Our model shows that regulations have seriously impeded the deployment of hubs in these states. Yet according to the Breaking the Backbone study cited above, which was released by the Economic Strategy Institute last summer, rural America is in danger of being left behind as the rest of the country forges ahead into the digital future. D.C. The whole subject of the digital divide is completely nothing but smoke and mirrors. Most recently, several bills have been introduced in the Senate that propose varying forms of financial assistance to carriers that build broadband networks in unserved areas. Indeed, the study was commissioned by a lobby group called iAdvance, which counts Bell Atlantic and SBC Communications among its members.
Margins become quite high with a properly sized network.
They're working very hard at the federal level to scare politicians into believing that the rural markets will become wastelands unless they receive what is effectively Section 271 relief. Because homes and businesses in rural America tend to be spread out, copper loops need to be longer. Instead of selling DSL directly to end users itself, New Edge has adopted a wholesale approach, partnering with ISPs. Headed by former GST executive Dan Moffat, the company currently provides service in more than 50 locations in Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Minnesota, and has certification to provide service in 40 states. Its goal is to offer service in all 50 states by early next year.