As Sundre officials investigate potential business plans to introduce broadband Internet, it is becoming clear a number of people in the area have lingering questions about precisely what the proposed infrastructure even is.
As Sundre officials investigate potential business plans to introduce broadband Internet, it is becoming clear a number of people in the area have lingering questions about precisely what the proposed infrastructure even is.
Broadband is the next technological step forward in the 21st century. It is to digital communications what telephones were to telegrams and what emails were to traditional letters.
In techno-lingo, broadband is described as a high-capacity bandwidth data transmission that facilitates simultaneous transportation of multiple signals and traffic types. In more simple terms, Internet download and upload speeds made possible by broadband literally eclipse speeds available through any other type of connection to the web, and restrictive data caps become a thing of the past.
In a word, broadband is, in terms of modern communications, nothing less than revolutionary.
We either progress into the 21st century with the rest of the modern world, or we remain a relic of the past with outdated technology. Needless to say, selling a relic from the past to new businesses looking to set up shop is an uphill battle and a roadblock on the path to growth.
Even the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission recently announced broadband is a basic service, no different from landline phone services.
Of course connecting everyone in a vast country like ours to broadband is a massive feat far beyond the CRTC's ability to make a reality alone, meaning businesses and governments will have to get involved.
Perhaps even rural collaborations of motivated individuals who don't desire to get left in the past can contribute to this effort. See this week's Gazette for a related column about a farmer's wife in the U.K. who successfully spearheaded such an initiative.
While there is a case to be made for recreational use during a time when more and more people are streaming and otherwise downloading data, the real focus is on economic development. No business owner with any vested interest in remaining remotely viable or competitive could fathom going back to using dial-up services. Those who might even perhaps still find themselves forced to use such archaic technology for lack of suitable alternatives, no doubt relish the thought of having the option to upgrade to a far superior service that costs less than satellite, which is barely reliable at the best of times and extremely limited with puny monthly data limits.
During its Monday, Jan. 23 workshop, council will be hearing proposed business plans that administrative staff have been putting together over many months. Options discussed will include the possibility of a town-owned service that keeps profits local, or an agreement with a major Internet service provider that would siphon any money made out of the community.
The discussion is largely one of risk versus reward — take the risk and reap the potential reward, or pass on the risk and completely forgo any future revenue.
Personally, I think the risk is worthwhile. The trend towards broadband is irreversible. Best to get on the boat before the ship sets sail and we find ourselves regretting not capitalizing on the opportunity when we had the chance.
But mine is merely one humble voice out of several thousand in the community.
Members of the public who have questions and concerns — or who are perhaps even supportive regarding investing in broadband infrastructure — are encouraged to attend council's workshop, which starts at 6 p.m. at the town office.
