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IMHO, educating politicians and regulators is difficult but
necessary. Latency is an important and overlooked component of
"broadband service", not included in the definition of such
"service". But there are others that might also catch their
attention.<br>
<br>
I live in an area in California where wildfires are an issue. My
location officially has broadband service, according to the FCC
databases. I get IP through cable, provided by Comcast. The IP{
service is fast and latency hasn't been an issue for me.<br>
<br>
The government (state, local, and federal) have all spent a lot of
money and effort to put technology in place to mitigate the risks
of wildfire and other such natural risks, to help keep the public
safe. That's their job. We have sensors and cameras that spot
smoke columns or seismic events. We have apps and communications
channels that spread the word fast, so that people can get out of
harm's way. The Internet has made quite a difference by providing
the infrastructure to make such safety mechanisms possible. (See
app.watchduty.org for an example)<br>
<br>
The local electric utility has also implemented mechanisms to avoid
causing wildfires. When it's dry and windy, and therefore the risks
of a falling tree limb starting a fire are high, they simply shut
off the power to the area. When the risk is over, they turn power
back on. It might be a day or two, but while the risks are high, a
fire won't be started by the electric grid. Many people have
installed generators to keep essential things going in their
homes. The electric utility is even offering subsidies for people
to buy such equipment.<br>
<br>
However... <br>
<br>
Comcast relies on the electric grid for power. Some areas have
equipment with backup battery power, but that only works for an hour
or two. After that, communications shuts down - in my neighborhood
that means telephone, TV, and Internet all cease to work. All of
the information from those sensors, cameras, and emergency service
agencies doesn't get to us, the public it's supposed to help.<br>
<br>
Despite that behavior, officially the database says we have
broadband service available. It of course is available, most of the
time. It turns off when you need it the most.<br>
<br>
Thinking techologically for a bit, the problem is a lot like
Latency. Latency is not specified in the definition of "broadband
service". Neither is "Reliability".<br>
<br>
I've filed a "challenge" to my own database entry, pointing out that
we don't actually have reliable broadband service. Even if, over a
month or so, the service is 99.xxx% "up", that's not much help if
it's down when you actually need it the most. The definition of
"reliable" needs to be revised.<br>
<br>
I don't expect any action from my challenge as just a lone voice in
the crowd.<br>
<br>
Perhaps educating the politicians and regulators about reliability
would grab some attention. It might be a bit easier to understand
than just "latency".<br>
<br>
Jack Haverty<br>
Nevada City, CA<br>
<br>
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