Wyoming company highlighted in NPR piece on rural broadband debate

Eleutian Technologies of Ten Sleep was featured yesterday in a piece on NPR’s Morning Edition.  Eleutian was used as an example of broadband access creating jobs and opportunities to counterpoint recent comments by Former FCC economist Michael Katz that were highly critical of money in the economic stimulus package being allocated for expanding rural broadband service.

You can hear the piece or read a transcript at NPR but be forwarned, Katz’ comments on rural living may raise your blood pressure.

Katz asserts that folks who live in rural areas impose a substantial cost on society.  It is true that some of us are lucky enough to live in rural and small town areas because we choose to; but that is hardly the vast majority of rural dwellers.  I have to wonder where does Katz think food, minerals, lumber, and other raw materials come from?  Who does he think produces them?