Achieving universal Internet access may happen well before we see universal access to health care — at least if the advocacy group Internet for Everyone has its way.
The Mercury News reports that a "broad coalition of Internet business leaders, online gurus, community organizers and advocates across the political spectrum launched a campaign Tuesday with the lofty goal of universal high-speed Internet service."
The group is driven by the ideals that "Everyone must be connected to a fast, affordable and open Internet connection to prosper in today’s economy and participate in our democracy. The Internet is no longer a luxury. It’s a lifeline."
Increasing access to broadband Internet is obviously important to
expand the use of personal health records and other health 2.0
technologies, but on a more basic level it’s key to eliminating health
disparities.
Communicating and informing people about their health and major health care issues are integral parts of eliminating
health disparities. And that communication increasingly occurs
electronically on the Web. So expanding access to affordable Internet
and improving public health go hand in hand.The coalition will
hold forums around the nation and try to build support for plans that
improve access, choice and innovation. To learn more about the movement
or participate in upcoming hearings, you can email the organizers at contact@internetforeveryone.org.
Filed Under: Tech
Tagged: e-patients, Health 2.0, Tech, The Insider's Guide To Health Care Jun 26, 2008
for extra credit read Kauffman Foundation/Brookings economist Robert Litan’s 12/05 paper Great Expectations: Potential Economic Benefits To the Nation From Accelerated Broadband Deployment to Older Americans with Disabilities
broadband is the next best thing to putting better health in the water.
SILLY
I realize a lot of tech companies advertise on this site — but does anyone here remember the Dot-Bomb bust?
Y’know — ENRON, WorldCom, Adelphia Cable?
The USA is much different than Asia and Europe — larger, bigger, wider. That makes systems wider and longer — and more expensive.
Anyone who thinks otherwise has to be deluded or ignorant.
Link I provided previously was busted, sorry.
For extra credit read Kauffman Foundation/Brookings economist Robert Litan’s 12/05 paper Great Expectations: Potential Economic Benefits To the Nation From Accelerated Broadband Deployment to Older Americans with Disabilities
that would be a great project. everyone should have access to a fast internet connection.