For
The last in the series. “What is broadband good for?”
For
“For” can be understood as both a utilitarian word (“for what purpose is X used?”) and a pointer to a beneficiary (“for whom the bell tolls”). Here is a moment at which I think “for” could bravely choose one of these purposes.
“For” in its utilitarian sense is tied to “what,” providing a kind of bookend service-oriented function within our little phrase. What’s it good for? What content-delivery supply-chain usefulness is broadband providing? We are devoted to coming full circle, as human beings. Repetition is the way we know things are reaching an end, and we long for resolution of difficult moments. If we take this approach, “for” is just another instance of choosing online services and billing for them, rounding out “what” and “broadband” with a comfortably related “for.” I think this use of “for” is selling “for” short.
Of course, “for” is short. But let us press on.
“For” could instead be used here in a higher-minded, more optimistic, more socially-responsible way. Why wouldn’t we want to push “for” higher up the great chain of meaning? Who are we to hold “for” back?
So here is my brief conclusion. Internet access is “for” our collective economic and social future. We are the beneficiaries, as are the generations who will follow us. We can’t predict it, we can’t control it, but we can try to make it as interesting and complex as possible. It’s “for” us.
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Comcast CEO Shows Off Super Quick Modem.
DOCSIS 3.0, from Wikipedia.
“I wonder if Comcast will still have their blistering fast 376kbps upload speed when they increase the download speed.” Comment on Engadget entry.