Public Power - June 2008 - (Page 67)

second. The FCC has also used the patently absurd assumption that if there is even one broadband line in a zip code, then every address in the zip code has access to broadband. Going forward, we need much more realistic and granular data. The home and at play. To name just a few of these applications, broadband is critical to robust economic development, educational and occupational opportunity, public safety, homeland security, environmental protection, telework, historical, political, legal and other differences between the United States and other countries. Our national broadband strategy must ultimately be tailored to our own unique circumstances.” Although the United States keeps building, perhaps it won’t be long before we can move on to the other seven steps. But whether it’s our plan or someone else’s is of secondary importance. What’s most important is that we get going as rapidly as possible on this.” ❚ Cathy Swirbul is an energy writer in Kansas City. The FCC has also used the patently absurd assumption that if there is even one broadband line in a zip code, then every address in the zip code has access to broadband. FCC has now updated its definition and data-gathering practices, but more needs to be done.” “Second, our national broadband strategy should address both the low and high ends of the communications continuum. Our national broadband strategy should include whatever tax and other incentives it takes to meet both of these objectives. “Third, our national broadband strategy should recognize that the private sector cannot, alone, meet America’s communications goals. Rather, America can meet these goals only if the public and private sectors work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Our national broadband strategy should not merely remove barriers to public broadband initiatives, but should actively encourage and reward localities for stepping forward if they believe that the private sector is not meeting communities’ needs for advanced communications services and capabilities. “Fourth, broadband is not merely a service in its own right, but it is also a form of infrastructure that, like electricity, enables applications that increasingly affect every part of our lives at work, at www.APPAnet.org modern health care, digital equity, improved government service, cultural enrichment, and the wide range of activities that contribute to a high quality of life. As a vehicle of communication, it is also essential to the preservation of a vibrant democracy. As a result, our national broadband strategy should stress interoperability, expandability, and ‘openness.’ The term ‘openness,’ like the term ‘network neutrality,’ lends itself to many interpretations, and it is critically important for the key stakeholders to negotiate mutually acceptable definitions and standards. “Fifth, the national broadband strategy should include support for programs to increase broadband usage, particularly among elderly, rural and disadvantaged populations. This should sound familiar to the many public power communities that created model kitchens decades ago to demonstrate the practical uses of electricity to potential customers. “Sixth, the United States can learn valuable lessons from the countries that are leading the world in broadband deployment, but there are also important cultural, still lacks a national broadband strategy, Baller hopes this will change soon. “The three major presidential candidates all support the idea of a national strategy, and it is encouraging that so many others are now calling for one,” he said. “That’s the first step in our eight-step process. If the momentum Maintenance Program FIXTURE ANALYZER KIT Test kit with special base adapter quickly identiﬁes system issue. EYE Ignitron™ LAMP Long life EYE Ignitron™ lamp with internal ignitor eliminates the HPS ﬁxture ignitor. REDUCED LIGHTING MAINTENANCE Identify and replace ﬁxtures nearing end-of-life that can cause costly return trips to the pole. JUNE 2008 67 http://www.eyelighting.com http://www.APPAnet.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Public Power - June 2008

Public Power - June 2008 Contents Perspective 10 Questions Finding Common Ground on Climate Change Solutions A Patchwork Approach to Renewable Energy Whose Grid Is It Anyway? The Little Utility That Could Benchmarking Customer Service Can Prairie Hay Power Your Town? Storming the Control Room Investing in the Smart Grid Coming of Age: Superconducting Cables Community Broadband Economic Development Customer Service Human Resources For Governing Boards Safety Parting Shot

Public Power - June 2008

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