This issue of the Viodi View features two very different stories from CES that both look at removing physical barriers to improve mobility. One is about flying solo, while the other uses technology to improve human connections.
A Pivotal Moment in Personal Aviation
Perhaps the allure of flying has something to do with breaking the bounds of gravity that bind us physically and metaphorically to the challenges of living on Earth. The joy, reflected in the smiles of the people flying the Pivotal Helix ultralight electric aircraft, captures the magic of being a bird of flight, even if only for 20 minutes.
Thanks to the Broadband Forum, my employer, for supporting this newsletter. The content, views, and opinions expressed herein are not those of the Broadband Forum.
Multiple Tools Required to Serve the Connected Buildings of the Future
There isn’t a single solution to solve connectivity for residential buildings is one takeaway from the May 7th, 2024, the Broadband Forum’s BASe webinar, The Future of the Connected Building. That is, the answer to bringing broadband to each resident in a connected building depends upon a given building’s existing infrastructure. And in the U.S., that infrastructure is old, as more than 80% of multifamily homes were built before 2000.
Bulk Billing Gets Personal #
The FCC was correct in its 2010 conclusion that Internet bulk billing benefits consumers. This is my conclusion after hearing directly from property managers at the recent Community Associations
Institute’s Annual Conference and Exhibition (thanks Hotwire for bringing Viodi to that event). Some of the reasons stated by these property managers include:
- Lower Internet costs for the consumer
- Closing of the digital divide – some associations do not have the resources to upgrade in-building infrastructure to support today’s broadband needs.
- Simplification for the consumer; including broadband in the association fees, similar to landscaping, insurance, and other common amenities means one less payment for the consumer.
Stay tuned for a couple of personal stories on why this topic is important to yours truly.
Economic Impact of FTTH at the Household and Regional Level
With the hundreds of billions invested by the private and public sectors, it is clear that broadband is a critical infrastructure. But, how much is it worth at the individual residential and the greater regional level? Oklahoma State Professor Brian Whitacre and Purdue Associate Professor Roberto Gallardo provide expert insight on this question. As a bonus, this article links to their latest research on who is on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Some Chirps and Short Thoughts
- This month marks the 20th anniversary of TR-069 and the celebration of the baton passing to its new sibling, TR-369 (USP – User Services Platform). Jason Wall’s LinkedIn post and the associated comments capture the importance of this Broadband Forum standard.
- This is an important filing from ACA Connects about the challenges small operators face thanks to potential amendments to FCC Part 4 reporting requirements concerning “Disruptions to Communications”.
- Former FCC Chair asks a question that this author has been wondering about for years, “So why does Google block C-SPAN?” His opinion piece can be found at The Hill.
The Korner – Breaking Down Barriers & Making Connections through Open Source Human Augmentation
Restoring a person’s ability to communicate, move, and retain a level of independence is the mission of the Scott-Morgan Foundation. Their open-source solution is modular allowing it to be customized to meet the needs of the individual.
The avatar of Erin Taylor, a 24-year-old woman recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), introduces the video found in the link below.
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