We need a rural Internet initiative

David Warlick's recent comments about rural Internet access got me thinking again about an issue I've discussed with my students.

I think we need some kind of national rural Internet initiative, similar to the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration during the New Deal era. I also think we need to start thinking about high-speed Internet access as something that's as essential to communities as water, electricity, and sewer service. I don't think there's much disagreement that universal access to information and services on the Internet is going to become increasingly important in the future.

WiMax, EVDO, or other wireless broadband technologies that have long reach seem particularly promising.