SethGraham.com

The state of American broadband

I came across an interesting article in Macworld about the state of high-speed internet in America. Did you know the U.S. comes in 15th when it comes to broadband availability in the world, after nations in Europe and Asia?

It amazes me how the U.S.- the nation which invented the internet, and high-speed internet lags so far behind the world.  I am writing this entry from a 20-megabit connection, right now South Korea stands to roll out 1000-megabit connectivity in the next decade.  Let’s be fair, the U.S. has a much larger geographical landscape to cover than other countries.  But when I mention availability, I’m also touching on affordability.  My internet service provider charges nearly $60 a month and limits my usage to 250GB of download per month.  Don’t even get me started on download caps when our entire media and entertainment universe is moving all online.

Let’s face it, internet service has become a utility, a service just as essential as electricity and water.  Students, businesses, and working professionals come to rely on this service to live in America.  Lucily the current presidential administration has made it a priority to increase broadband service across the country.  In all honestly, I wonder what it was like when electricity was first introduced?

Your e-mail first impressions

I don’t know about you, but first impressions are always the most important in my eyes.  I know from personal experience that how you present yourself will ultimately dictate whether or not somebody will want to work with you, strike up a friendship, or hire you.

Quite some time ago, I completed a research project on how our “cyber” first impressions are starting to affect our lives.  How we choose our e-mail address tells others so much about us–whether you realize it or not.  I came across this article in PC World on how the e-mail service provider we choose carries judgments and impressions.  Most of it is pretty is humorous, but a lot of it can be surprisingly true.

Of course, you can always try buying your own domain name–for that ultimate impression.

MBTA announces possible cuts

An article in Friday’s Boston Globe outlined a memo from the MBTA detailing potential cuts in service, in light of the struggling economy.  This memo is the T’s fallback should the state legislature not approve a hike in the gas tax.  In addition to laying off more than 800 employees, services would be cut for buses, subways, and commuter rail.

Some of the most drastic cuts include:

• Removing customer service agents from platforms
• Eliminate numerous surface stops along all Green Line branches
• Ending “E” line service at Brigham Circle
• Cut midday and weekend subway service in half (essentially we’ll wait twice as long for a train)
• Eliminate all commuter rail services on weekdays after 7p.m. and entirely on the weekends

There is no doubt the MBTA is in the midst of a financial mess, however these cuts could be disasterous.  The T estimates losing about 34,000,000 riders annually with the cuts.  I am most troubled by the cuts in commuter rail service.  Earlier this year, MBTA ridership hit all time highs as the price of gas soared.  Despite the cheaper prices at the pump, ridership has not faltered.  Cuts to late-night and weekend commuter rail service will reduce visitors (potential consumers) in Boston–particularly with the outside-Boston college crowds.  Ironically enough, the MBTA is hiring part-time.  Times of economic troubles are times for change, it seems like other avenues can be explored before our public transportation is even more limited.

Here we go again…

After quite a long time, I have decided to launch a new website, and a new blog.  It’s very much an experiment, but stay tuned for what I hope will be a pretty fun website.