LibrarianActivist.org

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has published their 2009 Alternative Federal Budget. They suggest massive investment into broadband infrastructre.

Communications for Social and Economic Development: A National Inclusion Strategy

Over the last two decades, telecommunications policy has been increasingly driven by an industrial strategy linked to technological innovation and competitiveness. As a result, regulations were dismantled, and with them, a national vision of the importance of the sector to Canadian identity and prosperity.

In order to reestablish its position nationally and internationally, Canada needs a national strategy that promotes social and economic development by making broadband connectivity ubiquitous. In addition, it will require new investments in community-based programs that help Canadians make effective use of the new technologies and an ongoing process of consultation that ensures that the diverse needs of communities are met.

• The AFB will invest $2 billion over five years in a pan-Canadian infrastructure project to extend broadband connectivity to rural areas.
• The AFB will invest $250 million over three years to support new and existing National Public Access Program sites.
• A sum of $750,000 will be set aside to research and verify community broadband connectivity and support requirements.

This is the title of a great podcast over at the ever enlightening Search Engine (on CBC). Many things are covered, from the exaflood, to dark fiber, to Internet access as a public utility.

Do you have any good ideas that you think should be in the Federal budget? The government has set up a website with a survey asking you to rank their predetermined ideas, or to give your own (in 50 words or less!). This would be my suggestion:

Investing into broadband infrastructure: more broadband should alleviate the need for traffic shapping. ISPs use the excuse that there is limited bandwidth and therefore they need to manage the Internet. Net neutrality should come out a winner if more broadband becomes available (and, of course, if the CRTC or the government create legislation supporting net neutrality). More broadband should also address the digital divide that still exists in this country.