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 Types of Broadband • Dial-up – Outdated technology • Being phased out in all markets • Still available in rural areas • Satellite – Accessible to many • Isn’t fast enough for many current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? • E-Government Services • Online Municipal Bill-Pay • Smart Meters • Access to Information • Regional Tourism Source: http://cel.csusb.edu/images/eGov.jpg • Mobile Workplace • TeleHealth/Medicine • Job Applications • Interactive Community

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. Planning Tool Maps

11. Planning Tool MapsSeaford Area

12. Planning Tool MapsWilmington Area

13. Planning TeamsThree key stakeholder groups: • Three primary planning teams • Local Business, Government, and Agricultural • Inclusion of technology in government is a vital component to reducing Delaware’s growing technological divide • Accurate maps and reporting allows us to prioritize areas that are most in need; most applicable for grants • Feedback from local governments can help establish what solutions are practical to help residents Source: http://cel.csusb.edu/images/e-Gov2.jpg

14. Importance of Government Involvement • Delaware residents are in need of faster internet connections • The private sector model cannot support rural areas, many poorer regions, and pro-active 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

15. What Technologies Are Out There • Complete E-Government Solutions • Record / broadcast sessions of local government online, whether audio or video recordings, for the public to watch • Online bill-pay for residents / businesses is a great financial management tool • Smart Meter Technologies • Can inform times of peak usage • Variable rates can be used to encourage off-peak usage and better manage the grid • Savings to the utility provider and to the community using the service Source: http://agro-tech.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Irrigation_Image-300x225.jpg Source: http://www.koreaittimes.com/images/smart-meter-g001_0.jpg

16. How Government Can Affect Broadband RISK REWARD • Government as a Broadband User • Government indirectly attracts broadband deployment to stimulate demand using demand-side policies • Government as a Neutral Rule-Maker • Government adopts reforms to ease broadband deployment • May include utility pole attachments, rights of way, zoning for antennas, and cable franchising agreements • Government as a Financier • Government providing subsidies for broadband usage • May include direct or indirect support for planning and equipment grants, tax credits, and other incentives • Government as an Infrastructure Developer • Government adopts supply-side policies which a division of that government would be responsible for one or more components of a broadband network Source: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/blogs/gems/cosorio/localgovbrbd.pdf

17. What’s Stopping Us from AdoptionA National Look Source: http://www.knightcomm.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Government_Transparency_Six_Strategies.png Does this represent your community? Delaware?

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