The EdLab Group is working with a number of partners to conduct broadband data development (data collection and mapping), capacity building and regional/state broadband investment planning for the states of Idaho and Wyoming. The programs, known as LinkIDAHO and LinkWYOMING, were funded in November 2009 by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). As recipient of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) awards, EdLab Group received funding for broadband data collection, mapping and planning activities over a two-year period. The awards were increased and extended for an additional three years in 2011. These projects have developed regional broadband investment plans to expand broadband access and use in both states. The grants include:

• Ongoing assessment of the current availability, adoption and use of broadband communications throughout the state
• The implementation of specific strategies to fill current gaps in broadband access and increase the use of broadband for efforts such as education, telehealth, public safety, agriculture, government efficiencies and more

Project Status
In progress

Partners
LinkAMERICA Alliance
CostQuest Associates
VISIONTECH360

Idaho-specific Partners
State of Idaho Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
Rural IV Regional Development Association
Idaho Rural Partnership

Wyoming-specific Partners
State of Wyoming Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
Wyoming Business Council
Wyoming Rural Development Council

Technical Assistance Partner
EdLab Group is seeking a qualified partner to:

1. Work with the broadband provider community and LinkIDAHO's Regional Planning Teams (RPTs) to identify key resources who might benefit from training in technology and policy change;
2. Develop database of technology leaders and confirm their interest in attending technical assistance events;
3. Develop and offer optional RSS feeds to state leaders;
4. Provide brief training for state leaders on subscribing to and benefiting from RSS feeds;
5. Develop content and facilitate on-site seminars;
6. Develop content and facilitate online webinars; and
7. Develop/deliver a broadband funding manual to help stakeholders successfully navigate grant and loan programs for broadband efforts, including information about various public and private sources of funding for broadband projects.

Read more in the Request for Proposals (PDF). Deadline for responses has been extended to Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Futher information
More information about the SBI programs can be found at LinkIDAHO and LinkWYOMING.

For more information about the Digital Inclusion project, contact Karen Peterson, Chief Executive Officer or Kathy Johnson, SBI Program Director.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 made funding possible for broadband projects, including mapping and planning, infrastructure, public computer centers and sustainable adoption programs. States' broadband mapping and planning projects are made possible through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program.

In Nov. 2009, EdLab Group received an approximately $1.8 million grant to fund Idaho's SBDD project years 1-2. The SBDD program became known as the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) in 2010, and an additional $2.6 million grant was awarded to fund project years 3-5.

This project serves as a catalyst for increased access to and use of broadband to better serve our citizens. With ubiquitous broadband, Idaho can realize improved economic development, access to education and healthcare, enhanced public safety, improved government efficiencies, increased tourism, greater access to telework opportunities and more.

Why LinkIDAHO?

Through initial research, we understand there are many reasons Idahoans do not use broadband. Perhaps the most commonly cited barrier is access: broadband must be available in order to adopt it. Where broadband is available, barriers to adopting it include high subscription costs, lack of broadband-ready devices, low awareness of broadband uses and concerns about privacy and security on the Internet. Through community collaboration and regional planning, this project will address these issues and many more.

In order to address expansion of this technology, we must first have a clear picture of where broadband currently exists in the state, and thus where gaps in coverage are. Following a thorough assessment and inventory of key Idaho assets, we have developed an online, interactive tool revealing the state's broadband footprint. This tool, available at http://www.linkidaho.org/lid/maps.aspx, displays detailed maps of broadband coverage in both rural and urban areas throughout the state. These maps, also, provide consumers with links to individual broadband providers in their area. Data collected for the LinkIDAHO broadband maps is provided to NTIA for inclusion in a national broadband map

While consumers may use this content to identify and order broadband services, it is equally important for policymakers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Policymakers can identify and address barriers to expansion. ISPs can identify gaps in coverage and an estimated cost to fill them.

Prior to data collection, we were unable to accurately articulate the levels of current and future demand for broadband services for Idaho businesses, households and community anchor institutions. By collecting and analyzing market data, we are able to profile county-specific broadband service demands and complete a geographic analysis of that demand relative to available infrastructure.

Another challenge LinkIDAHO addresses is the absence of coordinated regional leadership to plan and implement local sustainable adoption. During the past year, we facilitated regional technology planning teams to develop effective, local strategies and regional broadband plans.

Our Role in Addressing Broadband Challenges and Solutions

LinkIDAHO is not intended to replace or compete with other broadband efforts across the state, but rather to identify and work with new and existing projects that share our goal. Through collaboration, we can finally realize greater access to and use of broadband technologies to improve business opportunities and the quality of life for all Idahoans.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 made funding possible for broadband projects, including mapping and planning, infrastructure, public computer centers and sustainable adoption programs. States' broadband mapping and planning projects are made possible through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program.

In Nov. 2009, EdLab Group received an approximately $1.8 million grant to fund Wyoming's SBDD project years 1-2. The SBDD program became known as the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) in 2010, and an additional $2.36 million grant was awarded to fund project years 3-5.

This project serves as a catalyst for increased access to and use of broadband to better serve residents and businesses. With ubiquitous broadband, Wyoming can realize improved economic development, access to education and healthcare, enhanced public safety, improved government efficiencies, increased tourism, greater access to telework opportunities and more.

Why LinkWYOMING?

Through initial research, we understand there are many reasons residents of Wyoming do not use broadband. Perhaps the most commonly cited barrier is access: broadband must be available in order to adopt it. Where broadband is available, barriers to adopting it include high subscription costs, lack of broadband-ready devices, low awareness of broadband uses and concerns about privacy and security on the Internet. Through community collaboration and regional planning, this project will address these issues and many more.

In order to address expansion of this technology, we must first have a clear picture of where broadband currently exists in the state, and thus where our gaps in coverage are. Following a thorough assessment and inventory of key Wyoming assets, we have developed an online, interactive tool revealing our broadband footprint. This tool, available at http://www.linkWyoming.org/lwy/maps.aspx, displays detailed maps of broadband coverage in both rural and urban areas throughout the state. These maps, also, provide consumers with links to individual broadband providers in their area. Data collected for the LinkWYOMING broadband maps is provided to NTIA for inclusion in a national broadband map

While consumers may use this content to identify and order broadband services, it is equally important for policymakers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Policymakers can identify and address barriers to expansion. ISPs can identify gaps in coverage and an estimated cost to fill them.

Prior to data collection, we have been unable to accurately articulate the levels of current and future demand for broadband services for Wyoming businesses, households and community anchor institutions. By collecting and analyzing market data, we are able to profile county-specific broadband service demands and complete a geographic analysis of that demand relative to available infrastructure.

Another challenge LinkWYOMING addresses is the absence of coordinated regional leadership to plan and implement local sustainable adoption. During the past year, we facilitated regional technology planning teams to develop effective, local strategies and regional broadband plans.

Our Role in Addressing Broadband Challenges and Solutions

LinkWYOMING is not intended to replace or compete with other broadband efforts in the state, but rather to identify and work with new and existing projects that share our goal. Through collaboration, we can finally realize greater access to and use of broadband technologies to improve business opportunities and the quality of life for all residents of Wyoming.