I listened to yesterday’s Webinar that looked at the tremendous strides Ft. Wayne, Ind., has made in improving economic development, public safety, health care and education through a comprehensive program to provide high-speed broadband to a metropolitan area of 250,000 people. It was a fascinating look at how one city is successfully using broadband to leverage existing resources to improve city operations.

Former Mayor Graham Richard explained how, when taking office in 2000, he formed a team dedicated to incorporating technology into the community’s public safety programs. Early on, Graham recalled, the mandate for broadband was clear. “What can we do with technology to make sure that we’re using every available hour of every police officer in a particular and in an effective way?” he said

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AT&T, Tenn. Create Medical Info Exchange
New York Times
February 25, 2008
  

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This event is now over. Please click play above to watch an archived version of the debate from George Washington University on February 25th. The event, sponsored by the Democratic Leadership Council and the Congressional Institute, is being led by House Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel and House Republican Conference Chair Adam Putnam.

WASHINGTON — The Democratic Leadership Council and the Congressional Institute are bringing together 4 “next generation” ” Democratic House members and 4 “next generation” Republican House members to discuss some of the most significant issues facing the United States. The first in the series discussions will be held tonight at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and can be seen live in its entirety at http://www.nextgenweb.org. The event, led by House Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel and House Republican Conference Chair Adam Putnam, will focus on the question, “How Can America Foster Economic Growth and Opportunity.”

NextGenWeb.org is a blog and resource site dedicated to looking at how broadband and the innovations that have spawned from broadband deployment are used to better education, health care, the environment and public safety. When you visit NextGenWeb you will see right away how broadband is revolutionizing the classroom experience and how it can play a key role in reducing hazardous greenhouse gas emissions through telecommuting. In the e-Health section you can learn quickly how access to broadband can deliver quality, affordable health care services as well as targeted care to Americans who are often forced to drive hundreds of miles to see a prenatal or heart specialist.

As in these areas, through NextGenWeb.org, tonight’s debate will use broadband technology to bring the discussions to a broader audience.

For more information please visit www.nextgenweb.org or http://www.dlc.org/.

Hope For Transportation Future
Santa Cruz Sentinel
By Jeffrey Ringold
February 24, 2008

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At a time when many interest groups are focused on unnecessary Internet regulation, Connected Nation — with support from groups like the Alliance for Public Technology and the Communications Workers of America — has gotten it right. After reading its new study The Economic Impact of Stimulating Broadband Nationally, it’s clear that ubiquitous broadband deployment must be considered one of the nation’s top public policy priorities. How many things can you think of that have the ability to improve health care, education, the environment and our economy all at the same time? Just to name a few!

The new Connected Nation report puts the focus on broadband policy where it should be — promoting innovative approaches that unleash the power of public-private partnerships which then lead to the rapid expansion of access to broadband. The report details the state-by-state impact of legislation aimed at accelerating broadband access and use. Its findings suggest that the United States could realize an impact of $134 billion annually from a modest increase in broadband adoption.

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To See Highlights from the Connected Nation Hill Briefing, Click Here

The Economic Impact of Stimulating Broadband Nationally
Connected Nation
February 21, 2008

Adopting a national policy to stimulate the deployment of broadband in underserved areas of the U.S. could have dramatic and far-reaching
economic impacts. For instance, just a seven percentage point increase in broadband adoption could result in:

•   $92 billion through an additional 2.4 million jobs per year created
• $662 million saved per year in reduced healthcare costs
• $6.4 billion per year in mileage saving from unnecessary driving
• $18 million in carbon credits associated with 3.2 billion fewer lbs of CO2 emissions per year in the United States
• $35.2 billion in value from 3.8 billion more hours saved per year from accessing broadband at home
• $134 billion per year in total direct economic impact of accelerating broadband across the United States

Click here to read the full study.

Study: More U.S. Broadband Has $134 Billion Economic Impact
InfoWorld
By Grant Gross
February 21, 2008
  

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Study Derides Federal Telework Efforts: $13.9 Billion Deficit
Layer 8
February 19, 2008

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Survey: More Government Workers Can Telecommute
Computer World
By Grant Gross
February 19, 2008

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