Don’t delay benefits of broadband

By Don Racheter

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Tremendous technological change has occurred in the last 10 years in computers, the Internet, mobile devices and software applications. The next few years promise even more rapid change - as long as political roadblocks don't delay expansion of broadband capacity.

For example, citizens must be vigilant that firms like AT&T and T-Mobile, which want to merge so they can invest billions of private dollars in upgrading and expanding broadband access, are not blocked by rival firms such Sprint, which has filed objections to their proposal with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

While such self-serving actions are common today, they are not in the best interests of the average citizen, particularly those in rural and other currently underserved areas. A Public Interest Institute policy study, “The Benefits of Broadband: Connecting Iowa to the 21st Century Economy,” highlights many benefits of broadband in agriculture and commerce, education, family life, health care and recreation.

Given the federal budget deficits, government won't be able to step in and extend broadband service into such areas at taxpayer expense. Even if they had the funds, bureaucrats do not have the expertise and motivation to do such a job in a timely manner.

Do we want Iowans to have increased access to up-to-the-minute stock quotations, weather information, commodity prices, implement parts data and the email and social media that helps them stay in touch with family and friends? If so, we need to allow free-market firms to invest their own capital in making broadband, and especially mobile broadband, access more available more quickly.

One important benefit from the expansion of mobile broadband is in health care. People search the Internet to find information about the symptoms they are experiencing and what might be causing them. They can consult doctors and specialists from around the world without leaving home. Paramedics can quickly consult with experts to improve the care they give as first responders.

Iowans are lucky that our “first in the nation” status brings presidential candidates to our communities where we can share our views and concerns on many issues, including the need for expanded broadband access. If we remember that democracy is not a spectator sport, but rather a system of government in which average citizens get the experts to work for them through elections, we can make it work for rather than against our interests.

Don Racheter is president of Public Interest Institute in Mount Pleasant. Comments: Public.Interest.Institute@LimitedGovernment.org.