Broadband: Get Started Today

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Examine why broadband is critical for communities and why planners should be involved in broadband and technology planning.
• Understand broadband technology and the applications and devices in their communities demanding greater connectivity and its impact on community and economic development.
• Identify broadband models of deployment, the basics of community network and public-private partnerships, and the role of feasibility studies in planning.

MORE SESSION DETAILS

Broadband isn’t a new topic of discussion, and while much of the densely populated areas of the country enjoy quality wired and wireless connectivity, many communities still lag behind much of the developed world in broadband penetration, speed, and adoption, primarily in rural areas.
This session has three purposes;
• to make the case for local broadband planning and provide a model for engaging local stakeholders, and deliver information and examples for how to begin broadband and technology planning in your community;
• to explore the key data drivers that are creating demand for greater bandwidth in communities, and describe the evolving technologies (wired and wireless) that are becoming available to meet that rapidly expanding data demand
• to examine the basics of high-speed broadband infrastructure, and the importance of public-private-partnerships in funding infrastructure business models. Understand why and when you should work with incumbent providers, the potential of public-private partnerships and the basics of the community network model. Understand the value of feasibility studies; the role of planners and how to choose the right model for your community.
This session uses data, case studies, and best practices to provide a foundation for participants seeking to get involved with broadband planning.

Session Speakers

Eric W. Frederick
Organizer and Speaker
Connected Nation
Holland, MI

Nicholas Pilarski
Speaker
Peoples Culture

Rebecca Nathanson
Speaker
1904labs
St. Louis, MO

Sarah Bassett
Speaker
Peoples Culture