Reflexions on Fiber to the Church

There seems to be some consensus at the political level in France that some money from the intended national loan (whereby the people of France would lend money to their government to help it shape tomorrow's economy) should go to fiber broadband. There have been several public statements to that effect by politicians which, of course, amounts to little at this stage but makes one at least hopeful that some understanding of the stakes are gaining the higher spheres of power.

French fiber blogger Marc Duchesne posted an interesting tidbit about one such politician's declaration that rural areas should not be overlooked and that it's crucial that fiber be rolled to every church.

This sparked a chain reaction of memories in my brain, and reminded of the importance of hooking up churches, not as a metaphor for "every little village" but as a clever marketing strategy to drive adoption. In several locations in the Netherlands, Reggefiber did just that and dedicated a TV channel to broadcasting church offices. Devout but mobility constrained people were quick to adopt FTTH as a means to participate in religious activities from the comfort of their own homes.

Fiber to the Church is a clever marketing strategy, let it be said!