I didn't think I'd live to see the day when affordable broadband would be available to everyone.

"One of the fundamental drivers for faster and faster microprocessors will be high-quality, affordable broadband," Mr. Pitsch said during a recent interview at Intel's headquarters in Santa Clara.

"Yet while the Bush Administration stands by and cheers over Internet connections barely faster than dial-up, countries like England and South Korea are bringing affordable and fast broadband to their citizens," said Free Press research director S. Derek Turner.

The Tegola project of the University of Edinburgh is developing new technologies to bring high-speed, affordable broadband to rural areas beyond the reach of fibre.

Broadband Acceleration The FCC's Broadband Acceleration Initiative is working to expand the reach of robust, affordable broadband by streamlining access to utility poles...

The Wireline Competition Bureau works to ensure that all Americans have access to robust, affordable broadband and voice services.

But this latest report raises an interesting question-to what extent does this factor actually matter when it comes to getting affordable broadband into people's homes?

In summary, this road map for comprehensive universal service and ICC reform over the next decade represents a critical first step to ensure that all people in the United States have access to affordable broadband.

Or to put it another way, by not having access to affordable broadband, there is a real potential that Mound will be driven toward pure tourist based economy (which can be brutal for its residents).

There is hope, though, that 3G and other wireless technologies like WiMAX can play a role in making broadband more widely available and affordable in the future.