Commissioner Staples Releases Statewide Map to Identify Broadband Needs Across Texas

From the Texas Department of Agriculture:

Map, survey findings identify areas of the state that remain unconnected

AUSTIN — More than 96 percent of Texas households have access to home broadband service; however, a quarter of a million households in the Lone Star State — more than all of the households in Vermont — lack access to this critical service. In an effort to close the digital divide, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced the launch of the Texas broadband map, which illustrates the state's broadband landscape; pinpoints unserved areas; identifies types of service; and allows broadband service providers to target future investment.

"High-speed Internet is directly related to business development and is a critical lifeline to vital services like telemedicine and education," Commissioner Staples said. "Every Texan should have the opportunity to drive in the fast lane on the information superhighway; however, some Texans are stuck on a dirt road. This new statewide broadband map will help us bridge the digital divide for rural communities and households that remain unserved by broadband service."

The state was mapped by Connected Texas, a non-profit organization designated by the Texas Department of Agriculture to measure and map the availability and use of broadband in Texas.

The map includes data from 123 state providers and indicates 3.5 percent of Texas households, or approximately 257,000 residences, do not have access to home broadband service. Most of the unserved areas are in rural regions of the state, and a lack of broadband access is hindering their opportunities for business development and access to telemedicine, higher education and e-government.

"The complete picture of the state's broadband coverage will help us focus our efforts on those libraries where better connectivity is needed," said Director Peggy Rudd of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. "Public libraries often face the challenge of not knowing what broadband options are available in their areas, and the new map will become a valuable informational tool for them as well."

"This map will be a valuable tool to help Texans identify providers offering high-speed Internet access to homes and businesses throughout the state," said Commissioner Donna L. Nelson of the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

The map is a tool for strategically targeting broadband infrastructure build-out and subscribership. The public is encouraged to review the map at www.connectedtx.org and provide input to help validate the data. The broadband inventory map will be updated again in the fall after consumer and provider data are collected.

The Texas broadband map includes BroadbandStat Technology, which allows a street-level view of current high-speed Internet availability. The map, which will be continually enhanced and upgraded, is searchable by address, allowing users to see the type of technology used to provide service in their areas, as well as the providers servicing their areas. The public can also use the map to compare prices through direct links to service providers.

Gov. Rick Perry designated TDA, in consultation with the PUC and the Texas Public Safety Commission, to lead the state’s broadband service expansion initiatives and represent the interests of Texas to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

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Connect Alaska Offers Interactive Tools to Improve High-Speed Internet Access

Juneau, AK – Connect Alaska, a nonprofit public-private partnership, is now putting valuable tools and information directly into the hands of Alaska residents in an effort to identify areas of the state unserved or underserved by high-speed Internet access.

The Connect Alaska website now allows anyone access to tools to help improve their Internet connection at www.connectak.org. Users can check their current Internet speeds, request quality broadband service in their area, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives.

“In today’s digital world, being connected to the Internet is critical to preserving and improving lifestyle,” says Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Alaska’s parent company, Connected Nation. “Whether you live in a rural or urban area, broadband gives you the opportunity to work from home, take online classes, and market your products – all of which have a positive impact on the local economy. Yet, for thousands of Alaska residents, affordable access to high-speed Internet is still not available.”

These interactive tools are just the beginning of what will soon be available through the Connect Alaska website. Connect Alaska has been commissioned by the state and the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development to create the state’s first complete broadband map. The map is being created in collaboration with the state’s broadband providers and will be viewable using cutting-edge BroadbandStat technology, which will make it fully interactive and available to anyone with Internet access. Visitors will be able to find information about broadband providers, down to the street level, including the provider contact information and the types of broadband service available at their address. Alaska’s BroadbandStat map will be unveiled later this summer on the Connect Alaska website.

“High-speed Internet facilitates access to quality jobs, information, and vital services ranging from interactive telemedicine to higher education,” said Michael Black, deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. “By increasing broadband access and use across the state, Alaska will have greater opportunities and a new throughway to economic empowerment.”

Connect Alaska is funded through a $1.9 million award by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to launch the initiative in the state and carry out the work over a five-year period. Under the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development grant program, Connect Alaska is charged with creating statewide awareness, mapping, and maintaining the state broadband inventory for two years, and conducting planning efforts for a period of five years. These funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NTIA, as required by the ARRA, will make a national broadband map publicly available by February 17, 2011.

Link to full press release