The debate continues over the best way for America to encourage more rapid deployment of broadband Internet access, particularly in rural areas. The ideas include less regulation, tax credits and other subsidies, more wireless spectrum, treating DSL and cable broadband equally regarding regulation and taxes. The debate is joined by both Presidential candidates and their parties.
The best approach is one of less rather than more regulation. The basic technologies of wireless and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are clearly included in federal rather than state oversight/regulation. States should refrain from attempting to regulate or tax the deployment of both technologies.
Vermont's Legislature recently voted funding for demonstration projects using wireless technologies for high speed broadband access. Montpelier, the state capital project is just now getting underway. These are exciting times! I hope there's a viable business model.
What I want is the ability to cruise America's highways in my RV and have nearly continuous broadband access from my laptop, just as from my cell phone, for a reasonable price. And, of course, I want the RV parks to offer broadband access. Verizon's deployment of 3G EV-DO technology may make that possible, but will the price be reasonable for consumers. Here's hoping...
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