Pew: States are Critical to Broadband Expansion

Pew’s recently released study, Bringing America Up to Speed: States' Role in Expanding Broadband, finds that states play a pivotal role in expanding broadband access across America.

A growing number of states are emphasizing broadband as a driver for economic growth and the efficient delivery of health care, public safety and other critical services. According to Susan Urahn, managing director, Pew Center on the States:

"Just about every policy area that states manage could be affected by expanding this technology. States' efforts will play a pivotal role in whether the new national broadband plan succeeds."

However, the Pew report discovered that many states lack the resources to develop and implement new broadband policies or coordinate access across different jurisdictions.

Earlier this month, NTIA invited states to apply for a second round of State Broadband Data and Development grants to gather broadband mapping data. This data can be used to implement new innovative broadband policies and program.

To read the full Pew report, click here. To see Speed Matters' report on innovative State Broadband Initiatives, click here.

Pew Report Finds States Are Essential to Broadband Expansion (redOrbit)

NTIA Announces Second Round of State Broadband Grants (Speed Matters)

Bringing America Up to Speed: States’ Role in Expanding Broadband (Pew)

State Broadband Initiatives - Labrotories of Innovation (Speed Matters)