Towards that end, I’m going to try read up on and then feature some good broadband applications in the upcoming weeks. Let me know if there’s something you’d suggest or something you’d like me to research.

The study got me thinking about the level of satisfaction with current broadband services. The study points out that many of the new broadband users have transitioned from dial-up to broadband and being pleased with the change. In technology terms, they have moved from having an unreliable car to one that works – a big step up for them, but they have not driven the Lexus. At one time, not that long ago, people were just as excited to get dial-up service for the first time.

I also saw the list of broadband dependent applications that were cited in the report – YouTube, MySpace and others. None of these applications existed even five years ago. What applications, entertainment, health care, education and other, are in development? Will DSL and cable modems be able to support these applications or will innovation be slowed by inadequate bandwidth?

To feel better about aging, the new babyboomer motto is “60 is the new 40.” With a push to FTTP in many communities, one has to ask “Is DSL the new dial-up?” I would recommend that the Center for Rural Policy add a new category to its study to identify a (hopefully) growing number of FTTP users.

I think the Speed Matters site is great – thanks for sending the link.
I think you may have something with public policy being a requirement to serve everyone. It’s been true with other things such as phone service or to look at a completely different field, education. In fact I just heard a presentation on how well Ireland is doing these days and free education (through college) was credited with the big up ticks in their economy. It’s an investment that paid off – and I think broadband would pay off too.

In fact I went to a presentation last night (and I’ll post the notes later today) where they talked about the need for a statewide plan – that wasn’t quite as aggressive as the one I found on Speed Matters (http://www.speedmatters.org/plan/new-policy.html) – but it’s heading in that direction. Baller Herbst has a white paper that might interest you too: 8 Bold Steps to a National Broadband Strategy (http://www.baller.com/pdfs/baller-lide_8Steps_NatBBStrategy.pdf).

I think the only way there will really be universal coverage with affordable high speed internet is if there are public policies that mandate it. There are some examples or rural plans at http://www.speedmatters.org that you might find interesting.