99% Invisible The Future of the Final Mile
Mar 11, 2022
Katie Thornton, a dedicated reporter and long-time friend of the show, dives into the critical issue of internet access disparities across the U.S. She sheds light on how outdated technologies and economic inequality shape connectivity, particularly in cities like Detroit. The episode discusses innovative grassroots efforts like the Detroit Mesh Network Initiative, exploring how communities are taking control. It also highlights Chattanooga's successful broadband model, emphasizing the need for equitable access as a fundamental right in today's digital world.
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Digital Divide
- Lack of internet access affects urban and rural areas, hindering essential online activities.
- About 20% of NYC residents lack any internet access, highlighting a nationwide digital divide.
Internet Infrastructure Tiers
- Internet data travels through three tiers: backbone lines, middle mile connections, and last-mile local providers.
- Last-mile infrastructure, connecting homes, is the most expensive and problematic, often relying on slower copper or coaxial cables.
Last-Mile Challenges
- Last-mile internet access is expensive, leading providers to use slower copper (DSL) or coaxial cable instead of fiber.
- Many existing connections don't meet the federal definition of broadband (25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload).