Closing the Digital Divide

There has been a significant amount of attention focused on Google's latest project - Google Fiber.

Recent reporting has focused on how the Google Fiber project will transform how we use the Internet, close the digital divide and otherwise elevate KC to a new level of human interaction.

There is no doubt there are large numbers of consumers ready for the new "buffer-less" environment.

By tempting, if not playing worthy outlets, for free access -- schools and libraries -- that it make it an easier product to sell. But a line of existing telecom providers -- some of the largest and most profitable multi-national companies are measuring the fairness to markets.

Ensuring cable and phone companies are not left out of the right-of-way argument kept KCK from giving away something they charge these companies.

In the early 1980's fresh out of college, I went to work for United Telephone System, which provided local land lines, was quite concerned about the government's landmark decision in 1984 to break up Ma Bell into Baby Bells. At that time phone companies divided up territories -- essentially a monopoly -- but clearly this agreement was insufficient to protect residential and commercial interests.

Later, cable TV companies were granted monopolies with local cities like Kansas City, which guaranteed market share and steadily increasing rates.

Universal access for local phone service was regulated which provided low-cost phone service to the most remote locations, despite the high cost to run phone lines.

What defines the digital divide? Closing the digital divide should be measured by how the following qualities of technology: Low-cost, regulated universal, 24x7 Internet access; computers and software; training and education on how to operate the technology.

Providing this mix levels the playing field for students, workers, citizens of all ages, as well as small businesses, especially in low-income areas both in the urban core and remote rural areas.

If you want to learn how public investment is addressing the digital divide follow initiatives like the TARP-funded programs, such as MoBroadband Now, which has developed deep, broad roots managed by private-public cooperative efforts.

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