educational

Broadband for the People: 1

A municipal commission in Seattle issued a report on April 24 urging the City Council to immediately begin construction on a taxpayer-funded broadband Internet service network.

"Seattle cannot afford to dawdle," task force chairman Steven Clifford wrote. "Broadband networks will soon become what roads, electric systems and telephone networks are today: core infrastructure of society."

Clifford, a former chief executive of King Broadcasting Co., was echoing what administrators in cities and townships across the nation have been saying for several years: The United States has fallen far behind Europe and Asia in providing online service.

"Broadband in the digital age is no longer a luxury for those who can afford it. It's a necessity for us all to compete in the global economy," Kenneth DeGraff, a technology policy analyst with Consumers Union, said.

While no one disputes that the nation is lagging in online infrastructure, the idea of the government providing broadband as a public utility draws heated dissension. Cable and telephone companies, fearful of the competition but reluctant to spend the money to provide the service themselves, already are mounting a vigorous effort to block local governments from getting into the competitive online business.

There is much debate about which of the ever-changing broadband systems cities should invest in if they do decide to get involved. And some technology experts say they believe municipal involvement would only serve to stifle online innovation and open the door to censorship.

Lazy Public Utility?
"The last thing I'd want to see is broadband turned into a lazy public utility," Adam Thierer, of the Washington, D.C., think tank Progress & Freedom Foundation, told the New York Times. Thierer, whose libertarian-bent group studies technology issues, has authored a book that criticizes a plan by Mayor John F. Street to blanket Philadelphia with a citywide, low-cost broadband system.

But cities and rural townships say they are only trying to fill in gaps of under-served areas that the traditional ISPs have ignored. Philadelphia says it will spend $10 million to build a 135-square-mile wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi, system that will provide service for less than $25 a month to low-income households.

While Philadelphia and Seattle have gotten a lot of attention, it is spits in the road such as St. Francis, Kan., Scottsburg, Ind., Glendwood Springs, Colo., and Thomasville, Ga., leading the charge to provide Internet service to citizens ignored by traditional providers.

"It's disingenuous for telephone and cable companies to say they won't deploy broadband into certain, under-served areas, and then refuse to allow those communities to serve themselves," DeGraff said.

Civil liberties groups, fearful of being seen as trying to prevent the poor and under served from getting good Internet service, and unsure how the nascent effort will shake out, have yet to raise the specter of online censorship with public broadband entities.

"I'm hoping this is not a coming trend because we don't need any more fights," said Rick Weingarten, head of the American Library Association's office for technology policy.

The library association has led the battle against federal and local government attempts to censor Internet content, notably a federal mandate that would have prevented public library computers from offering adult fare.

"I do wonder in the federal telecom legislation that is moving around Congress if the interest in exacting content control in cable and satellite won't move into the Internet," Weingarten said.

But he added, "I think if municipal organizations tried to censor content there would be a terrific First Amendment battle. "The courts have been pretty protective of the Internet," he said.

Technology experts warn that allowing the government to provide online services could lead to content censorship.

"Clearly if you have your broadband service provided by what is essentially a political entity, you run the risk that your content will be susceptible to political pressures," Tom Lenard, another analyst at the Progress & Freedom Foundation who opposes public broadband, said.

In part two we'll examine the use of 'push polls' to influence legislators and the dangers of content regulation.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More