Tuesday, March 24, 2009
UAW members: Join the movement to help everyone afford high-speed Internet and help rebuild our economy
How fast is your Internet connection? You can test your upload and download speed at Speed Matters, a jobs and economic growth initiative sponsored by our brothers and sisters at the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
Your Internet speed will depend on where you live, your Internet provider and other variables. Hit and miss connections -- fast for some, slow for others -- aren't good enough to keep our economy moving in the 21st century.
High-speed Internet is essential for economic growth and global competitiveness. The United States -- the country that invented the Internet -- has fallen from 1st to 15th in high-speed Internet penetration.
High-tech innovation, job growth, telemedicine, distance learning, rural development, public safety and e-government require truly high-speed, universal networks.
The Speed Matters coalition believes government action -- in partnership with the private sector -- is essential to stimulate broadband investment and adoption. Other countries are far ahead of us. It is time for the United States to get back in the game.
Many Americans are without high speed Internet access and some are without Internet access at all. Those people are at a disadvantage when it comes to areas as diverse as education and health, civic participation and staying up on the news.
Universal Internet access would ensure that everyone has the chance to reap the benefits of high speed Internet access, and that no one is forced to remain on the wrong side of the digital divide.
You can sign up here to join our CWA brothers and sisters at Speed Matters, to help make sure all Americans get the benefit of high speed internet to create jobs and rebuild our economy.