The need for a national broadband policy

Since my column “Broadband policy is vital to U.S. economic future” appeared online, I’ve received comments from several readers who concur with my opinion that the U.S. needs a national broadband policy. Without one, this country is at the mercy of the telcos and ISPs, who decide -- based on what is best for them, profit-wise -- which customers get what kind of service, and at what price.

It’s interesting that two readers specifically mentioned that they have a disability of some sort. One person mentioned his disability in the context of not being able to afford the high cost of broadband service. Another mentioned her “handicap” in terms of being powerless to do much about the monopolistic services we pay for. (Aren’t we all?) What makes these two readers so interesting to me is that I was inspired to write this column after listening to John D. Kemp, the keynote speaker at the 2007 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference.

Back in March, I listened to John speak very eloquently and passionately of the need to improve broadband access in this country for people with disabilities. This is a demographic group that is historically ignored and under-served. Yet people with disabilities, perhaps more so than people without, need affordable high speed Internet access to be able to work from home, to pursue online education, to search for or obtain social services, to participate in community activities, and more.

While John inspired me, I wrote the column for all of us little guys – with or without a disability – who feel like we need high speed Internet access just like we need electricity and other utilities. This isn’t simply a matter of being able to download songs faster; it’s a matter of this nation and its citizens staying competitive in the global economy.

Read the column and let me know what you think.

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