Getting Up to Speed on High Speed Internet Access

Posted on September 27, 2010 by oregoncub
Tags, Telecommunications and CUB Connects

More and more, people across the country are beginning to understand the importance of high-speed broadband Internet access, even in rural areas where there may not have been much thought about the issue, particularly in economic development.

Broadband access is key to not only economic development but also to business strategies large and small and to everyday civic life as well. The discussion on how to improve broadband access is happening in Oregon now and you have a chance to be involved.

A non-profit organization called One Economy is hosting a series of public town hall meetings to get public input on internet access. One Economy is a global non-profit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. They connect low-income people to the Internet, train young people to use technology effectively, and create online resources with valuable information on jobs, healthcare, education, and other vital topics. One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and in the Middle East. It is based in Washington, DC with several field offices, including one in Portland.

One Economy is under contract with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), and in collaboration with the Oregon Business Development Department and the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, to administer a public survey to assess Internet usage and its demand. The town hall meetings are part of their assessment.

Survey results will report the availability, affordability and adoption of broadband technology within Oregon. The PUC selected One Economy to lead this initiative as part of a federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act $1.6 million Broadband Data Collection and Mapping Grant and a $498,610 Broadband Planning Grant to conduct Internet initiatives in the state and support Oregon’s efforts to develop and ensure the implementation of state broadband strategies.

The town hall interactive format that One Economy is using for these meetings provides for direct community input ranging from how residents access and use the Internet to identifying the barriers to bringing desired Internet resources to their community. You will have the opportunity to talk about broadband choices, applications, speeds and prices in your area. The results of these meetings along with a statewide scientific survey will help form the basis for future broadband policy in Oregon.

The town halls are FREE and open to the public. Here are the dates and locations for upcoming workshops:

Portland, 9/27 - Portland Building Auditorium, 2nd Floor; 6:30 pm

Salem, 9/28 - Pringle Hall Community Center Conference Room; 6:30 pm

Grande Ronde, 9/29 - TBD - call (503)282-2835 for more information

Siletz, 9/29 - TBD - call (503)282-2835 for more information

Pendleton, 9/30 - Pendleton City Hall Conference Room; 6:30 pm

Prineville, 10/4 - Prineville City Council Hall Conference Room;
6:30 pm

Medford, 10/4 - Medford Library Large Meeting Room; 6:30 pm

Lakeview, 10/5 - Lakeview Senior Center Large Meeting Room; 6:30 pm

Warm Springs, 10/5 - TBD - call (503)282-2835 for more information

Roseburg, 10/6 - Roseburg Library Ford Community Room; 6:00 pm

Burns, 10/7 - Harney County Community Center Conference Room; 6:30 pm