High-Speed Internet for Everyone

During the State of the Union Speech on January 25, 2011 the president pledged to deliver high-speed internet connections to 98% of Americans within 5 years.

This is what he said:

"Within the next five years, we will make it possible for business to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98% of all Americans. This isn't just about a faster internet and fewer dropped calls. It's about connecting every part of America to the digital age. It's about a rural community in Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small business owners will be able to sell their products all over the world. It's about a firefighter who can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device; a student who can take classes with a digital textbook; or a patient who can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor."[NYTimes]

“Just 57 percent of Americans use broadband services, although 91 percent of American homes have access to them, according to a report released last month by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. And one-third of Americans who don't use broadband said cost would prohibit them from buying it.” [FoxNews]

It doesnt seem like the ability to get a connection is the real issue with many Americans not having high-speed Internet.