Is broadband access for rural Americans a human right or boondoggle?

NPR’s Howard Berkes reported on the economic stimulus package, which contains $7.2 billion for building out high-speed internet access for rural and unserved communities.

The piece also quoted former FCC chief economist Michael Katz, who called rural areas “environmentally hostile, energy inefficient, and weak in innovation.”

Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies, responded to Katz’ comments. And Bill Bishop, co-editor of the Daily Yonder, described high-speed Internet access as a basic right, similar to telephone service.

To see the Center for Rural Strategies analysis of rural broadband penetration, visit the Daily Yonder.

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