Is there any doubt? Connectivity equals economic growth. Here is more information about the results of broadband's effects on rural areas.
Links of Interest
- Foothills Connect
Growing business through technology - generationXpert
Generational marketing and communications from a Xer - Golden Leaf Foundation
Growing North Carolina's Economy - Lifehacker
Tech tricks, tips and downloads for getting things done. - Nine Shift
The weblog on the 21st century: The future trends we're now experiencing
- TED: Ideas Worth Spreading
Hear from the world's greatest thinkers and doers - Vladstudio
Project of Russian digital artist Vlad Gerasimov making a living off the internet
Connectivity
August 26, 2009
April 08, 2009
Facebook: Boomers are Booming
It's not for "kids" any more. Facebook has seen unprecedented growth especially from Baby Boomers. In the last 60 days for users over 35 the numbers have doubled. Created by Gen Y, it has now been discovered and used by the older generations. Grandchildren pictures, family snapshots, hooking up with old friends has become major competitors to news about where to meet and who is friends with whom. The numbers are amazing and I find more of my friends signing up every day! What do you think?
November 10, 2008
Location, Location, Location
Purchasing a house is about location and connectivity. This recent article points out how folks shun buying some homes if they don't include high-speed Internet access. It is an Associated Press article printed in the Charlotte Observer. What do you think?
October 29, 2008
We Don't Have 50 Years!
50 years? It took more than 50 years for electricity to reach everyone in the United States in spite of its many benefits. The establishment of high-speed internet has vast benefits. Yet the major players are focusing on the most lucrative areas and leaving out the spaces that are harder to connect. But we don't have 50 years to become connected. The time is now to establish connectivity. About 25% of Rutherford County's homes have dial up only. It is not a function of whether someone can afford it. It is a function of geography. So communications companies are deciding who has economic development and who does not. The time is now for us to have a plan and implement it. What do you think?
October 22, 2008
October 04, 2008
The Little Ones Understand
I am still amazed in my travels that the little ones understand. I am currently sitting in a higher end hotel of a major chain. The internet access is $25 for 24 hours. I am a member of their frequent guest program. The hotels at the lower end of their brand offer internet access free of charge. This is a major reason why I stay at these cheaper hotels ... free connectivity. I am in this hotel only because the meeting I am attending is here.
The bigger airports and the more expensive hotels charge for internet access. The smaller airports and cheaper hotels provide it free of charge. Some day the bigger ones will understand what the smaller ones already know ... people need access that is free.
To continue this story ... the next afternoon I am able to access wifi at Panera Bread. It costs about $4 and includes a huge brownie and drink. Clearly they understand their customers.What do you think?
September 17, 2008
The County Vision
The vision remains ... Foothills Connect Board on September 16, 2008 reaffirmed their vision. Every, home, business, and location in the county will have fiber or better connectivity. We are committed to seeing that the important first step is taken ensuring that everyone has access to ultra-high speed connectivity along with free access for the slower speeds. It is essential to our current economic growth.
Now is the time to be fulfilling this vision. We can use your support. Please join us. What do you think?
September 10, 2008
Another Success Story ... With Connectivity
A rural nursery was successful then it opened its web presence. Meadowbrook Nursery's business exploded with online sales. So many orders went through on some days their host server went down. But the ironic point is the local internet provider does not run high speed connections to their business location. The nursery owners have to drive to their home to work with a high speed connection. Its another example how a lack of connectivity can hold down economic growth. What can we do to ensure everyone has opportunity for economic growth?
August 29, 2008
Social & Economic Inequality
It is frustrating the way connectivity access is "assigned." People who want to run a business from their residence are begging for connectivity yet cannot get it. One business can drive down the road less than .5 mile and see where the high speed line is tied off because of a county line. It is a parallel to giving people electricity or basic phone service from years ago. This assignment of just fundamental high speed service limits the social and economic equality from connectivity. We may live in an advanced time yet many cannot even if they wanted to because providers refuse to run high speed service to them. What is your experience?
August 25, 2008
2008 Election Strategy
Regardless of your candidate, Obama has run an interesting campaign. He texted his VP selection to everyone who wanted to hear it before anyone else. He has had a strong facebook presence offering to send out free buttons and soliciting small donations. It's an interesting strategy reaching out to a new audience using connectivity. During the primaries one of his strengths was with the younger worker while Clinton's strength was with the older worker. What can we learn from this?
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