Early Internet entrepreneurs were a breed of their own–still are. I’m sure back then you had conversations with people who didn’t understand the Internet and who advised you to get a “real job.” They clearly didn’t see it, but you did—that the Internet was revolutionary.
Today, the Internet job sector is responsible for employing one million people and that doesn’t include businesses that use the Internet to sell goods and services to a global market.
Mobile Growth
The next explosion of growth is coming from the wireless sector, which is estimated to grow in double digits through 2014. Future growth will be helped by the introduction of IPv6, which opens up a trillion new Internet addresses and allows more devices to connect.
America Far From World Leader in Wireless Infrastructure
The problem is that the infrastructure in America isn’t up to speed. It’s not just rural spaces that remain broadbandless. Just prior to the Great Recession, many towns experienced a building boom which broadband did not keep pace with. According to Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, America isn’t even among the top five countries when it comes to high speed Internet availability.
The National Wireless Initiative
On February 10, 2011 at Marquette University in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, President Obama announced his solution: The National Wireless Initiative. Goolsbee went into more detail on the White House Blog, stating that the White House wants to “leapfrog 3G” and make 4G available nationwide. He likened this to the transcontinental railroad, electrifying America, and creating interstate highways in terms of what this would do for Americans. (I hope Facebook is prepared for all the new members).
World Domination, Jobs and Bragging Rights
The goals of the initiative are clear: make America leaders in the 4G space, make high speed Internet available to 98% of all Americans, create jobs, promote innovation, and lower the deficit by $10 billion.
The initiative is a three-part plan:
- The White House plans to open up and auction off 500 MHz of air wave space.
- Major investment incentives will be offered to encourage businesses to build out these networks on their own.
- Seed monies will be provided to fund scientists who can make these networks faster and more secure.
One UP’ed
Why did the President choose Marquette to give this speech? Aside from the UP being a great place to visit, the university did something pretty impressive. In four days, with only six people, and without raising tuition, the entire campus was put on a wireless network. Go Yoppers!
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