OUR TURN: Rural Internet access crucial for U.S. growth
Even as all Americans have a right to access the airwaves for television and radio, they should enjoy the same liberty with broadband Internet access.
This is especially important to rural America, which includes large swaths of Burnet and Llano counties.
Information is power, and today the Internet is the major component of the information superhighway.
Talks are going on in Washington, D.C., this month to create initiatives that would give nearly 90 percent of the United States access to high-speed Internet by 2020.
The National Broadband Plan proposed by the Federal Communications Commission sets a goal of providing up to 100 million Americans Internet access at speeds up to 25 times faster than current service.
Last year, Mike Conaway — the Highland Lakes’ congressman — said affordable access for rural Texans to the Internet is absolutely essential.
We agree with his assessment that the current economic climate places new burdens on small-town and rural America, from ranchers to mom-and-pop shops. The Internet has made distance irrelevant, and broadband access will offer these small businesses and others a way to compete in a global market.
The broadband divide must be bridged to keep jobs in American towns by allowing businesses in rural communities a chance to thrive with access to other commercial and information sectors across the country and world.
It would also allow communities to attract new businesses, create more jobs and expand educational opportunities.
In the latest development, U.S Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week announced the selection of broadband infrastructure projects to give rural residents in eight states including Texas "access to improved economic and educational opportunities."
The funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Bringing increased broadband access to rural America creates a gateway for libraries, schools, public buildings and community centers to provide services to thousands.
It also allows communications companies that deliver online news and services a greater chance to serve consumers; it gives rural doctors more opportunities to receive critical diagnostic assessments; it enhances weather warnings and protection; creates more distance learning for universities; in fact, the list of positives is almost endless.
The only hitch is the FCC’s plan calls for reclaiming part of the frequency spectrum now used for television broadcasts. The communications commission wants to auction it off to companies specializing in wireless Internet. Naturally, broadcasters want a share of the proceeds.
In time, an arrangement will be worked out. Rural America must have access to high-speed Internet.
The country that invented the Internet cannot afford to fall behind the rest of the planet when it comes to broadband access. Efforts to extend access to all sectors of American society, especially in rural areas, must be encouraged and strengthened.
The Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Alvey Weems, Thomas Edwards, Daniel Clifton and Chris Porter.