by: Sascha Meinrath SaschaMeinrath.com, "Public Ponderings..." Thursday, January 5, 2006
This blog reports the key highlights and similarities of important studies on digital broadband technology, including: "The Residential and Commercial Benefits of Rural Broadband: Evidence from Central Appalachia", "Measuring Broadband's Economic Impact", and George Ford's "Economic Development Through Broadband." The overall analysis concludes that high-speed, ubiquitous connectivity is required for the United States to fully participate in the global economy. Whether public or privately owned, network connectivity is of utmost importance for the future of our participation in the global economy. Despite these findings, private companies are still working for their private interests, rather than the public interest of connectivity. The "Brand X" decision is cited as a main example of the private industry's selfishness. Additionally, the studies find that the federal government has done little to connect users, despite making big statements. Taking all of these factors into consideration, the final conclusion comes from the study by George Ford that finds municipal networks are the most favorable model. For the complete blog entry analysis and links to the examined studies: http://www.saschameinrath.com/node/277
