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How does Obama's broadband New Deal come to fruition?
President-elect Barack Obama's proclamation this past weekend that broadband and national Internet access must be universal sounded the gong that this priority will be the part of what observers call his "new New Deal," and is making the broadband wireless community downright gaga over the prospects. In the early 20th Century, the New Deal meant money for highway construction and other public works projects, but in the 21st Century, broadband is getting added to the list. (See story No. 5)
Now the dirty work begins. How does this all come to fruition? How will the funds be doled out, what companies and technology will benefit and what strings will be attached in terms of regulations? Will it come in the form of support for nationwide operators or a nationwide licensee that would require the winning bidder to open up 25 percent of its network for free broadband access? (Earlier this week I got an email from M2Z PR folks with the subject line: "Obama Adopts M2Z Plan, Promises 100% Broadband Availability." M2Z has been pushing the FCC to adopt rules next week that would license a nationwide wireless broadband operator and set aside a portion for free broadband to the country's have-nots.)
Or does it come from a local level? According to a new survey of economic development professionals from Craig Settles, head of Successful.com, the solution for turning broadband into an economic development engine lies primarily in the hands of local and regional governments and businesses via municipal broadband networks, with the federal government playing an important supporting role. The worst thing that could happen is to have the national telecom companies driving national broadband policy, they said.
While Obama's plan is being applauded by consumer groups across they country, the devil is certainly in the details. Let's hope it's something Obama can effectively make reality without it being mired down in lobbying and politics during the next four years.--Lynnette
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | December 11, 2008 - 2:16pm
this article sounds pretty negative... I wonder why?
Posted by Lynnette Luna | December 11, 2008 - 5:06pm
I actually applaud the effort but am a realist about it. There are a lot of decisions to be made, which was the point of the opinion piece.--Lynnette
Posted by Craig Settles | December 11, 2008 - 2:45pm
Actually, I see very little negativity here. The devil is indeed in the details. Part 2 of my report next week includes in-depth interviews with 8 people at the local level who are heading up broadband-related projects to impact economic development. You'll see there's a heck of a lot of details they constantly must resolve to convert this policy talk into activities that get people jobs and improve local businesses.
If the Federal government and local governments don't learn this crucial lesson, and all they do is throw money and rhetoric at broadband infrastructure, there's going to be more failure than not among the people they're trying to help. Equally important, local private sectors and governments must take the lead in defining national broadband strategy, NOT the telcos.
In any smart technology deployment, the customer defines their needs and manages implementation. The vendor responds to the need and ideally is a partner in the process, but not one who dictates to the customer. So it should be if you want to implement broadband projects that truly help communities.
Posted by BrumleyGap | December 11, 2008 - 4:09pm
I agree that local control is vital. Localities do not need the big telecoms to force them in to a one-size-fits-all "solution." Thus far, pure market forces have left rural and low-income areas as isolated cul-de-sacs off of the main information highway.
Posted by Ernie Braganza | December 11, 2008 - 4:14pm
Be sure to touch base with the folks in Bristol, Virginia(BVUB) and Lebanon, Virginia (CGI, Inc.). Local public/private partnerships to bring in broadband have made remarkable changes in the economy. There is still a lot of work to do to get homes connected, but at least we are getting the fiber out here that will allow future last-mile solutions (WiMAX, WiFi, etc.)
Posted by Anonymous | December 12, 2008 - 12:42pm
Broadband and other advanced communications policies and programs will definitely benefit from local control, but that means local officials must be actively engaged.
Localized efforts greatly benefit from connections between sectors rather than isolating them in "verticals". Collaboration between business, education, healthcare, industry, local government, public safety, etc., aggregates demand, allows knowledge and other resource sharing, pushes costs down, and maximizes benefits.
In contrast, federal programs and providers isolate the sectors undermining opportunity for synergy.
Posted by AccessDelray dot org | December 16, 2008 - 1:00pm
It is imperative that newer broadband wireless infrastructures for our communities and cities remain localized. There are several operating and revenue models that can be incorporated by involving local businesses and key stakeholders that would benefit investors as well as local business, education, local governments, public safety, digital inclusion and literacy thus providing for much needed economic stimulus.
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