Sense of Urgency - Broadband For All

Broadband networks, broadband services. Broadband for all. High-speed internet. Heard it. Seen it. Done it. What's new? Really?

Jose Manuel Barroso found the opportunity to emphasize again the necessity to promote 'High Speed Internet For All(-Europeans)' by 2010, in the EU Economic Recovery Plan, published on Nov 26th 2008, "Equipping Europe with this modern infrastructure is as important as building the railways in the nineteenth century", and free up at least 1bn EURO additional funds for broadband projects, in particular for the underdeveloped, rural areas. The goal now is to accelerate the transition towards a knowledge-based and low carbon economy.

The New America Foundation hosted a gathering of thought leaders, from public, private and academic institutes, and urged Barack Obama to develop a National Broadband Strategy; broadband to every home, business and insitute; open to all users AND providers; with clear guidelines for network operators; being as competitive as reasonable possible; providing all Americans with the network performance, capacity, and connections to compete succesfully in the global marketplace.

President-elect Barack Obama announced broadband connectivity would be a top priority in a massive public works campaign he will direct while in office ...

The financial crisis and economic downturn make many people think twice, and act cautiously. Nevertheless, the upcoming year seems to be the perfect time to invest in next generation broadband networks and policies. With public sector, private companies and engaged people collaborating in new ways. We need this re-ignited vigour. Our knowledge economy and information society are on a historical cross road, growing even more rapidly, while digital and social divides are increasing instead of dissolving.