Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Congress sets aside $7B to help Americans connect with high-speed Internet

In the coronavirus aid package just approved by congress, $7B was set aside to help Americans connect to high-speed Internet while still paying their monthly bills. This is one of the most substantial broadband investments in U.S. history. 

According to The Washington Post, at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has forced millions of Americans out of work, they won't lose the Internet. Nearly half the money is intended a new monthly benefit for low-income families so that even if people have lost their jobs they can still get access. 

Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/12/22/internet-rebate-coronavirus-stimulus/

The Hill - https://thehill.com/
policy/technology/531165-coronavirus-relief-package-includes-7-billion-for-broadband

Friday, December 18, 2020

What comes after smartphones?


Now that everyone on the planet has a network-connected computer in their pocket (at least those that want and can afford one), what does the future hold? Benedict Evans has some theories.

Even if you are not an investor and this is merely a thought experiment, it's worth pondering. While great products and ideas don't go away, they are limited to the number of people who can buy them. New categories must be sought or at the very least, new ways to apply existing products need to be brought to the collective attention. 

What comes after smartphones? https://www.ben-evans.com/benedictevans/2020/12/13/what-comes-after-smartphones.