It's 'patent-ly' obvious: US needs better broadband

[Commentary] In the history of our nation, economic downturns have typically been followed by forces of innovation that result in accompanying upturns. The forces for economic opportunity and turnaround have ranged from innovations in the 19th century's Industrial Revolution to the 20th century's interstate highway system - and most recently, the World Wide Web. Today, President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - and the broadband economic stimulus plan within it - could hold the key for America to move toward a more robust, more pervasive broadband platform - the type of infrastructure that drives new ideas and tomorrow's economic success stories. Our European and Asian counterparts have been investing in broadband robust enough to support new products and services, creating a test bed for innovation. This strategy is fostering and attracting companies seeking the 21st-century infrastructure lacking in the US. Broadband is key to our nation remaining competitive. Our goals as a nation should reflect the spirit of innovation that has made and kept America great. We should aim high, with a goal of delivering gigabyte broadband service to every household and business and once again establishing America as a welcome home for innovation. Imagine if we had made the mistake of building ordinary roads when, in the 1950s, true progress required an interstate highway system. We are at a similar juncture, which is why the time calls for the high ambition of gigabit speeds.