RD351 - Broadband Activities in the Commonwealth: An Annual Status Report - November 20, 2013


Executive Summary:
The Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Center for Innovative Technology, its partners, and the efforts of broadband providers, continue to work to extend the reach and benefits of broadband access to all of our citizens. Broadband is an essential component of our economic competitiveness, and it stands to transform Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) across the Commonwealth: our K-12 schools and renowned institutions of higher education, our healthcare providers, our public safety facilities, and our public libraries.

In the past year, work toward completion of several projects funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has resulted in miles of new fiber providing access to thousands of homes, and hundreds of CAIs and businesses, in previously unserved and underserved regions of Virginia. Some of the impact is immediate, especially with regards to connecting students, teachers and administrators at all levels of the education spectrum. Other benefits will accrue over time, as last-mile connectivity often remains a challenge to be addressed – and market forces continue to evolve.

Our work also continues to fuel the Broadband Availability Maps both for the Commonwealth of Virginia and at the national level, and provides critical data and technical assistance for counties seeking to enhance broadband coverage. Another key focus area is working to identify remaining gaps in coverage as they relate to healthcare providers and the readiness of the Commonwealth for the broad implementation of Telehealth initiatives including electronic health records (EHR), the health information exchange (HIE), and provision of care to Veterans across the state.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and its partners are committed to bring affordable broadband to all Virginians. This report highlights the initiatives and activities that have occurred in 2013.