Universal Broadband, Policy and Blogging with Digg

There are two posts below this one. They are actually two articles that I "dugg" over at Digg about something that I find very important. Broadband access. It's a theme that was discussed at the e-State conference I was at back in May, and it is clear it is an issue that is gaining more and more attention nationally.

In the first article, note that Google has joined a group of other businesses, activists, individuals and policymakers to bring the Internet to everyone. Check out the Internet For Everyone website at http://www.internetforeveryone.org.

The second article is from "The Social" blog from CNet and it's about...well the same thing. We need to stop getting razzle-dazzled by tools (shiny objects) and focus in on what is important. The next "big thing" in policy and politics isn't about social media and getting people to spend their money...it's getting access to the internet for every citizen in this country.

I've blogged both posts to add to the buzz and I've joined the internet for everyone campaign. You should too.

There's a nifty little widget on their home page that lets you see how your state "stacks up". Here in Vermont as of 2007 326,700 people did not have Broadband. Um...guess what folks...that is more than 50% of Vermonters who do NOT HAVE Broadband access. In this case the glass is half empty for sure.

So Vermont policy-makers...what do you think? Who will lead the charge and push this "e-State"?