Comments on: Switzerland Wants Broadband For All

By: Bruno Heufelder

Bruno Heufelder — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 19:23:01 +0000

I work in Switzerland in (link) , the former PTT. Most of Broadband users have 2000/100 kbps (IP Rate, with ADSL or Cable). Highest rates are 6000/600. And soon comming VDSL2.
The broadband universal service is for a standard price, for the whole population, regardless of the distance to the Central Office. Most can be done with ADSL, but also people more than 10Km away will have now access to 600/100 at the standard rate.

By: Randhir Reddy

Randhir Reddy — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:17:31 +0000

In India, the state-run BSNL offers DSL Broadband connection @256kbps (if i can say that as a broadband) and a phone connection for about $20 (Rs.900).But to tell the truth, this service is a God-send, and the cable Internets are spotty and frustrating to say the least, often topping off @100kbps.

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:28:13 +0000

I’ve been thinking about this in the South African context. Our Bill of Rights entrenches certain services as socio-economic services that citizens are entitled to by right. At the moment these rights include the right to adequate housing, health care, water, food and social security. Surely broadband or some form of meaningful Internet access will eventually be regarded as an essential service that people will need just to survive in this increasingly connected world?

By: Roland Estrada

Roland Estrada — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:09:05 +0000

I just read your column on CNNMoney.com regarding online applications. I applaud your enthusiasm over the new found freedom from proprietary formats. However, no one will want to work for an extended period of time on a 2.8 inch screen (Nokia E61). The laptop will be around for quite some time.

By: Corsin Camichel

Corsin Camichel — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 04:55:29 +0000

@Dexter There is now way we all could have 15Mbits, no ISP offers that for a good and payable price. In Germany yes, you get 15Mbit for about 40 dollars.

Back to the article. That regulation is a joke. The only company that can offer such a service is the Swisscom. And they already offer it. Thats no big move for us over here. And if you compare the prices to our neighbours, it is way to expensive and we have no real competition.

By: Dexter Zafra

Dexter Zafra — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:56:41 +0000

My brother lives in Switzerland, and he told me that everyone he knows there have a high-speed internet connection 15 mbits. Now I know that he was lying to me.

By: Aziz

Aziz — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:31:29 +0000

At the same time Iran limited all the Internet connections to lower than 128 kilobits per second!!! Broadband is forbidden now in Iran!
it’s a big shame an we are trying to make a campaign against it. it needs some World Wide consideration.
I really don’t know how these damn politicians think in Iran!