Blandin on Broadband

Thanks to Bill Coleman for sending me the following information on ConnectKentucky and Connected Nation. I believe that these are notes from a discussion between someone from the GIG Group and Brett Lagg from Connected Nation.

For background sake, here’s how Connected Nation describes itself on its web site:

Connected Nation is non-profit organization known for its ability to bridge the digital divide. With results-oriented public private partnerships Connected Nation improves access to and use of broadband Internet and the related services that are enabled when communities and families have the opportunity and desire to connect. For America, this means better education, more jobs, improved healthcare, more efficient government, and a better quality of life.

And here are the handy notes from Bill. It really talks about Connected Nation and their first project – ConnectKentucky and their current plans for mapping access to broadband based on info from current providers:

1. The #1 objective in Kentucky was to close the digital divide and make the internet a useful tool
2. The first area of focus was on getting broadband that made the internet a usable tool
3. The second tier focus is speed
4. As the internet becomes adopted then the speed will follow
5. Comprehensive GSI mapping was done down to the street level and identified various broadband technologies – wireless, fiber, DSL, etc.
6. Providers were comfortable giving Connected Nation the information based on non-disclosure
7. Maps should be continually updated
8. Don’t want to box the providers in
9. Conducted research (telephone survey’s) across the state – county by county to find out detailed information about broadband availability versus broadband adoption. Within each community they found out what kept them from adopting – cost, no computer, don’t find the internet interesting, do not have the education or know how to use. After determining the reason for not adopting – they would come up with a solution – maybe community education, refurbished computer program, etc.
10. They set up e-community leadership teams. That team takes the resources map and survey info. and comes up with a strategic technology plan for the community. They make sure the plan is adoptable.
11. Market based approach – believe that providers will deploy if there is a business case to do so
12. Not all deployments were done be providers, some were/are done by cities and are run/owned by cities
    Connected Nation has technology consultants on their staff that work with local entrepreneurs to get the best wireless deployment set up.
13. Kentucky has a no child left offline program
14. Where the need was identified – providers have deployed the latest technology versus what would get the area to a minimum broadband definition
15. Connected Nation is hesitant to state a specific speed, but their definition is much higher than the FCC – closer to 1 – 2 MB starting out
16. Kentucky had a 22% adoption rate in 2004 today it’s at 44%.
17. Targeting 100% coverage by spring of next year
18. Another phase is building robust applications – e-health network
19. In the process of creating speed based maps
20. Brent is meeting with people in Hawaii next week to discuss their Broadband initiative
21. Launching Connect Ohio next Thursday – Dec. 13th
22. Cost – mentioned 2 million per year, it’s a 3 year initiative, but they’ve also been able to reduce costs over time
23. Most expensive part is the community involvement
24. Connected Nation gives the state ownership as the on the ground staff understand the state better than
25. Connected Nation could. People are hired who are qualified to manage the initiative – a subsidiary of Connected Nation is created.