Internet technologies contribute to economic performance, and because of that Internet access speed is important. The faster the access, the better.

On that basis, Canada is kicking some international butt—we are way ahead of the U.S., for example—but we are also getting kicked by other countries.

The median real-time download speed in the U.S. “is a mere 1.9 megabits per second” (mbps), according to a study from the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Canada’s median download speed is 7 mbps.

So way to go Canada. Until you look further afield. France clocks in at 17 mbps, South Korea at 45 mbps and Japan is blazing along at 61 mbps.

From these numbers, the CWA rightly concludes that America “risks losing our competitive edge in today's global economy—and the jobs that go with it.

“The benefits of true broadband access for communities across the country are innumerable. From e-government and distance learning to telemedicine and public safety, high-speed Internet access for all Americans—from the rural plains to the inner cities—is essential to improving the quality our economic, civic and personal lives.”

That is exactly right, and while our speed numbers are pretty good here in North America our economic perspective should be a global one, and on that stage we are far behind South Korea and Japan. And just like our American cousins, we need to get faster.

Peter Wolchak