Just a couple of weeks ago I was in San Antonio visiting my sister and mother. During the visit, I asked my sister if she had seen the recent videos and pictures of my children that I had posted. She said no. I said ok. Let me show them to you. So, off we went into her bedroom to use the computer. When I attempted to navigate to the site (http://www.myfamily.com) that I use to store and distribute all information regarding the events and activities of my family to my broader family and friends it took forever. I quickly became frustrated. I asked my sister, “Is this what you go through each time you use your computer?” “Yes”, she said. I asked what is this a dial-up connection? Again she replied, “Yes”. I almost passed out. Listen people. No more dial-up!!! Repeat after me. NO MORE DIAL-UP.
When I asked her why she was using dial-up she told me she could not afford a DSL connection. I said how is that when a DSL connection is only about $14.00 a month? Just to be sure I did a quick search to find a few DLS prices. Sure enough, ATT offers Basic DSL for $19.95. I asked my sister could you afford $19.95 a month. She said “No I can’t.” “Ok”, I said. Here is what you do. You simply must have the fastest Internet connection that you can afford. This is no longer an option. This is not a luxury. The access and opportunities you are granted by having a high-speed connection to the Internet are mind boggling, and for many black people to still be living as if DSL is not available borders on insane. Ok, maybe that is too strong. But I am trying to make a point.
I told my sister. You are paying for something right now that you are probably paying more than $19.95 per month that does not afford you the same value that a fast DSL connection would provide. I suggested that she go through her monthly expenses. I am quite sure that she will find some expense that she is paying for that can probably be done for free using the web and her computer with a high speed Internet. One easy example would be mailing your bills. Stop paying for stamps, envelopes, etc to pay bills. Stop paying for a subscription to your newspaper that you can read online. Stop paying for software to run on your computer such as word that you can use on the web via Google for free.
We found several examples of monthly expenses that could be eliminated and done for free using her computer and a high-speed connection to the Internet. Please stop saying you can’t afford DSL and let’s get on with the business of joining the 21st century. If you feel that you truly can’t afford to pay for DSL, I would suggest you try the exercise described above.
Warmest Regards,
Kai Ajala Dupé
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- Kai Ajala Dupé is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and community servant.
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2 comments:
DSL is definitely a much have now. The place that is the hardest for persons to get broadband service is in the rural areas. I live in a rural area and the only way to get DSL service is through the local telephone cooperative. There isn't any other telephone company that has service here or any cable TV company, so there's no competition for a lower rate. But, from comparing prices of the surrounding areas for broadband service vs other phone companies and the cooperative I'm with is much cheaper. But, unless you get broadband service as part of phone service package, it's expensive. And even if the rate is affordable, the service isn't always available because of the technical issues of broadband service.
So, for the rural areas, when the technical issues of broadband availability and the price is more affordable, then more people will get DSL service.
Hi Al,
Yes I agree. If you are unable to get the service because you live in an area where DLS is not offered then that is of course understandable. My point was mostly relating to those who feel it is too expensive or that it is not worth the price that they are paying. I lived in a rural area outside of Austin, Texas and I had the same problem that you have described here. I paid much more for my service than I was used to but since I make money using broadband I had no choice but to pay the higher rates. The alternative was that I would sacrifice my businesses. But I understand what you are saying. I have another post on this blog where I cite an example from the Austin American Statesman that points out that these days when folks are buying homes one of the deal breakers is whether or not the area is able to receive broadband from one of the major carriers. Something to think about.
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