Letters to the Editor...
To The Editor:
High speed internet access for rural America has been and continues to be an elusive animal. In rural areas, it is impossible to obtain affordable high speed access. The key word here is "affordable". Cable and satellite companies do provide this service but their costs are in the clouds. In some areas, residents do have access to phone company DSL lines. The DSL lines cost a little more than regular dial-up but their price range (usually less than $30/month) is affordable. The problem with DSL is that the phone companies are not willing to install these lines in rural areas due to a low return on investment.
In many towns across America, the problem of trying to obtain high speed internet access has been solved through a community effort. The answer was to install a wireless system wherein the entire community benefited. These systems are operated on a non-profit basis making internet access very affordable for everyone in the community.
When I first learned that Grove was considering installing a wireless system for the benefit of the community, I was thrilled to say the least. After suffering with low speed service for so long, the thought of being able to have high speed access at an affordable price was wonderful. However, my excitement was short lived. The proposed system would have provided this service for around $25/month according to the city manager. Of course this meant the city council would have to make some decisions and step up to the plate in order to get the ball rolling. As usual, they needed to "think about it". Well, apparently these mental giants have once again decided to pass the buck and do nothing and as usual, the community suffers.
At this time, Precision Communications has taken advantage of the councils inability to act, and seized on the opportunity to make a buck (or $40.00 depending on where you live) by installing their version of a wireless network. Unfortunately, this system will remain un-affordable for a great many of the citizens of our community, including me. What a shame, or should I say "Shame on you, city council" for failing once again to serve the citizens of our community.
Morris Brooks
Grove, OK.
High speed internet access for rural America has been and continues to be an elusive animal. In rural areas, it is impossible to obtain affordable high speed access. The key word here is "affordable". Cable and satellite companies do provide this service but their costs are in the clouds. In some areas, residents do have access to phone company DSL lines. The DSL lines cost a little more than regular dial-up but their price range (usually less than $30/month) is affordable. The problem with DSL is that the phone companies are not willing to install these lines in rural areas due to a low return on investment.
In many towns across America, the problem of trying to obtain high speed internet access has been solved through a community effort. The answer was to install a wireless system wherein the entire community benefited. These systems are operated on a non-profit basis making internet access very affordable for everyone in the community.
When I first learned that Grove was considering installing a wireless system for the benefit of the community, I was thrilled to say the least. After suffering with low speed service for so long, the thought of being able to have high speed access at an affordable price was wonderful. However, my excitement was short lived. The proposed system would have provided this service for around $25/month according to the city manager. Of course this meant the city council would have to make some decisions and step up to the plate in order to get the ball rolling. As usual, they needed to "think about it". Well, apparently these mental giants have once again decided to pass the buck and do nothing and as usual, the community suffers.
At this time, Precision Communications has taken advantage of the councils inability to act, and seized on the opportunity to make a buck (or $40.00 depending on where you live) by installing their version of a wireless network. Unfortunately, this system will remain un-affordable for a great many of the citizens of our community, including me. What a shame, or should I say "Shame on you, city council" for failing once again to serve the citizens of our community.
Morris Brooks
Grove, OK.
posted by Editor | 1:04 AM
1 Comments:
Morris, I agree with most of what you say. But, I also believe strongly in private enterprise over government of any kind. Forty bucks is too much to pay for wireless, but if it is fast and efficient, so be it!
Time will tell.
Will Winder
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