This is certainly a problem and you are correct that it is hampering economic growth. The New America Foundation, where this report originated, does some great work on promoting high speed broadband access at affordable prices. They also have an excellent YouTube channel where you can watch some presentations related to their efforts in this area.
To the GP post, most people will not recognize the need for faster access until you provide it to them. Imagine a town with only dirt road horse and buggies. Now imagine someone builds a highway on-ramp in the town. You can be certain that these individuals are now far more likely to purchase automobiles. [Shameless plug] This is a pet issue of mine, so to spare HN from being inundated with similar articles, I post them to: reddit.com/r/bandwidth.
To the GP post, most people will not recognize the need for faster access until you provide it to them. Imagine a town with only dirt road horse and buggies. Now imagine someone builds a highway on-ramp in the town. You can be certain that these individuals are now far more likely to purchase automobiles. [Shameless plug] This is a pet issue of mine, so to spare HN from being inundated with similar articles, I post them to: reddit.com/r/bandwidth.