Consumer counsel issues report critical of broadband in CT

The state Office of Consumer Counsel has released a report on broadband deficiencies in Connecticut that paints a troubling picture for both business and residential users. Prepared by Maryland consulting firm, Columbia Telecommunications Corp, the report, "A Brief Overview of Broadband Deficiencies in Connecticut" found a range of what it called "serious broadband challenges," including:

• Maximum speeds are often far less than what businesses need for their current operations
• There are limited or no affordable competitive options for broadband services for businesses in urban areas
• Businesses' growing needs for broadband will further exceed the available broadband services
• Businesses face long delays in obtaining services, or are unable to obtain service even when infrastructure is relatively nearby

The report included a sampling of Hartford (CT) businesses where it found poor download and upload times, as well as expensive options costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in some instances to acquire better service. The report said, "The poor service at the sampling locations in Hartford was surprising, given that the city is the state capital, a major city in the state, and a densely populated community."

[Joanne Hovis, President of Columbia Telecommunications Corp, is a board member for the Benton Foundation]