INFORMATION SERVICES, WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF

The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) will use grant resources to facilitate our state’s transition to a digitally-based economy through collection of broadband data that will support the ability to identify opportunities and issues; monitor, track, and encourage broadband deployment; and support creation of programs that effectively promote improved access and adoption of broadband services throughout the State of Washington. The 5-year broadband program includes the following deliverables: • Create a searchable and interactive state broadband map available to the public showing the broadband service available in Washington by technology, advertised speeds, and provider(s); with bi-annual updates in February and October of each year of the program. This includes validation of broadband adoption by anchor institutions (i.e., schools, libraries, hospitals). • Develop outreach efforts to build collaborative relationships with broadband stakeholders throughout the state in order to develop solutions to address Washington's broadband needs and challenges. • Continue to promote education/awareness about the benefits of broadband through the following activities: annual broadband summit and statewide workshops, sector meetings, state broadband website, participation in state, regional and local broadband conferences, et al. • Publish a state broadband report identifying Washington's broadband needs and challenges, especially for the unserved and underserved areas of the state - due in December 2010, followed by an annual update. Report is to include recommendations about how the state can address these issues to meet the needs of Washington. • Establish an advisory council and the taskforces necessary to increase broadband access and digital literacy and address digital divide issues for tribes, small businesses, and people with disabilities. By the end of the program the program intends to have supported efforts to accomplish the following projects: • Creation of tele-health in rural areas through broadband access to urban hospitals and specialists • Increased use of broadband for education and job skill training • Development of a broadband network for tribes • Completion of build-outs and opportunities provided by Broadband Technology Opportunities Program ( BTOP) grants • Increase broadband adoption by working with community technology organizations, such as, Tincan, Communities Connect Network, JusticeNet, and community colleges • State maximizing E-rate funded programs to create broadband training locations throughout the State

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