The broadband stimulus program and the National Broadband Plan have generated increased interest and involvement in broadband deployment on the part of state governments, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the role of States in broadband deployment.
But the study also found that many states lack the staff and resources to develop and implement new broadband policies.
On a June 21 conference call, Pew Center on the States Deputy Director Lori Grange noted that a few states—including Maine, North Carolina, California and Pennsylvania—have had people working for years to deliver broadband. “But the majority of states, especially those with large rural areas, are struggling to catch up,” she said.
Grange offered several examples of how a state government’s involvement can help promote the deployment and use of broadband. In Oregon, the state government is coordinating the deployment of a statewide broadband wireless network to support first responders. In Kansas, residents can go on line to see where their tax dollars are spent. And in Arizona and Washington, voters can register online.
Much of the funding for new statewide broadband initiatives has come from the federal broadband stimulus program, Grange said, but some states have provided matching funds. Although much of this funding comes from taxpayers, Grange noted that at least one state—Pennsylvania—has supported its broadband initiatives through an assessment on service providers.
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Categories: Broadband, Broadband Stimulus
