Broadband Sustainability Programs Development

The first step in developing the case for a new broadband service provider, or to target community resources to support the delivery of affordable universal access to high-speed Internet service is to understand where it is available today and more importantly, where it is not. Then identify the common and community specific broadband uses. And finally list how qualified partners could assist the community in executing a strategy for expanding their availability. All of these findings need to be validated by the key representatives of the target community.

Once validated, the findings are used to:

1. Articulate where there are gaps in the community understanding of the role of Broadband.
2. Provide a list of potential training partners to close those training gaps with general Broadband education programs.
3. List how qualified partners could assist the community in executing a strategy for expanding the availability of specific Web dependant applications such as distance learning, telemedicine, and online tools for collaboration, intra group communication and online emergency preparedness

The last step is to consider how the needs unique to each county relate to ongoing regional efforts. Where there is a direct link, amend program requirements to fully leverage regional efforts.

Samples of PLT work product can be downloaded from the Resource Center.

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