If you have spent any time at all in the Highlands & Islands, you will know the weight of expectations that have been placed on broadband. According to the British Minister of State for Energy, E-commerce and Postal Services Stephen Timms, the United Kingdom is on track to make broadband accessible to every community by 2005.

Broadband would be a potential milestone in the history of the Highlands & Islands economy. Conventional economic thought argues that broadband will erode away much of the disadvantages typically associated with life in the remote regions. More recently however, broadband has also become an issue in the upcoming American elections with both candidates for the presidency were keen to be visibly seen embracing broadband. President Bush last week proposed 2007 as the goal for universal availability of high-speed Internet access to keep America competitive and innovative.

"We ought to have universal, affordable access to broadband technology by the year 2007," Bush said. "And then we ought to make sure as soon as possible thereafter consumers have plenty of choices. It's important that we stay on the cutting edge of technological change, and one way to do so is to have a bold plan for broadband," he said. Bush did not elaborate on how he would accomplish the 2007 goal.

Minutes after the president spoke, Democratic presidential contender John Kerry (news - web sites) mentioned broadband as a key growth area during a campaign speech laying out his economic policy.

"I will focus on raising American competitiveness. By spurring the growth of new industries like the broadband technology that will dominate the future," Kerry said during his speech in Detroit. "

When put in perspective, the Highlands & Islands has actually done remarkably well relative to most remote regions elsewhere in the world when it comes to getting broadband connectivity. Policy makers in Britain and the Highlands & Islands have been admirably responsive in meeting the communicative needs of local communities and it’s time to give them the credit they deserve.