$6 Billion for Broadband in Obama’s Stimulus Package
Posted by sebersole on January 26, 2009
One of the first tasks for the new administration is to propose and pass a stimulus package to kick-start the ailing economy. One small part of the package currently being proposed is about $6,000,000,000 for broadband internet service, particularly for the 7-8% of Americans living in rural and underserved areas where broadband is unavailable and dial-up connections provide only 56 kbps. The US has already fallen behind the developed world and stands at 15th in terms of number of broadband subscribers per 100 residents. According to a recent report, this is critically important because broadband creates jobs. According to the Brookings Institution, for every percentage point increase in broadband adoption, approximately 293,000 jobs are added.
Not only are we lagging behind in the global race for connectivity, our broadband connections are often much slower than what is available in other countries. According to one report, the median download speed in the U.S. is 2.35 Mbps. Compare that to Japan whose median speed is an amazing 63.60 Mbps. And while fiber optic to the home (FTTH) is one approach to increasing bandwidth, new technologies in the works for cable modems offer great promise at much lower cost. Using a technology called Docsis 3, several cable TV channels can be combined to offer Internet service approaching 1 gigabit per second. At that speed you could download a two hour Hollywood movie in well under a minute. But while entertainment media is the driving force behind broadband adoption, the stakes are high for less exciting, but more important tasks. Telemedicine, better access to online education and telecommuting are clear benefits that stimulate the economy when high-speed connectivity is universally available.
One last related issue is the battle over network neutrality. This is the idea that digital data delivered over public and private networks should not be restricted, regulated or controlled except those controls that address legal issues such as copyright infringement and other illegal actions. It is very possible that this $6 billion infusion will come with requirements that the major telecommunications businesses that own the fiber optic networks, and ISPs, practice net neutrality.
sebersole said
MCCNM 101 students, this is the place to post your comment in response to this blog entry, and to the “Please Don’t Share” story aired on the NPR program, On The Media. The Please Don’t Share story is available in Bb > Course Documents > Internet. Please post your comment before 5pm on Friday, Jan 30th.
Shawn Jones said
I believe this is a great opportunity to not only to promote growth economically but also to promote a public works program that will ensure further growth of education and jobs. It will allow us to instill truly net neutral system. This will allow us to institute groundwork for future generations.
Bridgette Hunter-Ellis said
i think its crazy how the world has changed due to the internet! mostly EVERYTHING is programmed on the computer, it is faster but how much safer will it continue to be!?
Patrick Cordova said
If the Brookings Institution is correct and for every percentage point increase in broadband adoption, approximately 293,000 jobs are added than I think it is imperative to move up those ranks and there fore very worth it. The powers that the network neutrality give to these ISP’s I think is inappropriate
Jane Schifferdecker said
Actually, I am not very savvy about all of the goodies on the Internet and probably will never be up-to-speed compared to others. My biggest complaint is the cost, although some of the items I have read on this blog (is that what it is called?)show just how wacked some of our society can be. I have never tried to download anything like the Bible(they give copies away in hotels and churches), a movie, music, etc. I have watched more items since this class started than ever before. How do people find time to sit at the computer and watch or read the amount of items found on the Internet. If it weren’t for class and work, I probably wouldn’t even have the Internet at home.
Audrey said
I dont think giving broadband to people that dont have it will fix our behind problem. We should make the internet more natural to our citizens. children should be more heavily exposed throughout their school instead of just high shcool. The internet is still pretty new and people dont know how to use it.
Labrittany said
I think its crazy how the world has came so far on technology.today in the economy the world is ran by electronics.I think were going to make technology to strong and smart that it might one day never know might take over the world!
Jonathan Martinez said
I feel that increasing broadband to everyone in America is a great idea because with every one percent increase 293,000 jobs are opened up and with the economy now in days we need something to help it out.
Bryon said
It seems that the men in power are looking for new ways to waste the money we intrust them with. They may as well throw it into the air and tell god to fix the problems.
Kelsey said
I agree with Bryon, we find many ways to blow money, when there are other issues that should be taken care of. But it is crazy how far this world is coming in technology. If the statitics show that with more broadband there are more jobs, I say give it a try. That money spent could equal out with money earned.
Adrian Flores said
Leave it to the japanies to build it bigger better an faster… I had know idea that 63.60 was posible let alone that we as a nation ranked 15th, WOW.. we suck! As far as the fund for growth in broadband coverage thats great for the 8% of the country that cann’t access the information highway and the job growth that it would create might help in a very small way to stimulate ecomomic growth. Then there is the dark side of the force, Comcast to which i have never liked due to there questionable buisness pratices in the past, but what they are doing now is unheard of( big brother, 1st amendment, invasion of privacy.) By signing a contract for service are we signing are rights away, did i miss the fine print. I have a few words CENEORSHIP, SEGERGATION, DISCRIMINATION, LOOP-HOLE, GREY AREA, ILLEGAL they are walking a very thin line. Whats next control over what we see, read, learn and who we talk to, this is the United state of America. Its all about money, by side lining down loaders it free up space for more traffic, which creates more reviuew. bottom line more profits and the all mighty doller for corp. America so what if they bend the rules a little to make a buck its the American way….These days. i for see a lawsute in their future and major regulation change in internet usage. segregation of Information the have’s and have not’s will this still be a democracy or revert to socialism or worse
Nico Fatta said
In my opinion, I think it’s fascinating how far broadband internet has come in such a short amount of time. With the 6 Billion going to rural areas, I think it will help in assisting with jobs and benefit our economy with more jobs. Although, this can only be achieved if people are willing to commit to understanding the internet and technology.
Barbara Gabriel said
I think we should be trying to get broadband internet out to everyone in the US but also, information about how to properly use it. We cant spend 6 BILLION dollars on this plan and not take any responsibility. We need to teach people how to share and not be hogs that stop up or slow down the internet for all of us. Thats what Comcast has a problem with; the internet hogs who leave programs on downloading music, movies, etc for days and weeks at a time. constantly! thats ridiculous.
Michelle said
It’s pretty intense how much we revolve around the Internet. I think President Obama’s idea is a great way to try and technologically advance the U.S. and also help in putting our economy back where it should be.
Tim Gonzales said
It is amazing how far our technology has come. Even though this will help people in areas where they cannot receive broadband internet it still will not fix the nations problems. There are other things that should be focused on first. Broadband internet is more of a luxury than a necessity.
Megan Sefcovic said
I think in order to keep up with countries such as China, who plans by 2010 to have broadband in every village in the country, the 6 billion dollars that will be used to help aid America’s rural areas is a necessary move to keep the U.S. as an economic powerhouse. In addition to this, broadband will create more jobs for U.S. citizens and even further our efforts to get out of the economic downturn we are currently in. According to predictions over 200,000 jobs would be created and that would dramatically impact our economy in a positive way. I think the bailout package that President Obama has proposed is probably one of the smartest moves we can make as a country right now. We will get the chance once again to be a part of the highly developed society we are usually known for. I can not wait to see what the effects come of this proposal.
Tyler Lundquist said
I think that the idea of caching up with other countries and creating jobs in the US is very important. Also the fact that more broadband will speed every ones internet much faster and will allow for better fill sharing and is needed do to the large amounts people that are sharing.
John Oreschnick said
I agree that Broadband internet is definately a luxury and shouldn’t be approached as a dilemma or something of our nation’s concern, but more as a problem for the internet servers themselves to fix not only for their current costomers but also future costomers. With the constant advancement of technology there is no doubt in my mind that some day everyone will be able to have Broadband internet.
Jane Schifferdecker said
If the Brookings Institute is correct about the number of jobs that are created, how long will it take before it can be shown to have worked? Seems to me it will take years and I do not believe they will be able to actually demonstrate it worked? Oversight is expensive and difficult. If no one has noticed, we are behind in many areas, but I am all for it, if it does work and helps us. Here’s a big question. Where are they planning to get all of this money for the new programs and added services? Every day large sums of money are mentioned and how are we going to pay for it all. I would love for my internet bill to go down, but the cable companies will take our money and figure out how to charge an additional fee or fees to keep the price up. The cable business is practically one big monopoly now. When it comes to the legal issues of the internet they have just started to prosecute those who have broken laws or who are unethical. They must set laws and definately set hard rules for the internet companies. Help! All of this makes my head spin.
Jon Peltier said
I think it is a great idea to expend the network to the people of the states. I believe that this would create a lot of jobs in CIS, engineering and etc.
Jessica Robbe said
that just shows the advancement in technology today, but it also shows the bugs in the system that needs to be solve. It is so amazing that the speed to download is fast enough to downland a two hour movie under a minute…wow!!!!!!!!!!
Tayler Zinanti said
I think that it is great that it will give jobs to many people, but I do think that other issues should be focused on first. I do not think that it is right for Comcast to not let people file share legal uncopywrited documents. It seems like an invasion of privacy to me.
Sierra Jones said
It makes me wonder what this world would be without the life of technology and how far we have come. Technology itself has created a whole different outlook on the world today. Numerous people have excelled in the world with technology for examples better paying jobs and a better way of living.
vronx sapeda said
The internet is absolutely incredible.What would the world be like with out it? It is very important to us, and is necessary for many reasons. More and more is being useful about it. Even jobs and schools are connected. Its crazy how so much money is involved through this.
John Ninemire said
This is an excellent idea for the Obama Administration. So much of the information that people recieve is through the use of the internet. A lot of the criticism of the American Population not being informed will diminish if everyone has access to this information
Desarey Balloon said
It really does sound like a great idea more jobs become available internet service is faster not like its not already fast enough but it will be an rual areas will get internet and tv too. altough it sounds great it also sounds like the world is starting to slowly rely on the internet for everything. im sorry but in ten years i dont want my childrens teacher to be virtual.
Amanda Olds said
The stimulus package for broadband would help America as good as an internet provider could help America…not so much, I’m thinking. It is a pleasant idea to think that we could solve America’s current state by providing internet to all of America, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Kami Dahlberg said
Technology is such a huge part of society today that it seems no one can function without it. The younger generations are in tune with all that is going on in the world, good and bad, due to the internet and all of that technology. It is growing so rapidly.
spiffysam said
I think that the stimulus package is a good idea. It might be a little extreme, I can’t even comprehend how much money six billion dollars is. What could I do with six billion dollars? Are they going to give internet to everyone? Are people still going to have to pay service fees, buy routers and other equipment they need? What if they can’t afford the service fees, or what if they don’t even have a computer? What’s the point of making internet available to people who can’t afford computers? Is the government going to toss in computers for these people also? Could the money be better spent in a program similar to “One Laptop Per Child”, with modifications? Possibly “One Laptop Per Household”? The computers would be designed differently than the “One Laptop Per Child” computers, and they might be cheaper to make. Possibly set up factories here to provide jobs.
And as for the Comcast issue, I think that as an ISP they provide you with the ability to use the internet, it’s up to you whether you violate the law or not. They shouldn’t regulate the content or the amount that you can download. If you choose to download the bible or an illegal movie from a comcast user, it shouldn’t matter. It’s not up to them to regulate your content. It’s up to you to morally guide yourself to not break the law, and do what’s right, and if you can’t handle having the option to download what you please, then legal action should be taken, not Comcast trying to control your content.
-Sam Acar
Aj Ayala said
I think broadband on a national level will possible help the nation, but in the long run it seems to just be a luxury. Do people in rural towns really need to check their myspace?
Blaine Wilson said
I dont think we should use a stimulus package for the internet america is already behind other countries. We should start kids in kindergarden learning a new language that other people around the world use because personally i think the english language is horrible we have to many words that mean the same thing and other words that mean one thing. Thats what we should use are stimulus package on
Bilal Carter said
I can not pick sides on rather we should grant the stimulus package or not because both sides of the mirror have strong points. On one hand we are significantly behind other countries with the broadband speed, which leaves our internet relatively slow. Since were behind I agree that we should have the ability to catch up since we are viewed as one of the power countries why don’t we have the best the world has to offer our there. On the other hand that is a lot of money to spend on broadband which corporations are controlling like Comcast did. So then we don’t even have free roam and the ability to do as we please on line because they will monitor and restrict it. The idea that it will open more jobs for the people is a lovely thought and new jobs are going to always be needed in the world. We cant miss what we never ha, so in my eyes we can live without the extremely fast internet and the coverage all over the country, I mean we have pretty much managed to live with it for now, but am a supported of advancements especially when it relates to technology.
Harrison said
If someone is attempting to obtain information legally isps shouldn’t be able to “delay” or “block” their connection.
However, compared to other nations, are service is slow.
As a result, isps have a good excuse to police sharing. They justify their actions as optimizing speeds for their users.
Why not fund broadband?
Increase it so isps will be more efficient. Create jobs for Americans.
Perhaps with higher download speeds internet “road hogs” will have to answer to regulators. Regulators who will ensure individuals can download regardless of isp, encourage the use of information sharing and expansion of knowledge.
Jonathan Martinez said
I feel that broadband to all Americans would be a gread addition. I mean with every one percent increase it opens up 293,000 more jobs and with the economy and how it is today we need those jobs. Also we are falling behind in our citizens knowing about technology so we have to catch up.
John Oreschnick said
I think that at the rate technology is advancing, soon we won’t have to worry if everyone has Broadband connection or not. Though distributing equal internet connection to everyone is something the server companies should consider, it doesn’t seem to be that big of a deal to me because the internet is a luxury and we shouldn’t take luxuries for granted.
Josh Halpin said
Spending six billion dollars on a stimulus package to broaden the areas where a broadband internet connection is money wasted. The fact is that most people (in the United States) probably do have access to a high speed internet connection. A prime example of this are libraries. Even the small libraries now have broadband connections and newer computers for people to use. As the times change so have the libraries, but with today’s growing technology, people are not always aware that libraries are doing their part to stay with current technological trends.
Even if some people do not have a “home” high-speed connection, they still have access to a broadband connection elsewhere…
Orion Boughton said
I think that the stimulus check is a good idea. It would be a good thing to have even faster internet. Faster internet means less time on the internet.
I have a question… I look it up online… I find my answer… I do something else.
As compaired to rural dial up I have a question… I look it up online… I wait for an answer… still waiting
Please Don’t Share- I think that Comcast will actually see lose many customers if they continue down this path, and other providers don’t follow. However, I do see how this method would help as far as not being responsable for illigel downloads of copyrighted material
Lauren said
It seems a little silly to give money for broadband to people who won’t even know how to use it or for that matter may not even own a computer. It’s a nice idea on paper to help us with jobs and such but honestly does it seem like spending $6 billion on this is a bit much. I suppose only time will tell.
On the Comcast matter, the internet is suppose to be open for sharing and recieving knowledge no matter what the content and not controlled by some big brother type corporation Comcast seems to be destroying this idea that was once the internet. Comcast has no right other than legal action to stop someone from downloading whether it’s their customer or not.
Skyla Alfonsine said
Though Obama and his administration’s plan is an ideal yet courageous one, 6 billion dollars is a lot of money. Hopefully, it would all be used for a positive push towards a better future of humanity. However, the last time we gave a lot of money to politicians/bankers, Palin got a brand new, and expensive I might add, wardrobe. My point is, if this whole thing is going to go down, we citizens need to know where the money is coming from 1st of all, and that all of it, down to the last penny, will be used on exactly what Obama claims. Perhaps if this is done correctly, more people could connect with more of the World, and in turn create a place where there are no limitations for human kind.
As far as the whole Comcast scam, I do not trust big companies such as Comcast anyway. They all seem to be owned by a selected few, a small number of elite people who thrive on power, money, fear, and control over the meek. As far as I’m concerned all multi-billionaire companies rob the average person. Not to be a conspiracy theorist, but most of my comments are based on facts, and that’s a fact! It’s no suprise that Comcast would be doing something “legally” wrong but “morally” acceptable according to them…right?
kddrotar said
The American economy would definitely benefit if over 300,000 new jobs were created. Time will tell if that happens if the stimulus package is passed. What are the alternatives? What happens if this country lags farther behind in providing access to the Internet to more people?
The issue of network neutrality is here to stay and it seems inevitable that legislation will be needed to prevent abuses by powerful entities.
Ye Ming said
It is a very good idea to give part of the stimulus package to broadband if it do creates job opportunities. Besides that the popularity of internet in rural areas can also improve education and other things, helping people have more ideas about the whole world.
The downloading speed here is really slow compared to where i live in China. My friends there can download several movies for just couples of hours(sometimes violates the copyright)but here it costs me almost half an hour to legally download a dictionary which is just about 5MB. The way Comcast prevents illegal downloading will undoubtedly stop legal file share as well.
Justine Padilla said
I think that 6 billion dollars is a large amount of money that could be used elsewhere for more important issues. At the same time I also think that because technology plays such a drastic part in our world today, a large investment may be a positive change to our nation. We are already behind in the race for technology against the world and investing 6 billion dollars will bring us a little closer to the finish line.
Tyler Sanchez said
This is alot of money and could be used for many things but i think its a good idea because it will give a lot of people jobs and help us in this time that so many people are losing their jobs.
Randi said
I don’t think it’s wise to spend so much money on frivolous entertainment access when our country is in such great debt. I do not think it is the national government’s job to provide broadband to everyone in our country, I think the states could provide it if they felt their state was behind or the citizens who want it can pay for it. Our country needs to stop trying to come up with ways to beat out other countries in the technology race and start thinking about how to get out of debt, and reestablish the morals our country was built on. They need to start raising better citizens and I don’t think more access to the world is going to do that at all. Our country is on a dangerous and corruptive downward spiral of producing and supporting people who care little about anything but themselves and their own agenda.
Alejandro Raygoza said
It sounds like the stimulus package that the administration wants to pass is a good idea. If broadband creates 293,000 jobs for every one percent increase, that is good for the economy. If it is creating jobs and also increasing our broadband rank, then I am all for it.
Victoria Watson said
There are two very important aspects of this Broadband plan. First and foremost, the internet is literally the world’s information at a person’s fingertips, but on a grander scale, it also connects the world, that is to say, it connects people with one another. There are many possibilities/opportunities that may exist within the world wide web that might help to progressively advance rural areas and could quite possibly, create new jobs. The other aspect of this is of course, the state of our economy. At this point in time it would be almost careless to invest such a large amount of money in what most people in other countries, including ours, would consider a luxury (internet access). As a nation, there are far more pressing issues to be addressed by the US government other than the accessibility and speed of the internet, especially considering that these issues affect less than 7% of the entire population. That is to say that the larger issue at hand is the jobs that would affect the thousands of unemployed Americans nationwide. The only way to rebuild the economy, is to focus on it.
Vinny Papasedero said
I think that this idea is great if it can create more jobs for Americans. Really anything that helps with the increase of employment in our country would help very much.
Phil Rieck said
I’m surprised that the United States hasn’t got the fastest loading time. It is hard to believe that we are so far behind other countries. I think that we need to increase the bandwidth as soon as possible. If it is going to create more jobs than I think that the only draw back would be the limiting of peer to peer downloading.
Annette Jackson said
I think that Obamas idea is a great plan to help those in need. I also think that this is going to create a lot of controversy because not everyone is going to agree. They might feel the money would be better spent else where.
Cassi Brunson said
I think that it is very important to put a good amount of money towards something like the Broadband Plan! With only 7-8% of the population not able to get broadband this is a great plan! The statistics show this plan is a benefit and will increase the amount of jobs people will be required for!
However,$6,000,000,000 is A LOT of money! I do feel that there are other issues that are equally if not more important that should get more money.
As for the NPR talk radio clip, I feel that it is a pain for the people out there who are not trying to screw others, and it does feel like an invasion of privacy. Looking at it from the business side I do feel it is smart to do that to better the services they provide!
Keith Berry said
I think this is something that needs to be done because it is very unfair for those who need to use the internet for very constructive purposes and are not able to because of others who leave applications open for days on end, only looking at them periodically. If someone needs to get a very important file from a comcast subscriber, or even anyone, they should be able to do it without someone intervening to stop the process. Although it costs so much to do so, Obama’s stimulous package is much needed in order for many of us in the U.S. to keep up with an economy that is becoming increasingly fast-pased.
sarah beddall said
Economic stimulus sounds good. And I think that’s it: it sounds good. I honestly don’t understand where the money comes from. I think it is a poor attempt at a morale boost. Now I am aware that I need to pay more attention the institutions like Comcast who I thought were harmless and neutral.
Michelle Mankins said
I think that this is a great opprotunity to get an even economic ground and to even the playing field a little bit. With everyone in America having access to the same basic information, it could cause citizens to become more and more involoved and informed. This would give them the same opprotunities as everyone else, from that standpoint. I mean, it’s not like the economy is going to get any slower, so we need to get up to its speed and keep up. One thing that I do think we need to consider is that $6 Billion is a lot of money and maybe the Broadband should be put off until we are back on our feet, and without such an already skyrocketing deficit.
jordan surratt said
I think that this will definitely create more jobs. Americans are in need of a job more then anything.the stimilus package is going to happen whether we like it or not. there is too much money involved. I think the sooner thebetter. It will definitely increase the speed at which technology and media are more available to us. Its going to happen anyway so the sooner we cal learn to understand it and adapt it, the better we will be.