The future of broadband is going to depend on the ability of the infrastructure to meet the needs of users. This, in large part, demands the more efficient use of spectrum... spectrum though is in something of a crunch at the moment. Meaning - there's just not enough of it.
With this in mind, we read the newest study recently from Ericsson on mobile traffic.
Released late last week, this study provides some good background and support for the state of spectrum these days, especially in urban areas, and the need for continuing innovation to make more efficient use of spectrum. It also includes forecasts for the growth of data traffic through 2016 as well as some really great graphics. It's a worthwhile and important read for anyone interested in broadband.
The fun never stops with infographics... this one is particularly interesting for those of us obsessed with politics - whether it's local, state or national, voters are using the Internet to learn about candidates and issues. We're beginning to see a solid link between voters clicking "Like" and filling out their ballots. Data release yesterday by local news aggregation site Topix makes a compelling case for new media as a medium for engaging, persuading and then - closing the deal.
There's been a lot of talk in the wake of Steve Jobs' passing about the future of innovation and the status of tech ingenuity in a post-Jobs world. It got us to thinking about what are the drivers of invention and innovation. Clearly, when it comes to technology, a single person's brilliance has proven strong enough to shape and reshape, our cultural, social and tech landscape.
But what about for the other 99.9999% of us, the not-geniuses - what will we rely on to shape and reshape our own world and future - to change careers, start a business or connect with like-minded people? And what about those of us living in rural areas?
We found the beginnings of an answer in a recent post by Rick Boucher of the Internet Innovation Alliance, which makes the simple but profound point that: "This generation's light bulb is broadband." In short, with broadband access, all of us have the power to invent and innovate. Boucher uses telemedicine to make his case that
"high-speed Internet connectivity overcomes distance and enables transformative changes in the economy and quality of life for rural areas."
Another great infographic. Remember 1996, when doing research meant going to the library? When the Internet seemed like something super techy, reserved for the science geeks and math nerds? We sure do. And we're really glad that it's 2011.
Health IT is one of the most interesting and timely places where broadband will make the difference. Check out this simple but compelling info graphic from the Internet Innovation Alliance on Health IT. Super interesting stuff.
OK, we'll admit it - we love a great infographic. And this one from the Internet Innovation Alliance is one of the best we've seen in a while. It makes the connection between broadband and jobs - the fact that more Americans than ever before rely on a fast, reliable connection to do their jobs. That more investment in broadband will yield hundeds of thousands of jobs. That... well, we could go on, but really you should just check it out for yourself.
This editorial in The Detroit News by Orjiakor N. Isiogu, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission, very nearly perfectly sums up our argument.
Like HDTV before it, 4G-LTE wireless holds incredible promise for consumers and device manufacturers alike. But today there is insufficient wireless capacity to support millions of 4G-LTE devices, and demand is rising ever faster. According to Cisco Systems, mobile traffic is expected to increase 26-fold by 2015. By 2015 the majority of Internet traffic will be via mobile devices - a reality unthinkable just two years ago.
That's why LightSquared's venture is significant. It would substantially increase America's broadband wireless capacity while providing next-generation high-speed wireless data and voice to areas previously underserved. In addition, the company plans to market its nationwide network on a wholesale model, allowing any number of new competitors to enter the market. Many observers have hailed this proposal as a key part of President Obama's plan to increase high-speed Internet adoption nationwide, while also increasing competition in a consolidating wireless industry, all at zero cost to taxpayers, thanks to a planned $25 billion investment by the company.
More competitors in the market will mean lower prices and better service for consumers, along with expanded wireless broadband options. Another key benefit will be the economic benefit associated with building out a national network, including the creation of an estimated 15,000 jobs per year. Public safety could be enhanced by this network as well.
Simply put, whether you're somewhere in urban Michigan or rural California, an expanded wireless network means more competition, lower prices, and better service. And we're doing it all at zero cost to taxpayers.
For real - it is. And the truth is, that while all of this debate about the AT&T/T-Mobile merger is important, worthwhile and necessary, it's also something of a red herring. Because at the end of the day the problem that the merger was initiated in part to address, the problem that will ultimately prevent new competition, stifle innovation and shut down the incredible potential to create jobs and grow the economy through broadband investment remains.
And that problem is SPECTRUM.
And if there's something we know a little bit about, it's the need for more spectrum.
Check out this very excellent article written by Jeff Kagen at E-Commerce Times, "Let's Solve the Real Wireless Problem: Spectrum Shortage" http://www.technewsworld.com/s...
Few topics today are generating as much discussion as the seemingly insatiable demand for mobile data and how our country is going to keep pace with it. The United States has set a national goal to provide 98 percent of Americans with broadband access within the next five years. LightSquared is stepping up to help make this a reality. We are contributing $14 billion in private investment over the next eight years to build a nationwide wireless broadband network using 4G-LTE technology integrated with satellite coverage. This represents a $14 billion private sector-not government-investment in America's infrastructure.
The deployment and management of the LightSquared network will, in turn, create new jobs. We expect to generate more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs in each of the next five years. And that's just the beginning of what the LightSquared network will help bring to California and across the country.
LightSquared will offer network capacity on a wholesale-only basis. This is a dramatic departure from the current vertically integrated model in the wireless industry, and it will open the broadband market to new players such as retailers, cable companies, and device manufacturers, to name a few. This means that end users - consumers like you - will enjoy the benefits of innovation, increased competition, and choice.
(While this is a national and not a state-focused story, I think everyone on this site will be interested to hear about ways to move toward the goal of universal access. Think about how this could impact local blogs if so many more people in this state could use the Internet, particularly in those underserved areas. It would open up the conversation to include everyone. There's more at my site.)
This is the "chicken in every pot" for the 21st century. And as you will see, it's extremely doable and completely worthwhile for American competition, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
In short, the FCC is about to auction off a portion of the broadband spectrum. All the major telcos like Verizon and AT&T are expected to bid on the prime real estate. But John Edwards has a better idea. He wants to have the FCC use that spectrum to increase Internet access for all Americans, young or old, rich or poor. This is the text of his letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin:
I'm a bit out of reach these days, but I wanted to point out Sasha's excellent work at Left in SF on the San Francisco municipal wireless debate. Check out all of his posts here and his wrapup of the debate here. There's going to be a hearing on the program this afternoon, and I've heard Sasha will be involved. I know Google and Earthlink are fighting to preserve the sweetheart deal, but we need to do what's best for The City, and whether that's municipal wifi or GoogleFi, the residents of SF should come first. Let's just make sure we get this right.
So, if you're in SF, thank Sasha for doing such a great job for us on this issue.
