This appears to be one of those private vs. public debates we see so often (particularly since the GOP now wants to privatize absolutely everything). It offers a nice opportunity to think about what the public good is here. Based on my incredibly small amount of information, I'd say it looks like the public would be served with such a program.

One could even make the argument that it would help businesses, because if you free a medium, it gives them access as well--and accessing customers is good business.

It raises in my mind a question of how we think about a free internet. Is it like the "free" airwaves? Will we usher in an era of regulation, government oversight, and a two-tiered system of public and private ownership issues? I haven't the vaguest clue.

For those who would like to attend the Forum at City Club on Friday (doors open at 11:45 at the Governor Hotel, 11th and Alder), tickets are available for $16 for City Club members and $18 for non-members. You can reserve online.

Or:

Coffee/tea table tickets are $5 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis

General seating is free for members and $5 for nonmembers, and is available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis

The three presenters have a wealth of knowledge and resources to offer to this community. They all represent some of the finest programs in the region in addressing the critical issue of the technology divide.

It is interesting to note that a recent PUC Consumer Survey of 2,400+ Oregonians across the state that 72% of residents have computers and Internet access in their home. For those families earning less than $40,000 (approx 80% of the state's median income)the number of families with Internet in the home dropped to 53%.

About half of respondents (42%) had broadband connections.

These numbers are dramatically different than what was known about home Internet access several years ago. While there are interesting discussions about why these changes are happening, it seems that the issue of the digital divide is changing from a question of access to hardware to access to information and services that address the needs of low-income families.

While there is still A LOT of work to be done in helping everyone have access to telecommunication services, it is equally clear that there is a much bigger divide -- right now -- in terms of how people use those services in their daily lives.

The divide in the digital divide is speed - in rural Oregon - actually, starting about one mile out of the center of Silverton - providers like Verizon leave people with only dial-up. Satellite is not good quality and very expensive. We need state regulators to take control of the recalcitrant phone companies like Verizon and force the installation of DSLAMs and other devices to bring high speed access to everyone, not just the city dweller.

Chuck - You are right that access to broadband is an important issue. The PUC survey asked people about availability of various types of Internet services and in Central and Eastern Oregon, about half of the respondents said they could get DSL or cable service.

But hardware is just one aspect of the divide. Price barriers once access is gotten is another. And content a third. All are important and are weighted differently depending if you are in a rural community or a low-income urban/suburban area.