According to a recent study on broadband development, the United States ranks 23^rd out of 57 countries assessed.

Currently only 57% of U.S. urban households and 60% of suburban households subscribe to high-speed broadband, a number that drops dramatically in rural areas where many people only have access to dial-up, or a single broadband provider with a captive market. Studies by the Pew Internet and American Life Project report that rural dial-up subscribers have lower incomes, lower education levels and are generally minorities. 

Broadband is a critical enabler in the creative economy thriving in the US.  While manufacturing is declining in many American communities, technology, innovation and creative sectors are flourishing.  For all of our citizens to participate in this new economy they need to have high-speed Internet.

Research and development activities drive innovation. It is necessary to exchange huge amounts of data to support research and development, in both the private sector and university systems, something that cannot be done without broadband infrastructure investment. Data exchange is also crucial in delivering affordable healthcare. Like most industrial nations, we are facing cost and quality challenges in delivering care to an aging population. The worry is we will not be able to properly care for the amount of people that need medical attention at an affordable cost with current tools and efficiencies. High-speed connections are imperative to reducing healthcare costs as they are used to exchange electronic health records and telemedicine. Telemedicine will give patients the option to visit with physicians over live video in rural parts of the country where there are fewer specialists and physical distance increases the cost of delivering care. Patients should be able to send data or pictures to physicians for diagnosis and aftercare.

In Maine, we are building the infrastructure to support this new economy and improve healthcare with an innovative project known as the Three Ring Binder.  Maine Fiber Company, Inc., a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grant recipient, is currently constructing a 1,100 mile fiber optic network through the most rural parts of the state to reach under and un-served areas. We are likewise providing the University of Maine System faster broadband, while also connecting them with the New Hampshire University System so the two can share important research and data. This network will also be used to support telemedicine in rural areas and support HealthInfoNet, a national leader in statewide electronic healthcare record exchange.  Maine Fiber Company’s grant funded facilities are being provided to all Internet service providers and telecom carriers on an open access-non-discriminatory basis, which means that any carrier can use the facilities, at the same price.

In Maine, as elsewhere, one of the keys to a healthy economy is the development of open and non-discriminatory access to essential telecommunications infrastructure. By allowing many carriers to access rural areas, all of our citizens can have access to our creative economy at a reasonable price, and at a speed sufficient to compete.  This access is essential to the growth of both the local and national economies.

Josh Broder is president of the Maine Fiber Company.