Last week the FCC released a public notice to request comments on the relationship between broadband and economic opportunity. NATOA has requested help from local units of government by asking for your answers to the following questions:
1. What are the key "community hubs" (i.e. libraries, community colleges, job training centers, unemployment offices, etc.) that often act as an access point for individuals to gain broad band access in your community?
2. What is the current broadband availability rate at:
(a) Libraries
(b) Community colleges
(c) Job training centers
(d) Unemployment offices
(e) Computing centers and tribal "chapter houses" on tribal lands
3. At each of these community hubs, what is the connection offered (i.e. dial-up, DLS, cable, DIA)?
(a) If the connection is sharing amongst mulitple comupters, what is the individual computer access speed?
4. What is the ratio of available computers to the number of people who are regularly served by the community hub?
(a) Are there often lines waiting for an available computer?
(b) Are there time limits on individual access?
(c) Are there restrictions on activities?
5. What servies do these community hubs offer that make broadband more relevant (i.e. training, digital literacy, resource guides, etc.)?
(a) What classes and services do they deliver?
(b) What level of training and job readiness do they offer?
6. Also, please provide them with any stories or data you have on the impact of such projects in supporting economic development in your community.
NATOA is looking to add to their current list of case studies. (See pdf link to case studies below.)
Please send any information you have no later than Tuesday, November 24 to mjohnson@natoa.org
Case Histories from BHLG e-NC white paper.pdf (69.57 kb)
