Universal Broadband

Work Cited

Anderson, Eric. "Time Warner Launches Low-cost Internet: $14.99 a Month." The Buzz Business News. The Times Union, 7 Nov. 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

Flamm, Matthew. "Mayor Pushes Verizon to Discount FiOS for Poor." Latest from Crains New York Business. Crain's New York Buisness, 19 Feb. 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

Holloway, Lynette. "Apple vs. Samsung: Could Ruling Widen Digital Divide?" News One. N.p., 10 Apr. 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

"National Broadband Plan - Executive Summary." National Broadband Plan - Executive Summary. The Federal Communications Commision, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

"Phone Interview with Time Warner Cable Executive." Telephone interview. 20 Apr. 2014.

Rosenberg, Ethan. "Zuckerberg Latest to Aim for Universal Internet Access."US News. 21 Aug. 2013. U.S.News & World Report. 29 Apr. 2014 

 As I conclude my research into the future of our internet, I simply reflect and appreciate how this entire project would not have been possible without the very medium I set out to study. I have grown up in world of endless information and possibility at my fingertips and one of the personal conclusions I have come to is my own appreciation for the accessibility of information I have been privileged to have access to throughout my entire life. I believe that it has shaped the culture in which I grew up and has influenced my very personality. I am an inquisitive person, always seeking information and answer, and the internet has allowed me to always explore every topic, story, and fact that has crossed my mind. And for that very reason, the knowledge i possess has been broadened and expanded. 

       In my research of this topic I have dug deep into the workings how the United States provides goods and services to the hundreds of millions of people that live in this nation. As political science major with experience in the legislative system and the workings of Congress, I found I was able to explore this topic from a problem solving lense. I looking into who the actors are, what they are doing, and what do they need in order to achieve the common goal of bridging the digital divide. 

       The United States Government, represented through Federal Communication Commission's has been working on this issue since 2010 through their National Broadband Plan. This is a comprehensive plan to increase access and make it more affordable to low income citizens. They are able to achieve this goal through regulation and negotiations with the private industries. They hold the contracts to the cities, towns, and counties that need internet. They work with the industries to sign contracts that will bring the best quality service to the people. But their reach can only go so far, this is a private industries that is run by companies who need to make a profit at the end of the quarter. The government can only pressure the company so far. 

    The private sector industries that are involved in this issue are split between those who are providing the service and those who use the service. Companies such as Time Warner Cable and Verizon have outline plans to provide lower cost internet access and to expand to more territories. What I think is missing from the public's point of view, is the cost of laying infrastructure to provide these services. The billions of dollars in cost in order to build the networks and provide services. We often don't think about the miles and miles of cables that are required to provide a service that for many of us, is often wireless. The other area of private industry that is involved in this game are websites and browsers such as Facebook and Google. These companies benefit from more people having internet, but they must have the right speed of internet. In programs such as Google Fiber and Mark Zuckerberg's plan for universal internet, all revolve around high speed. While high speed internet does provide a much higher quality of service, it is also not necessary to complete basic tasks on the internet. It is also important to remember the perspective of all actors in this Billion dollar industry. 

     Finally there are Non-governmental organizations that are working to provide the means of accessing this internet. NGO's such as Enova and One Lap Per child are seeking to give people the devices necessary to access the internet both in the United States and in the World. This work is crucial to bridging the digital divide. Having national broadband is useless if people do not have the devices to access the internet. But like many NGO's costs and influence can hold them back from having as large of an impact as Governments and Private Industry. 

The Future? 

In my survey to the class I aim to gauge the opinions of the class regarding who responsible solving the issue of the Digital Divide. We have talked a lot about theory and consequences, but in my final project I really wanted to focus on reality. I wanted to see what the public opinion was on what should be done and who should do. While I recognize that the results are from an elite group of individuals with a higher level of knowledge than most regarding the Digital Divide and internet providers, I still feel the results are conclusive of how many people feel regarding this issue 

I think that the results from my survey show that while believe this is an issue, that it is not the sole responsibility of the Government to provide access. An issue I found with my methodology is the wording of the questions. While they mainly focused on what "should" be done, there was little emphasis on what the participants thought "will" happen. While there are many things in the world that should happen, most do not come to reality. What I find to most compelling from the result is split between those who believe that the Government should subsidize internet access for those who can't afford it, but they do not think that the government is ultimately responsible. I think is interesting for it follows our nations history of capitalism and democracy. As a nation we generally believe that private industries are the best way to grow and run the economy, but often social issue that are reliant on these industries are regulated by the government. 

I think this really shows the general perception of the Internet as basic utility and less of a commodity. Our nation has faced this issue multiple times throughout the history of industrialization and technology. When electricity was viewed as basic utility, despite being controlled by private industry, large government programs such as the Tennessee Valley Authority began industrializing the rural areas in the Appalachian Mountain Areas to provide them with basic electricity.

This shift in perception is what is occurring today in the United States. We are starting to Internet as utility that our people need to gain access to. While I do not believe, and it seems the majority of the class does not as well believe, that internet is a human right, I do believe that it will quickly become viewed a necessary home utility. 

                         Work Cited 

The Above image show a map of the United States and the speed at which internet access is available. This map represent the theme of final project, the search for Universal Broadband and the end of the Digital Divide.

For my final project I initial proposed research regarding the concept of Internet access as a human right. As I began researching, the issue developed into current interactions between the United States Government and the many multi-national corporations that provide broadband services to millions of Americans. My project started to turn towards this direction when I read about all of the different actions that are in plan to end the Digital Divide.

  The Digital Divide is the separation between those who have access to Internet, and therefore information, and those who don’t. While I original believed that this divide occurred mainly due to individual’s inability to pay for Internet service, upon further research I realized that the problem was also caused by the lack on Internet infrastructure in many rural areas of the United States. Upon discovering this issue I began to research the multiple different actions plans that currently exist.

  I was able to breakdown the focus of my research in United States government policy on broadband, the private sector plan, and Non-governmental organizations that are working to end the digital divide. Currently, my research can be found onalliedeering.tumblr.com. This tumblr is my currently workspace, but I plan to organize my research into a more clear presentation upon my finalization.

  Some examples of the multiple different plans I have discovered to end the digital divide include that of the Federal Commission of Communication within the United States Government. Their National Broadband Plan is an action plan to provide broadband infrastructure to all areas of the United States. This plan seeks to create a “high-performance America” by improving innovation, investment, and inclusion in Internet services for the Citizens. Their goals include

At least 100 million U.S. homes should have affordable access to actual download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and actual upload speeds of at least 50 megabits per second.

The United States should lead the world in mobile innovation, with the fastest and most extensive wireless networks of any nation.

Every American should have affordable access to robust broadband service, and the means and skills to subscribe if they so choose.

Every American community should have affordable access to at least 1 gigabit per second broadband service to anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals and government buildings.

To ensure the safety of the American people, every first responder should have access to a nationwide, wireless, interoperable broadband public safety network.

 To ensure that America leads in the clean energy economy, every American should be able to use broadband to track and manage their real-time energy consumption.

  While these goals are comprehensive and aggressive what is missing from the action plan is means to achieve these goals and the budget that is required to enact all this change. This is where the cooperation between the public sector and private sector comes into play. Similar issues as this was dealt with in the 1980’s with the expansion of the home phone network. The field of telecommunications has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and as we move into the future will continue to change.

  This is simply a preview of the type of research I am currently doing in exploring whose responsibility it is to provide the United States with this service, that we as a society as deemed essential. As I move forward I plan to further track the impact that the United States, the telecommunication industry, and Non-governmental organizations have made in finding a social for the digital divide.

  My questions I would like to ask the class revolve around the concept of responsibility and commodity. As the Internet becomes further ingrained into our daily lives, will be call for the transition from private sector management to public sector? Do you think the government should provide Internet access? Subsidize it? Require private companies to provide access to rural areas? These questions amongst others are in the survey posted below. Please fill out my survey tomorrow, in hopes of helping me along my journey to discover that path that America should embark on in hopes of closing the digital divide.

            This past November Time Warner Cable began offering a new option to their customers in the Capital Region and nationwide. The service provided is download speeds of up to two megabits per second and upload speeds up to one megabit per second. While this speed is quite low and will not be capable of handling certain abilities of the Internet such as video, the price will undeniably make a difference in the Digital Divide. For the incredibly low price of $14.99 will allow low-income individuals who could not previously afford any Internet access to explore the web.

            This new service is meant to replace their previous “lite” Internet tied that had been priced at $34.99 a month. According to the spokesman Scott Pryzwansky their goals “is simply to offer the widest range of Internet” products.[1] This service is meant to provide the best experience at the best value. In our discussion of the digital divide, a lot of our focus has been upon education and job markets. This Internet package would allow children to research the Internet for homework and for adults to search for jobs. In addition, we focused on the ability to gain access to basic information. Information that many of us take for granted such as Google maps, weather.com, and online news, would now be made more affordable to people in the Time Warner Cable network.

            Time Warner Cable is the fourth largest provider of telecommunication service. The reach of this new low-cost service could make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. In a personal interview with Time Warner Executive Paul Deering, I learned that in the past quarter Time Warner Cable Internet subscriptions have surpassed their cable subscriptions. This clearly shows the trajectory of our society and culture, as we move towards a greater reliance on the Internet and the companies that provide this service. Deering stated “the Internet has reached the point if you don’t have Internet access than you are clearly disadvantaged”.[2] Being able to provide Internet access for the millions of American’s without is an issue with many moving parts. These private companies may have the means to provide access, but that is dependent on contracts between many different actors, such as state and local government, cable producers, physical labor contractors and multiple others.

            What I personally took away from my research into private sector developments in bridging the digital divide is the difference between Internet Providers and Internet Companies. Companies such as Google and Facebook are concerned with provide high speed Internet to Americans rather than low cost. Sites such as these do not benefit as greatly from Time Warner Cable’s low cost program as others since the download and upload rates are minimal. In turn the Provider’s are less interested in exploring rural territories due to the cost of lay such vast cable for a less populated area. These are all part of the current movement towards increasing access and providing better service to million of Americans.

Work Cited

Anderson, Eric. "Time Warner Launches Low-cost Internet: $14.99 a Month."The Buzz Business News. The Times Union, 7 Nov. 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2014 

"Phone Interview with Time Warner Cable Executive." Telephone interview. 20 Apr. 2014.

[1] Anderson, Eric. "Time Warner Launches Low-cost Internet: $14.99 a Month."The Buzz Business News. The Times Union, 7 Nov. 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2014

          The Federal Communications Commission’s role is to address issues of communications and technology within our nations. They have recognized the Digital Divide and the lack of infrastructure necessary to end this issue as one of their main focuses. In doing so, the FCC led by Chairman Julius Genachowski, have introduction a National Broadband Plan to ensure every American has “access to broadband capabilities”[1]. In addition Congress has required that this plan include a strategy for providing affordable access and maximizing use of broadband to advance “consumer welfare, civic participation, public safety and homeland security, community development, health care delivery, energy independence and efficiency, education, employee training, private sector investment, entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic growth, and other national purposes.”[2] This plan hopes to provide all Americans with the ability to participate in our digital society. This plan reaches all most all areas of our society and could make great strides in closing the Digital Divide.

The Plan

This plan seeks to use the government’s influence over the Broadband environment in order to achieve their goals. They have listed a number of ways in which this is possible.

Design policies to ensure robust competition and, as a result maximize consumer welfare, innovation and investment.

Ensure efficient allocation and management of assets government controls or influences, such as spectrum, poles, and rights-of-way, to encourage network upgrades and competitive entry.

Reform current universal service mechanisms to support deployment of broadband and voice in high-cost areas; and ensure that low-income Americans can afford broadband; and in addition, support efforts to boost adoption and utilization.

Reform laws, policies, standards and incentives to maximize the benefits of broadband in sectors government influences significantly, such as public education, healthcare and government operations.[3]

These are the main points of their action plan. They revolve around the ways in which they can influence the private industry to provide broadband service to areas that are not as profitable as others. Rural areas with low populations and less income are not as profitable to corporations for laying down the cables and other infrastructure to provide broadband. Through the policy actions of Congress they may be able to influence these companies to expand into areas that are currently un-serviced. Policy plans such as allowing state and local governments to provide Internet access and developing disclosure requirements to ensure consumers have the pricing and performance information they need are amongst a few that are more specifically detailed in the plan.

The Goals 

      In addition to have a comprehensive plan, the FCC has also outlined a series of goals that they hope to achieve with the National Broadband Plan. These goals are not only related to increased infrastructure but developments in fields such as education, healthcare, and public safety.

Goal No. 1: At least 100 million U.S. homes should have affordable access to actual download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and actual upload speeds of at least 50 megabits per second.

Goal No. 2: The United States should lead the world in mobile innovation, with the fastest and most extensive wireless networks of any nation.

Goal No. 3: Every American should have affordable access to robust broadband service, and the means and skills to subscribe if they so choose.

Goal No. 4: Every American community should have affordable access to at least 1 gigabit per second broadband service to anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals and government buildings.

Goal No. 5: To ensure the safety of the American people, every first responder should have access to a nationwide, wireless, interoperable broadband public safety network.

Goal No. 6: To ensure that America leads in the clean energy economy, every American should be able to use broadband to track and manage their real-time energy consumption.[4]

What we see in these long term goals are a variety of specific interests that I believe the average person does not recognize, despite their general knowledge of the Digital Divide. We see right away in the first goal that the speed of American’s Internet needs to be at 100 megabits per second. Details such as this show how broad the idea of the Internet and Broadband is, and how the varying levels of access make a large difference in the service that is provided. It is not enough to just make the goal to provide access but we must include the speed as well. Those who currently do have access to the Internet, likely do not consider what it is like to have the lower levels of broadband speed. Low speed Internet makes a large difference in what you are able to do with your broadband. Other topics outline in their goals that I found particularly interesting is the emphasis on the safety of Americans. I believe that social media and other forms of online interaction are untapped areas of provide information about emergency situations. Though many College campuses, including The University of Richmond use emergency text alerts to provide information to students in emergency situations. [5] 

What we see through the action plan and goals in the National Broadband Plan is a detailed strategy in order to provide Internet access to millions of Americas who are currently without it. This movement is very similar that what occurred in the electricity a century ago. Broadband is the foundation of economic growth, job creation, global competiveness, and a better way of life in our current generation. I highly recommend exploring the National Broadband Plan website, while this post covers the highlights of the program, website is incredible detailed and provides in depth information into the current progress of the program.

Work Cited

"National Broadband Plan - Executive Summary." National Broadband Plan - Executive Summary. The Federal Communications Commision, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2014. 

"Signing Up/Updating Information." UR Alert System Sign Up. The University of Richmond, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

[1] "National Broadband Plan - Executive Summary." National Broadband Plan - Executive Summary. The Federal Communications Commision, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.

[2] “National Broadband Plan- Executive Summary.”

[3] “National Broadband Plan- Executive Summary.”

[4] “National Broadband Plan- Executive Summary.”

This past February the battle between telecommunications giant Verizon and New York Mayor Bill De Blasio took a new turn. The Major singled out Verizon during his campaign and during this week, stating that he will seek to compel the company to offer FiOS service to New Yorkers who can not afford the current rates.  

Mayor de Blasio has often accused Version of failing to meet their bench marks set out in 2008 that by mid 2014 they will make broadband available to all city residents. While Verizon says that they have been on schedule with rolling out their fiber optic cable, they have met some difficulties entering apartment buildings, which requires owner’s permission.

This situation once again brings up the issue of responsibility. The Mayor of New York calls the inability to have high speed Internet an “economic and social justice issue”. He uses rhetoric of human rights and necessities when talking about Internet access. The issues that arises here is that social and economic justice are often fought out in court. We see a disconnect between a service the government deems to be a necessity and sometimes a right, and the private sector industry who is trying to make a profit.

Mayor De Blasio also brings up the issue of wealth inequality and how it is widened due to lack of Internet access. He states, “there is wide agreement in the tech community that access to high-speed Internet is key to economic mobility”. The inability for lower income areas to have Internet access will prevent them from rising above their own situations and won’t allow them to compete in the current economy. He believes that city has the leverage to require such a large corporation to accommodate that demands he is seeking. This type of rhetoric illustrates the relationship between Politicians and CEO and the types of arguments that arise. It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out within Verizon’s public policy and humanitarian efforts and the threats and actions of the New York City government.

In a recent article by Fox News, the impact of the growing dispute between Apple and Samsung on minorities and their access to the internet and inexpensive smart phones is discussed. In 2011 Apple sued Samsung for copy right infringement was and was awarded nearly $1 billion in damages. This issue was re-opened last week when Apple sued again asking for $2.2 billion in damages from Samsung’s copyright infringement.

What does this mean for the Digital Divide?

                Well Samsung, the produce of less expensive smart phones services a different clientele than Apple. Samsung’s products provide internet access and information to lower income communities and minorities, such as African Americans and Hispanics. The law suits brought on by Apple could potentially drive up the price of Samsung phones, making them less accessible to lower income populations. These smartphones phones provide internet access to families that cannot afford monthly internet access or laptop or desktop computers.

                According to a Pew Research study published in April 2012, young adults, minorities, and individuals from low-income households are more likely than other groups to rely on their phones to gain access to the Internet. While these facts themselves are also an issue in the wider goal of universal computer skills and internet access, limiting lower income individual’s ability to access the internet through their smart phone is a step backwards.

                This situation shows the growing necessity for government involvement in providing internet access to Americans. We need to recognize the impact internet access has on our society and that the way we access this information is equally important. Smartphones are no longer just a consumer product. Their use and services they provide stretch farther than the average consumer good. Student who cannot afford wireless internet access of laptop computers rely on their phones as an educational recourse. While this is still a disadvantage in comparison to having a real computer, it provides a level of access and technological skill that was previously unavailable.

In the TEDTalk, "Let's bridge the Digital Divide" the company Enova is mentioned as a more sustainable solution for the digital divide that the project of "One Laptop per Child". Enova is a social enterprise that designs innovative education models and spaces. Their mission is to bring educational technology to low-income communities to equip them with the tools needed to thrive in the knowledge society. 

One way in which they tackle this mission is through their Digital Libraries project. Digital Libraries are spaces which bring access to computers and tablets connecte to the internet for free to the community. They also provide free wireless connectivity to users who own mobile devices. Their goal is to provide multimedia resources to the school community and to the general public. Digital Libraries support  the community providing digital resources to basic and secondary education programmes, but also throughout life. Digital Libraries also promote reading through the diffusion and the access to a great  electronic books collection.

Digital Libraries help the community maximize their access to computers in the internet access by having extended hours and multiple machines for people to use. Their argument as to why their mission is more efficient than the "One Laptop Per Child" organization is that they provide the community with a more sustainable medium for education. Provide a child with a laptop still leaves them with the challenge of internet access, repair and upkeep, and the physical machine to be responsible for. The Digital Library programs provides all the maintenance and internet connection for the community, and still provides them with a very level of accessibility.

While this is true, the Digital Library program is still an "out-patient" system of providing education and internet access. Their extended hours provides people the ability to the use the computers after school and work, but that is not nearly as convenient as having a personal laptop in the home.