High-Speed Internet: Why the U.S. is Falling Behind the Rest of the World

Image Credit: Fresh Air NPR

Why is internet access in the U.S. so many times slower, and more expensive, than it is in Korea, Japan, Norway, and Sweden -- among other countries?


What is the significance of the recent court ruling on net neutrality?


 Why does Youtube and why does Netflix take so long to buffer (hint, it's got nothing to do with your computer)?


How is the Internet like the transcontinental railroad, back in the 19th century, or the telephone and electricity in the early-to-mid-20th century, or interstate highways in the 1950s?


What are you likely to miss out on in the decade ahead if nothing changes in the way the United States handles internet access?


Listen to this "Fresh Air" interview with author Susan Crawford. It's a real eye-opener.