Internet Access

the next GOVT ECONOMIC PACKAGE is to contain INFRASTRUCTURE... New roads, bridges, INTERNET TO EVERYWHERE...

school here sent computers for the kids asked if you have internet acess. I don't know anyone that dosent. were very rural here not even good cell phone coverage but we have fibre optic phone and internet. if you didn't have it there plan was to send an access point. only problem they don't work without cell service. un fortunately they didn't unlock youtube when they sent the computers out and the lectures are on youtube.

What happens when you're out in the country and you don't have cell phone access NOR internet??!!
Got hard wired phones, but they don't work half the time and now are getting $$$ out of hand! 
We've been promised internet and cell phone service for years, but have yet to see it.

yep, I pay out the wazoo for mediocre, at best, 'net service. Now you want my tax dollars to give "free" service, likely better than what I am paying for? there is no such thing a 'free'.

Dakota Dave wrote: school here sent computers for the kids asked if you have internet acess. I don't know anyone that dosent. were very rural here not even good cell phone coverage but we have fibre optic phone and internet. if you didn't have it there plan was to send an access point. only problem they don't work without cell service. un fortunately they didn't unlock youtube when they sent the computers out and the lectures are on youtube.

We have areas here ZERO Coverage or have to go to satellite connection, similar to Dish TV no coverage in storms or severe rain/Snow. Also slower than snot sliding off a marble.

You know, it's rather ironic, that WE the tax payers got all the internet providers in business?  Yes, WE the American tax payer, gave them $$$$$$$$ to get them started and give people out in the sticks access to the internet.  Well, guess where the $$$$ went and did we get internet??  NOPE...   Another 'follow the money trail....'

I work for an internet provider, and yes, there is government money assistance going towards providing service to everyone in rural areas. I can't say I agree completely with that, but, the ROI on burying cable for hundreds if miles to pick up a few dozen customers makes no sense from a business standpoint. That is where the govt steps in and says hey, we'll help pay a percentage to get the fiber optic out there because we want everyone to have it, and in return, you have to provide a certain amount of signal strength way out here in the boondocks. If you don't, then the money has to be paid back. Right now, we are in the 2nd year of a 10 year program to get this done. It takes time and money to put literally thousands and thousands of miles of cable in the ground, splice it together and get it all lit up and running. Everything has to be located, permits are required to be obtained and they have an expiration date, and then the crews roll out and set up in an area for days, sometimes months at a time, being put up in hotels, paid per diem and such. Trenchers, Cats, plows, directional boring rigs all are transported to these areas and they are very expensive to purchase and operate, with many high wear parts. Then cleanup / black dirt crews come along behind and make it look pretty again by fixing what they tore up, planting grass etc... After all of that is done then the drop crews come in and plow from the mainline to the home. Every resident has the option of being hooked up or opting out. Then the fiber splicers come through and do all the splicing, and the central offices are loaded up with high priced electronic equipment to push the signal out farther down the line and handle the extra load of new customers.