RD451 - Broadband Activities in the Commonwealth: An Annual Status Report - December 9, 2014


Executive Summary:
The Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Center for Innovative Technology, its partners, and the efforts of broadband providers and localities and regions 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, an in-depth analysis was released detailing the regional economic impact of the federal government’s investment in advanced broadband technology and services throughout the Commonwealth. Some of the impact was immediate, especially with regards to education, while other benefits continue to accrue. Broadband is increasingly creating economic development opportunities, connecting residential communities, and carries significant potential to improve health outcomes and lower healthcare costs in rural and remote areas. An update of this analysis is included in this report.

The Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Awareness (OTPBA) launched a new website at http://www.wired.virginia.gov. This cornerstone in the effort to expand availability of affordable broadband level telecommunications services – and drive awareness of the benefits of broadband – provides an easy-to-use “roadmap” format, built to serve multiple audiences including small business, individuals, localities and legislators.

Virginia’s first broadband awareness and adoption pilot project resulted in a robust suite of resources added to the website. A series of Broadband Planning Strategies Workshops were held in more than a half-dozen communities across the Commonwealth, unveiling mapping and planning tools and resources developed under NTIA-funded projects, helping communities overcome broadband access obstacles by educating community leaders on how to achieve last mile solutions.

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 for counties seeking to enhance broadband coverage. Another key focus is working to identify remaining coverage gaps as they relate to healthcare providers and the readiness of the Commonwealth for the broad implementation of Health IT initiatives including electronic health records (EHR), Telehealth programs, and health information exchange (HIE).

The Commonwealth of Virginia and its partners are committed to bring adequate and affordable broadband to all Virginians. This report highlights the initiatives and activities that have occurred in 2014.