I’m currently on AT&T’s DSL High-Speed Internet plan that suppose to run at 3.0 Mbps download and 512 Kbps upload. In the evening, when it’s being used the most, for Netflix and Hulu streamings, that bandwidth gets used up completely. Also, broadband speed tests reveal the speeds will drop to around 2M/300K range. The price I’m paying for such under-performing broadband: $33 + taxes + fees + surcharges.
Compared to the other developed countries, the US lags so far behind in bandwidth for affordable home broadband. For the same $33, folks in Korea, Japan, and France will get more than 10 Mbps for sure, maybe even 100 Mbps! Korea will offer Gigabit broadband by end of 2012. That’s just mind boggling!
So who can help speed up the internet infrastructure here in America? The government certainly is not helping with FCC’s latest “Broadband Plan“. The problem is the government’s lack of willingness to promote competition among providers. For example, my house can’t get Verizon FIOS, and my other option is Time Warner Cable that suffers the same bandwidth limitations.
Enter: Google.
The name that represents the Internet is going to rescue select communities. By offering to install (or upgrade) high speed broadband fibers, they’re going to make those cities feel lucky. Some folks call this a ballsy move. I call it Corporate America thinking ahead and giving back. Considering most of Internet traffic is towards Google anyway, it’s a logical fit for most of us, the YouTube generation.
So I voted for my home city, Anaheim! The competition is fierce. I’m not sure if we can beat Topeka (now Google), Kansas! Nevertheless. my fingers are crossed.
Tags: anaheim, broadband, california, city, internet
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