California has issued a landmark report calling for a major upgrade and expansion of broadband services to all households – including rural areas – and the promotion of new technologies such as tele-health.

The State of Connectivity, the final report of the California Broadband Task Force, said high-speed Internet services are a “fundamental aspect of the infrastructure required to educate our youth, create jobs, promote public safety, improve our standard of living, and deliver essential services like health care.”

The Task Force adopted three key goals:
• California must ensure ubiquitous and affordable broadband infrastructure, made available through a variety of technologies to all Californians.
• California must drive the creation and use of applications that produce the greatest economic, educational, and social benefits for California’s economy and communities.
• California must construct next-generation broadband infrastructure, positioning California as the global economic leader in a knowledge-based economy.

In its recommendation to build out high-speed broadband infrastructure to all Californians, the Task Force noted that some 1.4 million rural residents make up the largest population of state residents who lack service.

In the area of e-health, the Task Force committed to boosting development of a network that would “assist in overcoming geographic, financial, and cultural barriers to improving and maintaining health.” Some of the e-health applications under consideration include Web-based messaging and appointment services, e-prescriptions, and telemedicine. Using broadband for disaster planning and continuing education for health professionals are also priorities.

Verizon West Region President Tim McCallion, who serves as a member of the California Broadband Task Force, said that the report “makes it clear that we need bold leadership in the public and private sectors to ensure we keep pace with our competitors in the global economy.”

Ken McNeely, President, AT&T California, commended the Task Force for its efforts. “We recognize that a strong broadband infrastructure is the foundation for the 21st century economy,” he said. “AT&T sees an exciting future with broadband delivering a range of new services, educational opportunities through distance learning, and expanded, more affordable healthcare to more Californians.”

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commissioned the report, which recommends California issue infrastructure bonds and use proceeds “in partnership” with investment from the private sector to finance components of high-speed capable networks in unserved and underserved markets.

Schwarzenegger, noting that 96 percent of Californians have access to broadband Internet services, applauded the report. He touted a number of initiatives to boost broadband usage, including the California Emerging Technology Fund, the new California Advanced Services Fund and the California Telehealth Network. “Expanding broadband access keeps California competitive in a global market and stimulates our economy through job growth,” Schwarzenegger said.

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