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Ars Technica looks at an all-too common problem facing homebuyers in the U.S., a nation where some neighborhoods enjoy first-world internet, and others are cursed with pathetic dialup speeds.
One homeowner they profiled was promised at least 20 Mbps, then after he moved in discovered that the best they could offer him was up to 768Kbps download speeds over DSL lines. Dave Mortimer subscribed, and soon learned he could only get about 300 to 400Kbps. This is well below the 25Mbps download speed that meet
s the lowest threshhold of the US definition of "broadband." AT&T was the only wired internet provider in his area.
"The frustrations he experienced illustrate a risk taken by new homeowners, particularly in areas where Internet coverage is spotty," writes Jon Brodkin at Ars. "Even when home buyers call local broadband companies to find out whether service is available, they sometimes get incorrect information."
And when you realize how bad the internet is, you're shit outta luck.
Broadband availability is a problem in many cities and towns where private companies face no competition and don't believe it's worth building out better infrastructure. Even when local governments want to build their own networks to fill in the gaps left by private industry, they are often stymied by state laws that limit their rights to offer broadband to residents. The laws serve little purpose other than to protect private companies from competition, and the FCC has claimed authority to preempt the laws. Still, most of them remain on the books. Such laws limiting availability of community broadband networks exist in about 20 states, including Michigan, where Mortimer lives, and Louisiana, where another resident who spoke to Ars encountered troubles getting Internet service.
"When AT&T promises broadband—but delivers only 300Kbps" [arstechnica.com]
