Is broadband essential?

I was reading the Jersey Evening Post the other day and there was a letter to the editor about the new goods and services tax, I’m not going to talk about GST but instead about a question underneath the image put next to the letter.

The image was a picture of a girl at a computer with a caption saying “Is broadband essential?” I thought about this for a minute, wondered if I could live without broadband, stored it in the back of my head and moved on.

For the rest of this post read broadband as internet - broadband is cheaper than dial-up, 85% of all British web users are on broadband connections and so dial-up is something I’d never consider, not even on the radar as a viable option.

Anyway, I forgot about it until this morning when I read a comment on my, feb up with blogging, self flagulation of a rant by the ever fabulous glasses friendly Raindog.

Thought you’d been quiet of late. I have the same problem. I just blog when I find an interesting designer or agency site now. It’s always better to be doing something irl anyway. That said, I’ve been without internet for a week and I feel like I’ve lost a limb.

Now I’m not saying going without the internet is worse than losing a leg - that would be rediculous BUT I don’t think I’d be able to survive without the net. And when I say survive I mean live a normal 21st Century life - not that I’d actually die if I couldn’t check my e-mail.

But stupid descriptions aside, now that you’re feeling like a scolded 8 year old - I can get to the point of the post.

My bank account is all online, my wifes bank account is online, I communicate with my family online and I use the internet to make contacts with people, research stories and stay in touch with friends around the world.

It’s also how I catch up on TV shows I’ve missed, listen to the radio (in podcast form) and loads of other bits and pieces.

So, when working out my monthly income and expenses Broadband is put in the essential column, it is as important a part of 21st Century, developed world life as food, gas and electricity. It should also be available to those in developing countries as well.

If I had to drop things because my expenses where higher than my income Broadband wouldn’t be on the list.

First thing to go, despite screams from my children would be Sky. Next I’d drop my blog and pay for subscriptions and DVDs. We’d then look at cutting back on food or buying cheaper stuff instead of organic and big brands - then finally, as a last resort, if it was that or heating I’d drop the broadband.

Fortunately I’m not in that position but broadband is a vital part of life in this millenium - it’s the future of television, radio and communication and should be available to every home in the world.

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