Broadband 101 Fact Sheet, 2013
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance has developed a broadband fact sheet with information on some basic facts about broadband. This fact sheet is a great reference for anyone who may take up the topic of telecommunications but is not familiar with all of the technical aspects.
Closing the Digital Divide: Promoting Broadband Adoption Among Underserved Populations, 2012
The National League of Cities has partnered with experts at ICF International to produce this white paper which examines the challenges and benefits of broadband adoption. It also summarizes current efforts to address these challenges at the U.S. federal, state, and local levels as well as in the private sector.
A robust local economy is vital for overall national economic development and global competitiveness. One of the tools for achieving this is a strong telecommunications infrastructure that can support innovative approaches to the ways governments do business. The opportunities available to communities with wide-ranging technological access are unlimited. In addition to internal improvements in the ways cities can serve their residents, comprehensive broadband systems attract and retain businesses that spur job creation. It also provides improved access to education, resulting in a better skilled, more sophisticated workforce. Finally, there are significant cost-savings and quality of life implications with better technological systems.
This webinar, hosted by the National League of Cities and the Public Technology Institute, presented a case study on the city of Santa Monica, CA and how a strong telecommunications infrastructure and local leadership on the technology front is helping drive this city's economic development.
The National Broadband Map: An Economic Development Tool for Cities, 2012
Last year, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the National Broadband Map (NBM), a tool local governments can use to assess broadband access in their communities. This interactive online map captures 20 million datasets to show what high-speed Internet services are available in communities across the country. Because of the role broadband access has in creating jobs, providing new economic opportunities and fostering innovation, the National League of Cities is excited to promote this tool to its members. Representatives from NTIA shared how local elected officials can use the NBM to compare their city’s connectivity speed and distribution to others; to locate availability of specific services in certain locations places; and learn how to provide feedback that will further enhance the tool.
Broadband in the United States, 2012
Broadband, which is used by private citizens, local governments and the private sector every day, has the ability to transform the way we communicate, work, learn and socialize. Many experts believe that much of the economic growth that has taken place in recent years has resulted from the use of broadband networks to improve productivity, provide better products and services and support innovation in all industries.
Connect2Compete is a national non-profit organization that helps citizens access technology by offering digital training programs, discounted broadband access and low-cost computers.
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition
The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition promotes policies and programs to enable schools, libraries and other anchor institutions to obtain open, affordable, high-speed, broadband access.
Broadband Communities Magazine
Broadband Communities Magazine is a monthly publication with information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities.
Below are three resources from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that provide information on and examples of broadband adoption and deployment efforts around the country:
NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP): Information on the implementation of BTOP grants
Digital literacy: Resources from the presidential administration on how to deliver digital literacy training and resources in communities
Broadband adoption research: Federal research and data on broadband adoption in the U.S.