United States Eyes Broader and More Affordable Internet Access

The United States government is reinforcing its plans to make high-speed Internet access more available and affordable to every citizen of the country. A $787 billion economic stimulus bill the federal government has signed for 2009 would include a $7.2 billion budget to fund the national broadband initiative. The Federal Communications Commission, the agency tasked to take responsibility in spearheading the project, is all set to implement efforts for the project.

US President elect Barrack Obama has made the broadband nationalization project part of his priorities, as promised during the presidential campaign of 2008. This way, the government is hoping Internet access would be made more possible, more affordable, and more convenient even across underserved areas in the country. Affordable and reliable high-speed Internet seems to be part of a more important economic platform the Obama administration is gearing for.

The US government looks at high-speed Internet access as a successful and potential driver of the country’s economic growth in the short- to long-term. When the US Congress assigned the FCC to develop a national broadband plan, it emphasized that the action is aimed at accelerating economic growth. It is hopeful and is certain that a more developed broadband Internet infrastructure in the US could help create more good-paying jobs, spur better and more useful innovations, and effectively connect small businesses to make them even more competitive and progressive.

A well-developed Internet facility across the nation is also seen as essential for improvement of educational opportunities, better delivery of healthcare, and further revamping of basic operations of fire fighters and police, who could rely on improved communications for better implementation and enforcement of overall public safety and orderliness. At the same time, cleaner energy at basically lower costs could also be made more possible.

US citizens are expected to get involved in the national broadband rolling out and development process. In the third to last quarter of 2009, FCC is set to host national discussions and forums to tackle the design of the national Internet access plan. Such talks would be open for the public participation through actual meetings in designated centers and even online.

The government is expecting the public to describe the broadband needs and requirements of their communities. They are also expected to air aspirations and hopes for the improvement and better implementation of the National Broadband plan. This way, the US government is helping itself make sure that no sector or communities in the country would be left behind prior to rolling out of effective broadband infrastructure.

For its part, FCC as a bureau is tasked of taking a pivotal role for the promotion of competition, innovation, investment, and job creation across the national wireless sector. The agency has set up its own specialized team to provide expertise and additional support for seizing the opportunity as the US aims to take the lead in global mobile communications. Throughout the year, and prior to actual launch and implementation of the project, FCC is set to conduct more preparatory initiatives to further set the stage for the national broadband effort.

It is expected that the US government would succeed in creating a more reliable and better online infrastructure. Soon, Internet access anywhere in the country would not be a problem anymore. It could only take several months.

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What could Happen If Internet Access is Locked Down?

These days, the Internet is considered as a very basic and necessary tool that facilitates socialization, entertainment, business, and even usual daily chores. It is just unimaginable how life could be without online connectivity. Have you ever pictured out what could possibly happen if ever Internet access is locked down?

To be able to illustrate and visualize a scenario that could arise from an online access lockdown, it would be helpful if what happened in Xinjiang province in China could be looked at. During the first week of July 2009, the Chinese government blocked Internet access in all of Xinjiang. The measure was a form of security action after an alleged Muslim ethnic minority grouped used social networking sites and instant messaging programs to plan, implement, and conduct a series of violent attacks against a Han Chinese ethnic majority group.

After about 200 people were killed and around 1,600 were injured, China said it decided to prevent further spread of violent riots through blocking Internet access in the entire province. For several weeks, there was no form of Internet connection in the area. The measure was effective as the violent attacks apparently subsided. But it took sometime before Internet access was restored because the government had to make sure several groups would not resume to using online media to perpetuate crime against other people and groups.

What was the major implication of the lockdown? In general, the action crippled and slowed down operations of most local companies, specifically those that rely on online operations. Businessmen and firms were left worried for a few weeks about when Internet access could resume. The result: many local businesses incurred major losses, some even were threatened to close shops for good.

In a non-democratic nation like China, Internet access is useful mainly for business purposes, although some people are able to use the media for entertainment albeit at certain restrictions and censorship. Because most companies are heavily reliant on the Internet for basic operations, there was a disaster when online media was cut down. Most business transactions were prevented and blocked.

Many smaller firms are basically e-businesses. Logically, they are the most affected by such government action. Big companies could somehow take cushion on several weeks of losses and impairment of operations. But many smaller e-companies could be threatened to fold businesses altogether. If the lockdown spelled disaster in China, could you imagine how worse the situation could be if it happened in the US, in Europe, or in other countries and cities where people and businesses are all heavily reliant on the Internet?

Is an internet lockdown possible in other countries? This could be a subject of debate. In general, most free and democratic nations are ruling out the possibility. But a total blockage of Internet access could still be possible if problems arise and affect infrastructure and physical lines. In other countries, an online lockdown could be caused by disasters and natural calamities.

Thus, it is important that businesses establish good and reliable contingency measures to counter possible setbacks if Internet access is disabled. It could be a difficult situation to get into, but it is always a possibility. While the online media is helpful and is really important, users should learn how to conduct operations continuously even when the Internet runs out.

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Internet Access as a Human Right

Internet access is considered one of the most basic and important necessities in life these days. People use the online media to facilitate some of the most important and useful transactions these days. Internet access has become so important that it is now hard to imagine life and businesses without the Internet. Have you ever imagined a world where Internet access is considered a basic human right?

The United Nations is currently pushing to make countries consider Internet access as a human right. The organization made the push when it started calling for universal access to important and basic information and communication services at the assembly of UN Administrative Committee on Coordination during the onset of the 21st century. The UN seems really determined to make it happen. Aside from that initial move, in 2003, it also pushed for the same cause when it addressed delegates of the World Summit on Information Society.

Have you heard of countries that already acted on the call? Currently, France, Estonia, and Greece have enacted and enforced laws that make Internet access as a human right. This surprises other nations, but for consumers who know how important and useful online media is, it is just about time. Many observers, analysts, and advocates are waiting for the time more other countries follow suit. It is expected that in no time, many other nations and governments would do likewise.

Millions of consumers and online users are logging online everyday to use and enjoy the services offered across the Internet. As the number of online users rise, so is the number of Websites that are currently operational. It is estimated that every hour, tens of new online sites are being developed and rolled out. Most businesses these days are putting up and strengthening their online presence.

What could consumers do while online? As mentioned, basic transactions could now be conducted and completed through the Internet. People could shop for clothes, collectors’ items, foods, gadgets, appliances, furniture, jewels, and just about anything through the Internet. Specific online sites could also sell concert, movie, plane, and even ferry tickets. Aside from shopping, people could also do basic banking transactions online, like depositing and transferring of funds.

What’s more? Entertainment could easily be accessed online. Some movies, videos, news streams, and amateur clips could be downloaded through the Internet. Computer applications and software could be electronically sold, sent, and downloaded online as well. Booking and reservations for accommodations in other cities and countries could also be done. Whatever transaction, it seems that the Internet could now make it possible for anyone to complete activities and payments online.

Internet access is made for convenience. Now, people do not have to leave their homes to buy anything. Online shopping sites could facilitate online buying and selling of goods and services. To most consumers, this could translate to big savings in time, in efforts, and in money. It is just not surprising why many users and consumers turn to the Internet for basic services and transactions.

If many people are now enjoying the usefulness and advantage of the online media, why would others be spared from enjoying the same perks and functionalities? If Internet access would successfully be made a human right, more people would surely enjoy and use it for their own benefit.

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3G for Internet Access on the Go

Staying online could now be more possible, especially for people who are always on the go. Internet access is now made more convenient and easier with the advent of third-generation technology, which is massively used currently across the mobile telephone industry. Third generation technology or 3G is known for facilitating Internet connection through mobile phone networks.

If there is no Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) or wired Internet connection in an area, there could be a possibility that there is 3G signal, especially in urban centers. To date, more and more people are using 3G mobile broadband because the technology is getting more popular and is being facilitated by a greater number of mobile carriers across the globe. The technology is carried through cellular data networks, which make it more accessible than any other Internet access forms.

3G access to the Internet is widespread but it is still not ubiquitous. While the service could be available in most urban centers, some carriers are providing the technology across several rural areas. Internet access without 3G could still be possible through cellular data networks through 2G, GPRS, or other earlier mobile network technologies.

To be able to receive and utilize 3G signal for Internet access, there are special devices and handy modems that are used. In many cases, such devices are tied exclusively to particular 3G services of carriers. They are small and are lightweight; some even weigh as light as less than a pound. Because the devices are small, they could be conveniently carried wherever a user goes, whenever.

There are even notebook computers and laptops that are manufactured with built-in cellular or 3G modems. For laptops that do not offer the feature as a standard, the modems could be an optional upgrade. Like in most 3G devices, these built-in modems in several laptop models are also tied to specific 3G services of certain mobile carriers. In most cases, such 3G connection requires entering into one-year or two-year locked-in contracts, with specific monthly fees that average $40.

Some carriers offer 3G Internet access through prepaid schemes. This way, online connectivity is charged per minute, per 30 minutes, or even per hour. Some products offer Internet 3G access on a daily basis. In comparison to regular dial-up, DSL, and other fixed broadband services, Internet access via 3G could still be considered as relatively costly. Mobile carriers assert that it still could not be possible to drop prices due to high technology and operational costs.

Aside from the 3G devices and built-in modems in laptops, 3G Internet access could be facilitated through mobile phones, especially those models that are capable of using 3G and of tethering. Tethering is the process of connecting to the Internet through mobile phones, which serve as practical and actual wireless Internet modems. The data could be connected to the laptop or computer wirelessly or through a special cable. Many users are now using their mobile phones as 3G Internet modems, but the technology could still be considered relatively expensive.

3G as a technology for facilitating Internet access is getting more popular. It is expected that in the coming years, wide and massive use of the technology and intense competition among carriers could help bring down the costs. For now, Internet access via 3G could be useful and reliable for people who need temporary and outdoor connectivity. For heavy users, broadband and wired services could still be more advisable.

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