broadband

In the last issue of this magazine, we presented an overview of two NH projects that focus on keeping New Hampshire competitive in the economic marketplace by helping to expand broadband availability and use in the state. Both projects were funded by the US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and managed by the University of New Hampshire.

The internet is important. As the National Broadband Plan (www.broadband.gov) emphasizes, the deployment of improved infrastructure means advances in the areas of health care, economic development and jobs, education, energy and the environment, governmental performance, civic engagement and public safety for all of our citizens.

Cyberinfrastructure refers to the suite of tools, resources and knowledgeable personnel that, when connected together, makes possible advances in nearly every aspect of life. Because it is so critical to our human capacity to do more, our collective investment in cyberinfrastructure is a national priority.

Does your community have broadband or do you still have to access the internet by dial-up? If your community has cable, DSL, or other broadband service, do your residents wish they had more choices? Are you happy with the speed, service and price offered by your service providers?