Fixing US Broadband Would Cost $100 Billion

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "According to a new report from EDUCASE (pdf), it would cost $100 billion to wire the US with fiber optics and keep our infrastructure from falling behind the rest of the world. Specifically, they recommend what has worked in many other countries — government investment and unbundling — which are often criticized by free market groups, even though those policies have resulted in faster, better connections for smaller total costs. Ars Technica mentions in their analysis of this report that the President will be releasing a report on US broadband today, too."

Preview of President's report

[frovingslosh]

A preview of the report to come from the President today:

Tax breaks for the ISPs, particularly the telcos.

A hands off business approach, let them do with the money (and the consumers, a.k.a. taxpayers) whatever they want.

Re:bad idea

[smooth wombat]

If my computer's got power at least I can play Oblivion but what can I do with no power and an internet connection?

Sex?

Doesn't make sense

[Nysem]

We can spend who knows how much money on a pointless and widely unpopular war over in Iraq...but we can't get better tube materials for our internets?

Re:bad idea

[4D6963]

Without looking at pr0n? How?

Wait, you mean, you don't have any on your cell phone's micro SD card? Like, you know, emergency porn?

Re:yet more money

[Anonymous Coward]

$100 Billion is an inconceivable sum.

I sense a Dr Evil joke in there somewhere.

Re:yet more money

[realthing02]

I think "You keep using that word -- I do not think it means what you think it means." would be more appropriate. INCONCEIVABLE!

Re:yet more money

[Anonymous Coward]

I think "You keep using that word -- I do not think it means what you think it means." would be more appropriate. INCONCEIVABLE!

Truly, you have a dizzying intellect.

Re:bad idea

[discord5]

If my computer's got power at least I can play Oblivion but what can I do with no power and an internet connection?

Sex?

That's NOT the correct way to use fibre-optic cable!

Re:yet more money

[vivin]

$100 Billion is an inconceivable sum.

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means... *duck

Re:bad idea

[Cctoide]

Under the mattress is where he keeps the tape backup.

Re:yet more money

[Skevin]

> $100 Billion is an inconceivable sum.

Not really. The MPAA decreed that a single downloaded CD is worth $1.5 Million. Therefore, you only need to transfer 66,667 albums through this network, and it's paid for!

Solomon