The Broadband Gap

If you liked Paul Krugman's column on America's crappy internet -- or if you can't read it because you don't have TimesSelect -- then you're sure to love the longer article on this same subject that I did two years ago for The American Prospect. My article also spells out crucial linkages to the looming 700 Mhz spectrum auction, albeit in a slightly outdated way.

Comments

You can also read Krugman "here, by the way.

Posted by ~~~~ | July 23, 2007 4:48 AM

I work in an office building where a pile of New York Timeses are left in the hallway each morning, and I arrive early enough to snag one from someone who has a subscription. So, opening to the print edition of Krugman, I find:

"You see, the world may look flat once you're in cyberspace--but to get there you need to go through a narrow passageway..."

Did Krugman just do what I think he did? Did he call Tom Friedman a moron??

Posted by Marshall | July 23, 2007 8:49 AM

Did Krugman just do what I think he did? Did he call Tom Friedman a moron??

Why, yes, yes, he did. :-) Of course, he did so in such a subtle way that Friedman probably hasn't figured it out yet.

Posted by Phoenix Woman | July 23, 2007 9:28 AM

I live in Paris, where the competition between Internet service providers is fierce. One ISP we're about to get offers as much as 28 mbps, unlimited VoIP phone service to the US and the rest of France, and more than 100 TV channels for about 30 euros a month.

We had used the local cable company's service, which still was very fast at about 10 mbps.

How ironic that the heavily regulated economy of France is one of the leaders in opening up high-speed Internet service to the free market.

Posted by Evan | July 23, 2007 11:40 AM