Just as railroads and the interstate highway system are central to transportation and commerce, the Internet has grown to be vitally important to economic development and the prosperity of families and businesses in Maine and across America. Unlike railroads and the interstate, there is no speed limit on the Internet superhighway. And people and businesses that are unable to take full advantage of the mind-numbing speed of the Internet are at a distinct disadvantage to those who can.
Vast areas of Maine and thousands of Maine people are stuck in the slow lane because they have no access, poor quality access, or prohibitively expensive access to broadband, wireless, or other high speed internet systems.
This is why I recently introduced H.R. 5682, the Rural America Communication Expansion (RACE) for the Future Act. This measure uses tax incentives, loans and grants to make Internet access more widely available and affordable, especially in rural areas.
My bill focuses on several key areas. First, it would reduce consumers' costs for installing broadband. Second, it would lower providers' costs for establishing wireless networks, useful in rural areas where wiring neighborhoods is difficult and impractical. Third, it would provide assistance to municipalities who wish to establish networks. Fourth, it would strengthen existing programs that rely on high speed Internet access, including USDA Rural Development programs, Health and Human Services Rural Health Information Programs and public safety programs.
When I announced my RACE for the Future bill in Bangor earlier this month, I was accompanied by several entrepreneurs who described the barriers to cyberspace that they faced when they moved their businesses to rural Maine.
Jessica Ludders wanted to continue her online teaching of high school and college students after she and her husband moved to a dairy farm in Charleston, Maine, from North Carolina. Susan Corbett transported her medical billing and practice management business to Jonesport. Both were initially stymied by the lack of high speed Internet access in their new locations. Susan helped start a new broadband wireless company that opened up 34 access points in Washington County. Jessica was able to get the connection she needed through Cornerstone Communications.
Cornerstone was awarded a Maine Highlands Rural Broadband grant that is expanding broadband service in 23 towns and unorganized territories in southern Piscataquis and western Penobscot counties.
But that still leaves a lot of Maine unserved, and makes it harder for businesses to market and deliver their products and services nationally and internationally. It deprives many families of access to telemedicine services, and opportunities for good jobs. It cuts off many Maine farmers and fishermen from quick access to the latest information on their resources, the weather, research and innovation and markets.
The Internet makes it possible for Maine entrepreneurs in office buildings and business parks in Bangor and Portland, in storefronts in Hancock and Kingfield or even from their homes in St. Agathe and Casco to challenge competitors in Manhattan, Shanghai and Buenos Aires.
With fuel prices soaring and black ice on the roads, the Internet allows workers to forego expensive and risky commuting.
The Internet empowers a mother in Danforth to work for a company in Boston from her home office, a patient in Presque Isle to consult with a doctor in Baltimore and a student in Wilton to take courses online at the University in Orono.
But all of these things are only possible if Maine people have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet service.
My RACE for the Future Act aims to provide all Maine people their entrance ramp to the Internet superhighway.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Tom Allen
Quelle/Source: Seacoastonline, 08.05.2008
