The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) released today the whitepaper, “Improving Broadband Access and Utilization in Virginia: Recommendations for Locality-led Broadband Initiatives in Virginia.” The document compiles data and knowledge gained using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2010 to help communities accelerate broadband deployment.
Sandie Terry, CIT Vice President of Broadband Programs, said, “This paper consolidates the knowledge and experience of our team over the past several years and provides localities with action items for moving forward with local initiatives. Additionally, this paper provides information to guide local boards and councils in setting their broadband priorities and agreeing on what role they want to play in expanding access and improving utilization for their communities.”
The whitepaper covers the necessity of broadband for economic development and educational opportunities, the different technologies used in broadband, and partnership, funding and planning recommendations. It also includes an appendix with community models that can be incorporated by other localities.
In conjunction with the release of the whitepaper, CIT has partnered with Virginia Tech’s Center for Geospatial Information Technology to create the Broadband Demand Survey. The web-based survey is designed to capture high-speed and gigabit (Gb) internet service demand across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The results will be used by the State to prioritize resources and to facilitate broadband expansion in underserved areas. Capturing unmet demand is one of the steps in CIT’s strategic broadband roadmap.
Pete Jobse, CIT President & CEO, said, “The deployment of broadband is crucial as we build the foundation for the new Virginia economy. We published this paper as a guide to help localities develop strategies to advance their broadband needs.”
For the whitepaper, and accompanying infographic, go to www.wired.virginia.gov/
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