Making broadband Net access universally available is that century’s version of building highways or extending railroads coast-to-coast, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday.

Julius Genachowski said broadband is “a critical infrastructure challenge of our generation.” As part of the federal stimulus package, the FCC is charged with creating a plan — due in February — to assemble broadband available everywhere in the country. The stimulus money plus includes $7 billion in grants for broadband access, and the recipients will be announced soon, Genachowski said in a speech at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

About 10 percent of the country doesn’t have broadband available, and in Arkansas that number is about 13 percent, he said. In those areas when high-speed broadband is available, about 50 percent of Arkansans don’t use it, he said. The national rate of “non-adoption” by citizens who don’t use broadband — even though the infrastructure is in place

— is 37 percent, he said.

“Often, folks don’t see the value of Web in their homes or don’t have the skills essential to take advantage of connectivity,” Genachowski said. “Others quote price. They aren’t able to afford the service or the hardware.”

Broadband access is critical for the country’s economic development, Genachowski said, adding that putting the infrastructure in place will create jobs, help small businesses and manufacture the U.S. more competitive.

In agriculture, for example, high-speed Net access can help a farmer plan crops, buy feed, sell products and find weather knowledge, Genachowski said.

“There is evidence that farmers can earn more, while consumers pay less, as a conclusion of broadband-driven efficiencies,” he said.

According to a report released last week by the FCC, the use of broadband varies greatly among different demographic groups. For example, nearly 90 percent of families with incomes of $100,000 or higher…

Original post by dhiram