Bandwidth consumption is experiencing a dramatic increase because of video on demand, video conferencing and streaming applications, all of which are provided by a growing number of content delivery networks. Frost and Sullivan are projecting a nearly 30% increase in 2012. Amazingly, this may be a low forecast given the adoption rate of smartphones and tablets. Consider that nearly 500 million such devices were sold last quarter. Perhaps, it is appropriate to remind you of Google’s intent to deliver a gigabit IP network to Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas. Construction on the project began in earnest just this month. After completion residents will be able to experience Internet speeds 100 times the current average equaling the top speed available throughout Kiev, Ukraine and by the end of year every home in South Korea.
The US has a penchant for ignoring what is happening in other countries. It is a detriment that we continue to do so despite having the greatest international presence of any country. Our lack of awareness and knowledge results in poor planning and misplaced priorities. Our ability to navel gaze is not the result of our political system but is the nature of our culture. We do not embrace true diversity well (multiple languages, international concepts, interracial neighborhoods and social environments).
IP communications has become the foundation for technological innovation, financial markets, education, entertainment and global communications. I support making it universally available in the US after we make it competitive with the rest of the world.
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