their networks and increase capacity, these services will likely bring the Internet to a grinding halt in just a few years.

The continued push by service providers to expand their networks despite a poor economic climate is a promising -- and essential -- development. But in order to ensure that the buildout reaches all Americans, including those in rural and lower-income areas, our country is still in urgent need of a national high speed Internet policy.

Broadband's Growing 'Need for Speed' (Business Week)

High speed Internet brings entertainment home (Speed Matters)

Study: Internet traffic jam looms in 2010 (Speed Matters)

Need for National Policy (Speed Matters)