Broadband Data Improvement Act, S. 1493 is Important in Effort to Bring High Speed Internet to all

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,112109.shtml

CWA: Broadband Data Improvement Act, S. 1493 is Important Step in Effort to Bring High Speed Internet to All

WASHINGTON, May 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Communications Workers of America applauded the May 24 introduction of the Broadband Data Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Daniel K. Inouye, as a significant and necessary step in bringing high speed Internet access to every American.

In order for our country to move forward to ensure that a 21st Internet is available for all, we need key information and better data to help us get there. Senator Inouye's legislation will greatly improve the quality of that information, CWA said. Inouye is chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

The measure, S. 1493, incorporates key provisions supported by CWA as part of the union's "Speed Matters" campaign, which calls on Congress to establish a national Internet policy to improve the quality, availability and affordability of high speed broadband service to every community.

Inouye's measure is a complement to the Broadband Census of America Act, introduced in the House of Representatives.

FULL article at link.

[elocs]

1. It's great to get high speed internet, but how and where you get it from is the question.

Where I live I have 2 choices for high speed internet: my phone company (CenturyTel), which sucks, or may cable company (Charter), which sucks even more. Both want you to bundle your internet connection with their other services, they offer specials, but good luck in trying to find the price after the special and during the special you have to watch your bill like a hawk. Problems? Couldn't possibly be their fault, must be something on your end. Yes, I have high speed internet available to me, but considering who I need to get it from, I'll pass.

[Immad2]

2. You might try Dishnetwork. They just started offering High Speed internet

Access (which I am buying and very happy with). It is a bit pricey but after fighting with dial up for YEARS, it is a pleasure. Direct TV also offers it but is owned by Rupert Murdoch and I absolutely refuse to give that jerk money. It cost $200.00 for lease of the equipment and $49.95 - $69.95 - $79.95 per month depending on which plan you want.

Dishnetwork

[elocs]

3. Considering that I now pay $16/month, that is a little pricey.

I'll take a look at Access, though. I have had dialup for years now since I started with Webtv back in 1996. Actually, I still do have Webtv (now MSNtv) because MSN had a deal for those on Webtv who got computers that if they used MSN as their isp that the Webtv would be tossed in for nothing. Although I am now using my Mac Mini with a wireless keyboard, I could just as easily be using my Webtv with a wireless keyboard using my 30" hdtv since the connection rates are the same.

Other than for my internet connection I use my phone connection very little and don't care much for my phone company. My thought was that if I got a high speed connection I could drop my phone service and use an internet phone for my small needs. I dropped cable years ago and now get my high definition tv free over the air. So that's my dilemma--to get affordable high speed internet I either have to go with my phone company (which now offers tv service) or my cable company (which now offers phone service). I choose neither.

[Immad2]

4. Yes, it is pricey but as Omaha Steve said in the OP keep an eye out

for this legislation and be sure to let your Representative and Senators know about your support for it.

I was paying for two ISP's because I couldn't depend on either one of them ($17.99 for one and $9.95 for the second so it was an easy decision).