How good is broadband access in the United States? Two reports give us some perspective. The Wall Street Journal article says that access costs about $20 per megabit in the U.S., compared to $1.80 per megabit in France. It notes that, while the White House and the FCC say they want universal, affordable broadband by 2007, “the policy is being left in the hands of the cable and phone companies that control at least 93% of the country’s broadband market.”
The ITU Digital Access Index (DAI) “distinguishes itself from other indices by including a number of new variables, such as education and affordability. It also covers a total of 178 economies, which makes it the first truly global ICT ranking.” Apart from Canada, ranked 10th, the top ten economies are exclusively Asian and European. The United States ranks 11th.
- For U.S. Consumers, Broadband Service Is Slow and Expensive by Jesse Drucker, Wall Street Journal, Nov 16, 2005. (Eastern edition) pg. B.1. [subscription required]
- Digital Access Index, International Telecommunication Union
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