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?
Showing posts with label Internet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Internet. Show all posts
Monday, August 27, 2012
Strengthening Local Economies
In the last 50 years of the 20th century, Vermont changed from a very rural state to a kind of hybrid state. Most of it "just happened." We are likely to see more such changes in the next 50 years. The question is: will we let it just happen or will we try to be the masters of our own destiny?
For too long, Vermont's economic development strategy has been focused on attracting outside businesses to this state. The true economic future of Vermont lies in helping local businesses to thrive and expand.
Vermont businesses have shown that they can compete on a national and even a world stage. Furthermore, Vermont businesses have a vested interest in their communities and are less likely to head out of state the first time they are offered a better deal.
Building on the Vermont Brand
How can we do this? By encouraging, as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy, the growth of environmental goods and services -- the so-called EGS sector of the economy. By building on the well-established image of Vermont as a clean and environmentally conscious state, and by capitalizing on the state's existing talent pool, we have a golden opportunity to attract real investment in the state in technologies like renewable energy, waste management and water quality improvement.
High-Speed Internet is Vital
The Internet has made it possible for us to live locally but work globally. It also means that more people can work in town and reduce the number of commuting miles. More people are available to man fire departments and rescue squads and to help the economic and social life of their communities.
The legislature needs to do more to prod the expansion of high-speed internet to all corners of the state. This is not something we can keep putting off nor can we continue to let Fairpoint off the hook on their promises to extend high-speed connectivity to "the last mile." The Waitsfield and Champlain Telecom service area has this service. It is possible - if a company wants to do it. They need to keep the pressure on both the private sector, regulators and others to make this happen.
Encouraging Home-Grown Business
Instead of chasing around the world to get businesses to relocate here, we need to nurture home-grown businesses that provide good jobs at all levels of the company. We also need more organization making "micro investments" into Vermont-based businesses. These types of investments have proven successful in other parts of the world and I think they would work here.
We need to encourage more funds like Community Capital Fund of Vermont that is investing in the dreams of Vermonters. Between guidance through the Small Business Development Corp., Vermont-based investing and incubator spaces, we could spur a new era of locally owned and operated business meeting the needs of not only Vermonters but the world.
At the same time, we would also be helping to preserve all that is special about Vermont. Regional planning calls for compact villages separated by a country landscape. What fueled that open landscape was farmland.
We still need open land and can keep it through diverse agriculture and recreational uses. We need to really start planning for the next 50 years in a regional way, not merely giving it lip service. If we start now, commit to these things and do it right, we can have our jobs and the Vermont way of life that makes it all so rewarding.
For too long, Vermont's economic development strategy has been focused on attracting outside businesses to this state. The true economic future of Vermont lies in helping local businesses to thrive and expand.
Vermont businesses have shown that they can compete on a national and even a world stage. Furthermore, Vermont businesses have a vested interest in their communities and are less likely to head out of state the first time they are offered a better deal.
Building on the Vermont Brand
How can we do this? By encouraging, as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy, the growth of environmental goods and services -- the so-called EGS sector of the economy. By building on the well-established image of Vermont as a clean and environmentally conscious state, and by capitalizing on the state's existing talent pool, we have a golden opportunity to attract real investment in the state in technologies like renewable energy, waste management and water quality improvement.
High-Speed Internet is Vital
The Internet has made it possible for us to live locally but work globally. It also means that more people can work in town and reduce the number of commuting miles. More people are available to man fire departments and rescue squads and to help the economic and social life of their communities.
The legislature needs to do more to prod the expansion of high-speed internet to all corners of the state. This is not something we can keep putting off nor can we continue to let Fairpoint off the hook on their promises to extend high-speed connectivity to "the last mile." The Waitsfield and Champlain Telecom service area has this service. It is possible - if a company wants to do it. They need to keep the pressure on both the private sector, regulators and others to make this happen.
Encouraging Home-Grown Business
Instead of chasing around the world to get businesses to relocate here, we need to nurture home-grown businesses that provide good jobs at all levels of the company. We also need more organization making "micro investments" into Vermont-based businesses. These types of investments have proven successful in other parts of the world and I think they would work here.
We need to encourage more funds like Community Capital Fund of Vermont that is investing in the dreams of Vermonters. Between guidance through the Small Business Development Corp., Vermont-based investing and incubator spaces, we could spur a new era of locally owned and operated business meeting the needs of not only Vermonters but the world.
At the same time, we would also be helping to preserve all that is special about Vermont. Regional planning calls for compact villages separated by a country landscape. What fueled that open landscape was farmland.
We still need open land and can keep it through diverse agriculture and recreational uses. We need to really start planning for the next 50 years in a regional way, not merely giving it lip service. If we start now, commit to these things and do it right, we can have our jobs and the Vermont way of life that makes it all so rewarding.
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