Report: Broadband Too Expensive For Many

Posted by ryuzaki0 on Monday September 23, 2002 @01:39AM from the what's-it-really-worth dept.

An anonymous submitter writes "This AP article, citing a study from the U.S. Commerce Department, reports that "Almost all U.S. families live in areas where a high-speed Internet connection is available, but many see no compelling reason to pay extra for it." The article mentions a survey that found that "more than 70 percent of dial-up users cited cost as the main reason they aren't upgrading to faster access."" It's much like digital cable - the cable networks ratch up the price for...music channels? But broadband is a chicken - egg problem. You won't get people signing up until they see a reason, and you won't get compelling reasons until more people have signed up.

1 of 539 comments (clear)

Wow, economics again by nuggz · 2002-09-23 02:19 · Score: 1, Troll

I find that a high speed connection is worth the money.
I can transfer large files (digital camera) to friends and family.
My wife does work from home, we do online banking. I use the online TV guides.
I get all my software online (www.debian.org)

Some people don't do this stuff, it isn't worth the money for them.

I have basic cable for TV, the cost premium of the upper packages, digital cable, or satellite just isn't worth it. That is the way the free market works.