5 things that you need always-on broadband to accomplish

[Commentary] Broadband connections are supposed to be always-on -- unlike those days two decades back when you had to dial into a service and then hang up when you were done.

The introduction of always-on broadband helped pave the way for services like Napster and Skype and is one of the defining features of many aspects of modern life in first world countries.

Unfortunately, since April my broadband hasn’t been reliable, turning on and off ten to 20 times a day for periods of time that range from a minute to several hours. Given that this intermittent broadband seems to be a common enough problem, I’d like to offer ISPs and the Federal Communication Commission a list of five things I can’t actually do with a dodgy connection:

1. Using cloud office productivity software and writing tools
2. Managing my home
3. Calling a friend or source
4. Watching a movie
5. Playing music at a party

Both my job and quality of life depend on a reliable broadband connection, so it’s frustrating that I can’t seem to get one. I’m glad the FCC is looking at this as part of its Measuring Broadband reports, but I don’t know what the answer is here, in terms of what Time Warner Cable can do.