Broadband in Delaware

1. Broadband in Delaware A mapping and planning project of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information with help from the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration

2. Types of Broadband • Dial-up – Outdated technology • Being phased out in all markets • Still available in rural areas • Satellite – Accessible to many • Isn’t fast enough for many current applications; no longer considered Broadband • Often very expensive Source: http://howtogetridofaproblem.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/how-to-get-rid-of-slow-internet.jpg

3. Types of Broadband • DSL – Over the phone line, use to be the industry standard for rural communities • Companies offer different plans with different speed tiers • Some aging phone lines cannot handle higher speed tiersplans • Still not available at all in some areas • Cable – Most readily available service available for Broadband speeds • Little competition with service agreements • Can lead to high prices for some plans • Limited availability in some areas Source: http://www.webmarketingaid.com/question-mark.jpg

4. Types of Broadband • Fiber – Fastest industry Broadband speeds available • Will be a long-term internet solution • Still not in many rural communities; expensive • WiFi – Wireless internet; not a service • Any internet connection can be beamed to a wireless connection • WiMAX – Special wireless internet from a provider • Not available in most areas, but can send internet signals quickly over 30 miles • 4G – The newest of cellular connectivity • Still a new technology not available in some markets Source: http://socialmediaseo.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/fast-internet-speed.jpg

5. What’s the Big Deal? • Expanded E-Commerce • Social Commerce • International Competition • Online Payment Systems • Mobile Workplace Source: http://www.motivators.com • Job Applications • Access to Information • TeleHealth/Medicine • Cost/Benefit Analysis

6. How Does the US Compare? USA=12th

7. How Does the US Compare? Source: http://www.dslreports.com/r0/download/1660538~8561235f9711a922c0a5bcfb759a3dc1/Price.jpg

8. National Broadband Plan – Key Goals • Connect America Fund (CAF) • Bring minimum of 4/1 Mbps speeds to difficult-to-serve locations in rural America • Proposed in areas “where there is no private sector business case to provide broadband ” • Federal Involvement • Government is interested in and using resources to improve internet speed and access • We are assessing local need and developing a plan for Delaware Broadband.gov

9. Important Links to Try for Yourself Take the DE Internet Speed Test www.delawarespeedtest.com Information gathered will help the state assess internet needs and will remain confidential Check Out the Broadband Map www.broadband.delaware.gov

10. Delaware Broadband Map Website • Submit comments on inaccurate information • Are other service providers available? Are some mapped service providers not available? • Does the map give the appearance that you have service in your area when you do not? Broadband.Delaware.gov features a “Contact Us” page where you can submit comments online. Your feedback is the best way to improve the map and improve services!

11. Community Anchor Institutions • What are CAIs? • Libraries, Senior Centers, Schools (including Colleges, Universities, K-12, Private), Police Stations, and Hospitals • Some places are open to the public to use high-speed internet connections • Provides a community hub for technology training • Often an under-utilized community resource

12. Planning Tool Maps

13. Planning Tool MapsSeaford Area

14. Planning Tool MapsWilmington Area

15. Importance of Broadband for Business • Delaware businesses are in need of faster internet connections • The internet private sector model cannot support rural areas, many poorer regions, and be pro-active in high-speed development Source: http://www.sothebysrealty.com/resources/SiteResources/My%20Folder/static_pages/worldwide_presence/globe.png • In this economy, in these tough times, can Delaware really afford to fall behind? Source: http://www.microis.com/images/internet_connection.jpg

16. How Can Broadband InternetHelp Businesses Grow? • Communication • Efficiency between offices/locations • Enhanced client/customer relationships • Enhance Processes • Website/promotional • Cost savings with VOIP (internet telephony) service • Improve Security • Enable backup services available for data redundancy • Real-time and upgradable anti-virus and spyware protection • Priority Service • Time = money (or loss) when connections lacking / not available • Prioritized technical support available if problems do occur

17. Transforming into an Online Society Source: http://www.knightcomm.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Government_Transparency_Six_Strategies.png During the biggest shopping month of the year, will Delaware businesses be ready?

18. Questions? Comments? Stephen Ottinger Public Administration Fellow, IPA Phone: 302-831-6372 E-mail: ottinger@udel.edu Douglas Tuttle Instructor, IPA Phone: 302-831-0718 E-mail: dougt@udel.edu Theodore Patterson Planner, IPA Phone: 302-831-4926 E-mail: theodore@udel.edu