State can do more on telecom
Toolbox
Published: February 26, 2007
Your editorial on a state-driven plan to build the broadband telecommunications infrastructure that will enable Vermont to be competitive makes several good points. However, like the plan, it doesn't discuss any specifics.
As a new transplant to Vermont, and a teleworker (my telecommunications clients are still in Washington, D.C.), I'm living proof that "data workers" can move here for the quality of life - rather than economic necessity - as long as they have high-speed Internet access. And it's not just about efficient data transmission. I believe that as the country looks for ways to reduce our reliance on cars to "get to work," that tax breaks should be developed to encourage companies to certify that a specific percentage of its workforce works from home. With e-mail, instant messaging and "older technologies" such as telephony, my virtual project team is in closer contact that if we were in the same building.
My question, however, is how can the government play an active role in helping telecommuters work from home? Through a concerted, detailed plan that makes it easy to get broadband access, for one. Through incentives to companies have their employees move here to telecommute, for another.
If the state can work out specifics like these, instead of just a general hope that "if we build it, they will come," the idea of a statewide telecommunications infrastructure just might pay off.
Greg Moreau
Brattleboro
13