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State Efforts to Expand Broadband Access
National Governors Association
May 20, 2008

• Broadband communication is radically transforming the way in which Americans use the Internet by providing the ability to access voice, video, and data through a single network.
• There are benefits in having access to educational institutions or telemedicine applications through the Internet.
• The study recommends a variety of successful approaches to spur broadband in the states.

Click here to read an executive summary of the study.

Click here to read the full study.

• Net job growth of 10,859 jobs from increase in broadband deployment. (Connected Nation, The Economic Impact of Stimulating Broadband Nationally)

• In June 2006, $9.8 million of public-private investment financed 79 projects bringing broadband access to 50,000 potential new subscribers. (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, “State Efforts to Expand Broadband Access”)

• The Idaho 3% Broadband Telecom Tax Credit allows businesses a 3% investment tax credit of up to $750,000 in any one year on Idaho state income tax for qualified broadband equipment and infrastructure. (Alliance for Public Technology and Communications Workers of America, State Broadband Initiatives)

• Created by the Idaho Legislature in 2006, the Idaho Rural Broadband Investment Program is a $5 million fund that provides matching funds for rural broadband investment plans. (Alliance for Public Technology and Communications Workers of America, State Broadband Initiatives)

By Michelle Costa

  March 3, 2008

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NewWest.Net

By Sharon Fisher

February 19, 2008

  To Read the Full Article Click Here