I usually like to focus on the Minnesota stories of broadband success. They are motivating and hopefully give ideas or inspire others to succeed with broadband. Unfortunately, not all of us have the access we need to succeed. For those of us with access it can be hard to image what that is like. I think it can be hard to remember that there are folks out there without the technology they need. So today I’m sharing a story I received through the Minnesota Broadband Coalition. (The Coalition is on a sort of hiatus, but continues to collect stories.)
Cliff Tresidder shared his frustration…
I live in south central Minnesota about 6 ½ miles northwest of Owatonna, MN in Deerfield Township. My internet connection is limited to on-again, off-again dial-up. My download speed averages 1.4 kps (no that’s not a typo… 1.4 kps). Not only are all popular internet services beyond my grasp but even ordinary “surfing” is virtually impossible. About all I can do is send and receive email and even email will choke if someone sends me a photo file larger than 1 mb. DSL, fiber optic, and even Clearwave wireless are not options because of where I live. Satellite is expensive, capped, and not all that much better than dial-up. I’m a professional programmer by trade and I’m all too aware of what I’m missing. I’m the only person in my office who can’t work from home and if there’s a problem I have to drive into town to go online. I just ordered a new computer for home and hopefully I can boost my download speed to as much as blistering 14 kps. Help!
South central Minnesota is getting some ARRA funds. While it sounds like this neighborhood is not slated to get connected, perhaps he won’t be too far off. It’s frustrating for him. But I imagine it stagnates the community. It’s difficult enough to sell a house these days – but imagine selling one that didn’t have access to broadband. I think that would be a stopper for many (if not most) buyers. In a follow up email Cliff said, “Going home at night is like driving back to 1975 internet-wise.” Few buyers are looking for that – and even fewer businesses.
If people in this situation want to change it, asking for help isn’t the answer. The answer is self help. Form a telecom consumer cooperative in your community, conduct your due diligence and seek out funding sources.
I feel for you. I too live where there is no high speed. I live in the deep North woods. I have wild blue and it is much faster than dial up but still not fast enough for skyping or down and uploading video without a wait. It is better but also costs me a lot. I know that where I live this is the best I will get for a very long time. I have no phone lines or cable lines within five miles. It is the price I pay to live in paradise but I really wish something better would be available. I can go to school over the internet without too much hassle but know the digital divide is getting wider for us up here.
Jill – thanks for chiming in. One issue with Wild Blue is the latency – it’s part of what makes anything as interactive Skype difficult.
Fred – I think you’re right that a local champion can drive a broadband strategy – but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Thanks!
Yes, building infrastructure is a big job. But the hours are there if the community wants that infrastructure to go in. Simply wishing it will appear won’t improve the business case for the investor owned incumbent providers to build it, particularly as they direct their resources toward the mobile wireless market.
On a community-wide level the hours are there – but unfortunately for the community, many individuals will decide to move rather than take the time. Community leaders without broadband would be wise to get going and stay alert to local folks who could be tapped for more info or support (and/or vital folks who may be looking at moving). On an individual level maybe a good first step is contacting the local EDA, Chamber or elected official.