Luther Women's Club learns about November 3rd "fast fiber" referendum

Decorah Fast Fiber member Jim Fritz on Tuesday gave Luther College Women's Club members a pitch on why they should vote "Yes/Yes" on November 3rd's referendum on establishing a communications utility in Decorah.

Fritz likened the drive for fast Internet service to the electrification of rural America last century and said broadband Internet is now considered a "basic utility" by the federal government.

"It's the future and it's happening today," he told the group.  Fritz said faster Internet connections would stop the "brain drain" of young people leaving town to get jobs; would keep local money spent on communications; and would benefit education, medicine and business.

He also told the group greater Internet speeds will become more important as the "connected home" becomes more common, allowing thermostats and washers and dryers, among other utilities, to be controlled over the Internet.

Decorah Women's Club members asked numerous questions following the speech, with Fritz urging them to support the measure on November 3rd because it is "a clear path for any progressive community."

(Disclosure: This story was written by decorahnews.com's Paul Scott, who is a member of Decorah Fast Fiber.)