HOT LINKS
Digital Literacy Online Curriculum Now Available!
(July 1, 2011)
FCC Extends Funding for Telehealth Services at Rural Medical Centers
(June 27, 2011)
FCC Report Places Special Emphasis on Need for Broadband in Rural America
(June 22, 2011)
Update to 2009 FCC Broadband Report
(June 17, 2011)
Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities Baseline Study
Digital Crossroads: A Community Guide to Broadband Policy
Federal Communications Commission Action Agenda
A Focus on High-Speed Internet AccessThe broadband initiative was adopted in response to the findings of a Regional Competitiveness Assessment that was prepared for the IMPACT 20/20 Core Team, using the results of extensive face-to-face interviews conducted with all 24 members by an independent consultant, as well as corroborating statistical data. The Infrastructure Taskforce proposes two goals--one relating to the use of the Universal Service Fund to support broadband and one relating directly to specific broadband speeds within communities. Speaker's Bureau New this year, IMPACT 20/20 has established a Speaker's Bureau. If you are interested in learning more about broadband and if you need a speaker for your club, community, or organization, contact IMPACT 20/20. Our taskforce members are available to speak to your group on a variety of broadband subjects including (but limited to):
For more information, contact IMPACT 20/20 Project Coordinator, Michelle Landsverk, by phoning 218-435-2834. Community Broadband ForumsIn October, the IMPACT 20/20 Taskforce for Broadband conducted Broadband Forums in three Northwest Minnesota Communities: Mahnomen, Crookston, and Park Rapids. The video below is from the Park Rapids Broadband Forum, where Gary Johnson, Paul Bunyan Communications Chief Operating Officer and member of the IMPACT 20/20 Taskforce for Broadband, outlined the goals of the Taskforce.
Additional Community Broadband Forums are being planned for the fall of 2011. Dates and locations to be announced. |
||
IMPACT 20/20 Taskforce for Broadband Goals
GOAL 1
The Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) will be expanded to recognize the inclusion of broadband service within five years. The goals of the USF are to:
-
1. Promote the availability of quality service at just, reasonable and affordable rates.
2. Increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation.
3. Advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low-income, rural, insular, and high-cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas.
BENCHMARKS
-
1. Within 18 months, the FCC Broadband Policy will reflect USF support for broadband, including high-cost provider support and end-user support.
2. Within two years, congressional delegations of North Dakota and Minnesota will publicly agree to support pertinent legislation.
3. A minimum of four articles per year will appear in area newspapers supporting USF.
4. Legislation will be introduced and passed in Congress that supports the expansion of USF by 2013. -
GOAL 2
All communities in the region of 500 residents or more will have business-grade broadband access of speeds greater than 20/10 within five years. All residents of the region will have access to broadband speeds of 10/5 within the same time period.
BENCHMARKS
-
1. 50% of communities greater than 500 will have 20/10 access within three years.
2. 75% of communities greater than 500 will have 20/10 access within four years.