Washington, DC – The Alliance for Public Technology (APT) and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) jointly released a report today with a comprehensive, searchable database of state government initiatives for access to advanced communications.
“Much of the work to assess the current state of broadband deployment, stimulate demand and support the build-out of true high-speed networks has taken place in the states,” said CWA President Larry Cohen. “By spotlighting these efforts, we hope to inform, guide and inspire more local, state and federal leaders to adopt comprehensive programs for promoting greater broadband investment and access across the country.”
Entitled State Broadband Initiatives: A Summary of State Programs Designed to Stimulate Broadband Deployment and Adoption, the report surveys state initiatives in seven key areas: broadband commissions, task forces, and authorities; public-private partnerships; direct funding programs; state networks; telehealth initiatives; tax policies; and demand-side programs. Taken together, they provide a checklist for policymakers who want to move forward and encourage investment in and adoption of high-speed broadband networks.
It is widely recognized that high-speed networks are now essential to a region’s economic growth and job creation. They permit cost-effective advances in health care, education, public safety, environmental protection, independent living, and government services.
APT President Kenneth Peres noted that, “Our research indicates that the most successful policies for expanding access to advanced communications networks are those that are comprehensive and include the following components: assessing broadband availability, stimulating investment, and aggregating demand at the grassroots level through private-public partnerships. What we need now is a national broadband policy that will support that model.”
Both the full document and the searchable database can be viewed at Speed Matters or Alliance for Public Technology.
Endorsements
"State Broadband Initiatives is an essential tool for state and local policymakers who want to create and maintain a vibrant economy for the 21st century. I applaud the Alliance for Public Technology and the Communications Workers of America for their leadership in researching and highlighting state programs, like the Virginia Broadband Roundtable, that can serve as models for digital opportunity."
- Aneesh Chopra, Secretary of Technology for the Commonwealth of Virginia
"The broadband deployment and adoption database that APT is releasing will be of real assistance to those of us trying to close the digital divide. It provides essential information about what is going on in the states, what policies are being adopted and what pilots are being deployed. We don't have the time to re-create the wheel in each state. It is time that we share what is working and what isn't."
- Dr. Barbara O'Connor, Director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and Media and Professor of Communications at California State University
"As Chairman of the Illinois Broadband Deployment Council, I'm grateful for the research on state broadband initiatives compiled by The Alliance for Public Technology and Communication Workers of America. In a rapidly changing area of public policy, this excellent resource should guide lawmakers as they work to improve access to critical technology nationwide."
- The Honorable Pat Quinn, Lt. Governor, Illinois
Highlights
California Advanced Services Fund provides $100 million in grants to "telephone corporations" to promote broadband services in unserved areas of California. Monies for the fund are collected via a 0.25% all-end-user-surcharge on telecommunications customers' bills.
Georgia Center for Telehealth is a project of the Medical College of Georgia. It supports research, clinical services, and training to enhance access to health care in underserved areas. It also analyzes telehealth applications, facilitates health-related educational services and supports efforts to maximize disaster preparedness.
Hawaii Broadband Task Force is developing policy recommendations for removing barriers to broadband access, identifying opportunities for increased broadband deployment and adoption, and enabling the creation and deployment of new advanced communication technologies in Hawaii.
Illinois Broadband Deployment Council brings together representatives from state agencies, localities and community organizations to develop policies and recommendations for increasing broadband deployment and bridging the digital divide in the state.
ConnectKentucky is a public-private partnership that focuses on mapping and assessment of broadband availability, aggregating demand and facilitating broadband deployment. Their strategy, known as Connected Nation, has become a model for other states to emulate.
Louisiana Delta Development Initiative funds a rural business incubator program operated by the Center for Rural Initiatives. It provides high-speed Internet access to Delta-regional business owners and funds e-business training services for entrepreneurs via distance education technology.
ConnectME Authority develops proposals for projects that extend broadband to underserved areas of Maine and manages the selection and funding of these projects. The authority also funds grants, loans, and other investments by local government to expand broadband access, often in partnership with private service providers. It is funded by a 0.25% surcharge on all communications, video, and Internet service bills in Maine, as well as contributions from private partners.
Maryland Rural Broadband Assistance Fund was established by the legislature to assist the state's Rural Broadband Coordination Office in the Department of Business and Economic Development with the establishment of broadband service in rural and underserved areas.
Massachusetts Broadband Initiative is a public-private partnership dedicated to facilitating opportunities for innovation and investment in broadband projects that connect all Massachusetts citizens to broadband. This is achieved by: coordinating collaborative efforts by providers, elected officials, and policymakers; mapping current broadband availability in Massachusetts; and making strategic investments to fill gaps in broadband availability.
Minnesota Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force was created by the legislature in April 2008. It is charged with developing goals and recommendations for deployment of an ultra high-speed broadband network for the state.
Mississippi Broadband Technology Development Act provides tax incentives for telecommunications providers deploying broadband technologies in rural areas of Mississippi.
Missouri Research and Education Network, known as MOREnet, provides Internet access to Missouri's public sector, including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, as well as public libraries, health care facilities, state government and other affiliated organizations. Services provided include Internet connectivity, access to Internet2, technical support, training and videoconferencing services.
e-NC Authority has a mission to link all North Carolinians - especially those in rural areas of the state – to the Internet. It operates business and technology telecenters; provides e-community planning grants; and hosts regional technology events.
Connect Ohio is a public-private partnership based on the successful ConnectKentucky model. It uses intensive research, mapping, and grassroots techniques to identify and address gaps in broadband availability in the state.
South Carolina Broadband Technology and Communications Study Committee was created by the legislature in 2007 to study broadband deployment in the state and offer policy recommendations. The Committee's duties include evaluation of the state's broadband infrastructure and the maintenance of an inventory of locations where broadband service is not available. Its final report recommended the creation of a public-private partnership based on the ConnectKentucky or e-NC Authority models.
Connected Tennessee is an independent non-profit organization focused on developing and implementing effective strategies for technology deployment in partnership with public and private telecommunications and information technology providers, public agencies, business and community leaders, and universities. This initiative is based on the Connected Nation model that uses intense research, mapping and grassroots techniques to pinpoint underserved areas and create strategic technology plans for these locations.
Vermont Telecommunications Authority was created by the Vermont State Legislature to facilitate the establishment and delivery of broadband infrastructure and services for residents and businesses in Vermont, with a special focus on unserved and underserved areas. It's mission is carried out through partnerships with telecommunications service providers; loans, grants, and other financial backing for building broadband service; and brokered access at reduced prices.
Virginia Broadband Roundtable was formed by Governor Kaine in June 2007 to provide recommendations for connecting every business in the state to affordable broadband by 2010. Recommendations are expected to adhere to the principles of long-term sustainability, public-private partnership, and community-driven strategy.
Washington High-Speed Internet Work Group was created by the legislature in 2008. It is charged with developing a high-speed deployment and adoption strategy for the state utilizing broadband mapping, local technology planning teams and the creation of programs to make low-cost computers more widely available while enhancing digital literacy.
Connect West Virginia is a subsidiary of Connected Nation that operates as a non-profit in partnership with Verizon. Its goal is to provide mapping of broadband availability in the state and establish reporting requirements for state broadband infrastructure.
