Fire Island is a long way from Minnesota, but what’s happening with telecommunications there could be a sign of what’s to come – especially for markets where there isn’t a compelling business case for providing broadband access.

Here’s the quick take on the Fire Island deal from Speed Matters…

As reported in Speed Matters, Verizon is planning to substitute wireless-based Voice Link service to several islands on the New Jersey shore, as well as to Fire Island. So far, there have been objections from residents, businesses and the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC).

Common Cause Media sponsored a public meeting last week on Fire Island – where apparently 40 people testified to express their anger about being shifted to wireless. The testimony is powerful – and is captured at least in part in the video below. A business owner went from DSL to wireless and is having trouble accessing the applications he needs. Another woman talks about the inability to do some remote healthcare monitoring via wireless; she needs her phone. Another talks about the worry about limited access to phone in case of emergency for her son, who has no cell phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRFlrKqfshs

The video starts with a local resident explaining that Fire Island is a test case for the whole country. I think he’s right and that’s why I think folks in rural Minnesota may want to pay attention. Wireless Internet access is great but it doesn’t meet all needs.