July 2019

What telephones and television can teach us about the adoption of broadband

Based on the way older technology was rolled out, waiting for organic rates of adoption to close that digital divide is not an option. Especially when the physical infrastructure required to support wires is concerned. The reasons for slow rates of wire-based take-up are numerous and include lower population densities and greater distances between dwellings. Microsoft believes closing today’s digital divide is a priority and that failing to do so risks leaving behind millions of people.

New State Laws Ease the Way for Electric Co-op Broadband

Across the country, state legislatures are ushering in better rural connectivity by passing new laws that enable electric cooperatives to expand high-quality Internet access. In recent years, much of this legislation has authorized co-ops to deploy broadband infrastructure along existing electric easements. Other bills have removed restrictions that previously prevented electric co-ops from providing Internet access.

A largely moribund, sluggish, frightened, alleged watchdog for the American consumer

Ralph Nader wrote in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission's five commissioners saying the agency "remains a largely moribund, sluggish, frightened, alleged watchdog for the American consumer." He offers seven suggestions to improve the FTC: