No Limits

Paul Bolbat's comments from last post reinforce the notion that rural communities--or any un-connected municipalities for that matter--need broad initiatives to acquire broadband services. However, part of the challenge is not getting hung up on technologies in the effort of providing access.

As I wrote, ConnectKentucky is an example for providing statewide broadband access. However, as Tech.Blorge points out, Kentucky's solution is focused on DSL as the prime access technology. Wi-Fi is a buzzword for metro access, but cities such as Chicago and San Francisco are finding out its not as easy as it sounds. And of course there's FTTx and WiMAX. The goal should not be a Wi-Fi city or Fiber city. The goal should be broadband connectivity. Period.

It doesn't matter what the access technology is because technology evolves and becomes obsolete.

However if there is to be a citywide or statewide or nationwide broadband policy, it needs to look past placing technology limits and especially speed limits on what broadband is. As the Communications Workers of America points out at the Speed Matters Web site, the FCC defines high speed Internet as 200 Kbps. That just doesn't cut it anymore.

A broadband initiative should be broad. A large-scale policy should be ready to evolve with technology. Broadband today should not hamper broadband tomorrow.