Broadband and the Economy

Probably the most important thing the legislature can do to improve Vermont's economic picture is act to assure that all areas of the state have access to broadband Internet.  Broadband makes it possible to live locally but work globally.

This first priority will be to assure that Fairpoint lives up to its commitments for coverage.  The second will be to assure that the Vtel project succeeds.

Fairpoint has asked for an extension on providing broadband coverage.  The company has proposed bringing fiber optic connections to all areas of the state.  I will push for them to honor all of the 2015 projects they have outlined especially in northern portions of the state.

The Vtel project will provide broadband Internet using state-of-the-art wireless connections: known as 4G. As part of the eState initiative enacted in 2007 the legislature placed review of  projects with three or more communications towers to go to the Public Service Board (PSB) for review to expedite approval.  The Vtel project involves a network of towers to provide coverage that will need some type of regulatory review.

This expedited review will sunset in 2011, as the project is getting rolling. I will propose or support a bill amending 30 V.S.A. § 248a(i) to extend the sunset through 2015.   I agree with Tom Evslin, former Chief Technology Officer for the State of Vermont, that this should happen early in the session to signal the Legislature's commitment to the project.

How these two projects will coexist even I'm not sure.  The lack of coordination within State government and lack of candor with you and me, much less these two companies, leaves much in doubt.

I was dubious of using cellular technology as the solution but I was reminded that China and other developing countries are opting for cellular phone service rather that stringing wires.  Given Vermont's rural nature, using cellular technology to get to the "final mile" is probably the most feasible solution.

That's just my opinion, what's yours?