The e-NC Authority

This Just In: Initial BTOP Awards Announced

2009-12-21T10:04:00.001-05:00

It was only July, but it seems like eons ago that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) issued a joint Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). We learned that roughly $2 billion would be available under the first NOFA to “support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, to enhance broadband capacity at public computer centers, and to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.” We also heard that this funding would undergird the objectives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

From that point, the race was on with organizations and ventures nationwide to complete their funding applications by the August deadline. Since that time, some 2,200 applicants across the nation have anxiously awaited award decisions. For some applicants the wait ended on December 17, as Vice President Joe Biden announced $182.7 million in BTOP awards that will be matched by $46 million in private capital. The Impulse Manufacturing facility in rural Dawsonville, Georgia served as the backdrop for the announcement. The technologically-advanced company, which specializes in metal fabrication, has reportedly felt stymied by a lack of true broadband.

Biden’s announcement encompassed 18 projects in 17 states, and the White House.gov Web site shows a full list of awards that were given for the following project categories:

Middle Mile Awards – $121.6 million to build and improve connections to communities lacking sufficient broadband access.

Last Mile Awards – $51.4 million to connect end users like homes, hospitals and schools to their community’s broadband infrastructure (the middle mile).

Public Computing – $7.3 million to expand computer center capacity for public use in libraries, community colleges and other public venues.

Sustainable Adoption – $2.4 million to fund innovative projects that promote broadband demand with population groups where the technology has traditionally been underutilized.

Alaska was among the initial states to receive BTOP funding for a project that will bring the first broadband services to southwestern native Alaskan communities. Other states benefitting from Biden’s announcement include: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Washington. Over the next 75 days, there will additional BTOP award announcements. So…as they say, stay tuned.

Shush! Survey Reveals State of Technology in the Nation’s Public Libraries

2009-11-16T16:53:00.001-05:00

If you’re of a certain age, you remember the local library of old. The wooden card catalog cabinet sat in the middle of the floor and you dared not approach it without a thorough understanding of the Dewey Decimal system. Bespectacled librarians were stationed at the reference desk, ready to answer any question and they didn’t hesitate to shush you in a stern but kind way if necessary. Occasionally, you may have had to wait in line for a few minutes to check out a book or magazine. Once you got your date-stamped materials in-hand, you were on your way. There were no computer workstations and the Internet was still just a glimmer in Al Gore’s mind.

That was then. And this is now…

Today’s libraries are fundamentally the same, but patron’s needs and expectations have changed. The latest best-seller is still a draw, but broadband access is equally important – particularly for job-seekers in these tough times. In January 2009, the Wall Street Journal reported that an average of 230 people were lining up to use only 27 computers at Randolph County Public Library in Asheboro, N.C. Across the country, libraries are working to keep up with connectivity demands while facing enormous challenges. The state of technology in the nation’s libraries is articulated in a recent study from the American Library Association. The study, titled Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study, “assesses public access to computers, the Internet and Internet-related services in U.S. public libraries, as well as the impact of library funding changes on connectivity, technology deployment and sustainability in FY2008-2009.” Key findings from the study include:

More than 98 percent of public libraries offer public Internet access.
71.4 percent of public libraries represent the only source for free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities. In rural communities that figure is 78.6 percent.
81 percent of libraries do not have enough computers to consistently meet patron demand.
60 percent of public libraries report Internet connection speeds that regularly fail to meet patron demands.
Roughly 23 percent of libraries report a desire to increase their current Internet speed, but cannot afford to do so.
35 percent of libraries offer formal technology training and 52.6 percent offer informal technology assistance.
Rural libraries offer an average of 7.6 public access workstations versus 18.7 at urban locations.
Over 94 percent of libraries impose time limits on public access workstations. Of those, 70 percent have time limits of 60 minutes or less.
In 2004, 17.9 percent of libraries offered Wi-Fi access; in 2009 that number stands at 76.4 percent.

These figures underscore the everyday struggle of libraries across the U.S. Funding cuts have put a strain on technology infrastructure and some librarians have had to add IT maintenance to their workload. Unfortunately, doing more with less has become the norm. Meeting future broadband capacity needs will require continued utilization of the federal E-Rate program, collaborations, partnerships, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, and a lot of creative thinking. Solutions may not come easily, but libraries will find a way.

Broadband Rigor in North Carolina – Mapping as an Essential First Step

2009-11-03T09:34:00.004-05:00

You can’t know where you are going unless it’s clear where you are now and how you came to be here. As simplistic and obvious as that may sound, it captures the driving principle behind one of this organization’s primary activities. Since 2001, the e-NC Authority has acted on its legislative mandate to develop and maintain a map that depicts the status of North Carolina’s broadband availability. The map evolved over time from a static, county-based representation that was updated annually to its current interactive format. Today, this map provides users with information on the availability of DSL, cable-modem and wireless broadband service at any address in a GIS-based searchable format. Based on this map and related citizen surveys, it is easy to understand the great progress that North Carolina has made in terms of deploying broadband technology. And while we can generalize about levels of connectivity for the state as a whole, circumstances in individual communities are sometimes hazy. To add a jumbled metaphor to the mix, we can see the forest clearly, but not always the trees.

Sometimes, the “look” of any broadband map can be challenging. While advances in the technology used to develop, display and update maps have made it more generally useful, problems in the collection and verification of underlying provider-supplied information can limit its true value. Inconsistencies in type, accuracy, completeness and currency of information from some sources can make it difficult to determine with confidence the true level of broadband access in the state at the street/address range level.

The need for better information about broadband infrastructure led U.S. Congress to enact the National Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA), directing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop the first national broadband availability map. The need for precise information about where service is and isn’t available was made even more acute with the release of funding guidelines for programs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (often referred to as “the stimulus”) dealing with broadband deployment. Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) and the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) will target awards to applicants who can document extension or enhancement of service to regions with inadequate broadband service at the street or census-block level. With better broadband mapping information the e-NC Authority will be able to:

1) meet obligations as the state’s designated mapping entity to comply with the BDIA mandate
2) fulfill the order from the N.C. General Assembly to regularly monitor and report the status of connectivity in this state
3) facilitate more competitive North Carolina-based BTOP and BIP applications

The e-NC Authority has proposed an innovative and exciting proposal to the NTIA entitled N.C. Broadband Rigor in Mapping (N.C. BRIM), which will ensure delivery of broadband data that is complete, accurate, timely and verifiable. This will be accomplished through a research method known as triangulation. Originally used in surveying and military target applications where precision and accuracy are critical, triangulation is a powerful technique that validates data by cross-referencing more than two sources using multiple research methodologies that study the same phenomenon. The idea is that you can be more confident in the results of said research if different methods are leading to the same result. If only one method is used, it is possible that the results may be affected by inherent biases or limitations of the technique used. If two methods are used, the results may also well clash. By using three research methods, the hope is that two of the three will produce similar answers. If all three methods create clashing answers, the investigator would then understand the need for revision – be it the research questions or the methods used. The e-NC Authority is pleased to confirm that the NTIA expressed such confidence in this approach. N.C. BRIM was one of four grants awarded in the first round of mapping awards.

Triangulation, as applied in N.C. BRIM, involves capturing and comparing data from different methodologies:

1) Broadband service providers will be asked to supply data that complies with standards established the NTIA
2) Leading-edge Web-crawling techniques will deliver the same categories of information obtained independently of providers
3) Citizen-derived data will be obtained through phone surveys (landline and wireless) or Internet-based e-surveys
4) Surveys of businesses will round out the user-provided data
5) A GIS-enabled wireless propagation study will be the first-ever statewide examination of wireless access (the results of this propagation study will then be validated by field interviews and surveys)

Finally, an expert panel of independent evaluators and data management professionals will convene to analyze results and validate a strategy that will deliver the highest quality result for the state of North Carolina.

Knock knock, ARRA. Where will you invest?

2009-09-11T11:25:00.001-04:00

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced recently that they received nearly $28 billion in grant requests for the first round broadband funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Approximately $4 billion has been allocated to be awarded in the first round of available funding – this is out of $7.2 billion total broadband grants available under ARRA.

NTIA and RUS reported that tallies indicate almost 1,500 applications for broadband infrastructure projects and over 300 applications for broadband adoption and public computer programs. Again – these requests have been made under just the first round of available funding, which gave potential grantees a mere five weeks from publication of the Notice of Funds Availability to the application’s due date.

So, it seems there are lots of ideas for how to invest in broadband infrastructure, and a lot of need to go with it. With a national broadband policy still under development, it will be interesting to see which applications are selected, how the use of these funds will shape the future of broadband policy and what changes will be realized in the telecommunications industry overall.

And while the broadband landscape changes, how will this impact other telecom industry infrastructure? According to The Economist, if landlines continue to decline at the current rate, they could be extinct by 2025. This scenario creates its own challenges – a cell phone can sometimes replace a home phone line, but could businesses easily replace landlines? And what about emergency services? Do businesses and individuals without cell phones end up paying more for a critical phone line which, while not as exciting as broadband, is nevertheless a lifeline utility? And with decreased demand, how many remaining customers are paying into the Universal Service Fund? A complementary opinion piece in The Economist calls for regulators to respond to these complex challenges.

Meanwhile, mobile networks continue to grow from investments in 3G and 4G networks. There is talk of possible scrambling to obtain or retain deals with Apple for rights to the iPhone, seen as a compelling enticement for getting customers to sign up with a particular wireless carrier.

All this is to say – you won’t have to look far to see folks waiting on the edge of their seats to see how ARRA broadband funds are invested. Not only will these investments impact broadband evolution, but they will also have a strong influence upon the changing tide telecommunications period – landlines, wireless, voice, data and video. Hopefully there are some exceptional ideas within the 2,200 applications submitted a few weeks ago and, with any luck, these ideas can be sifted through for the best investments to foster innovative broadband and telecom policies for the country.

Making the Grade (Online)

2009-09-03T11:14:00.004-04:00

The headlines in the papers right now about constrained budgets can be troubling for anyone interested in public education – or really, all of us. Class sizes are increasing, teaching assistant and instructor positions are being cut, courses are being cancelled altogether and there are not enough books and other instructional materials to go around. Added to this are concerns over the number of students that under-perform, fail to graduate on time or drop out altogether. College admission standards are rising even though we have a lack of teachers certified in math, science and technology – especially in rural counties. We hear that the system is broken, and that we do not have the resources to fix it, at least not through traditional approaches. Therein lies a reason for hope – this crisis of fiscal and human resources may be just the catalyst needed to motivate realization of broadband’s potential to revolutionize education at all levels, in all places.

North Carolina is acting on this promise and charting a course of leadership in virtual education that is a model for the nation. Efforts initiated by then Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue in 2005 through the e-NC Authority and partnering organizations including the N.C. Research and Education Network (NCREN) have successfully extended broadband connectivity to all public educational institutions (k-20) and optimized the federal e-rate that subsidizes connectivity support in k-12 schools statewide. That is the infrastructure side of the equation.

On the content side, the N.C. Virtual Public School (NCVPS), officially launched in June 2007, is emerging as a national leader in the burgeoning field of online public education. NCVPS offers course credit to middle and high school students who want to complete core courses, advanced placement courses, honors courses, and/or credit recovery courses to satisfy requirements for a high school diploma and to enhance their transcripts for college applications. Ranked eighth in the country in state-led virtual school polices and practices, North Carolina already has over 15,300 students enrolled in online NCVPS courses. In addition to expanded academic offerings, NCVPS offers other online services to North Carolina students, such as test preparation, career planning services and credit recovery.

Other e-Learning opportunities available to North Carolina students that might be of interest include the following:

· Learn and Earn Online
· UNC-Greensboro ischool
· N.C. Community College System Online
· UNC Online

We know that online education works. Rigorous analysis of over 1,000 studies on the subject show that on average, higher-level students in online learning programs perform better than those receiving face-to-face instruction. In North Carolina, the networks are in place and the content is available but something is still missing. Too many students in North Carolina do not have household Internet access at speeds and bandwidths necessary for delivering Web-based educational applications. We know that approximately 12 percent of homes with children do not have a computer with Internet access and that approximately 16 percent of homes qualify for subsidized telephone services through the N.C. Lifeline Link-Up program. Efforts are under way in some individual school systems in the state and at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction through its NC 1:1 Learning Collaborative program to make broadband-connected computers available to all students. Another cost-effective model proposes morphing the existing Lifeline Link-Up program to a broadband platform to ensure that all k-12 students in the state have household computers and broadband access. Statewide implementation of such initiatives will more fully capture the benefits of online education for overcoming the state’s many economic and educational challenges.

e-Medicine and the Digital Divide

2009-09-02T16:54:00.002-04:00

According to a June 2009 report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 61 percent of American adults look for health information online. Dubbed “e-Patients,” these individuals use the Internet to learn about health topics of interest to them or their friends and family. Be it something as benign as a splinter or life-threatening as Swine Flu (H1N1), the Internet is seen as a source for reliable health information. Of course, the Internet can’t replace doctors, but it can enable users to make informed health care decisions and thereby encourage a more participatory doctor-patient relationship.

WebMD is one of the most well-known health information portals, attracting 17.3 million unique visitors in July 2008. Social networking site Patients Like Me functions as a support group and offers a platform for sharing treatment experiences. Public agencies such as local health departments, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sources for the most up-to-date health information and scientific data. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs, podcasts, medical journals, and medical atlases can also be used to facilitate health care conversations. Beyond that, virtual tours of medical facilities and physician video libraries like VideoMD can be tapped. And clinic directories can be found on sites like the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics. Excellent resources…if you have access.

People who are prone to suffer from serious health conditions generally have little or no access to online health care information. Vulnerable non-users are more likely to be poor, less educated, elderly or chronically ill. And they tend to be from historically underrepresented groups. Some are very young, uninsured or underinsured while others may be out of work, homeless, disabled or have limited-English proficiency. Often, these individuals live in medically-underserved rural or inner city areas and lack access to online health resources. All of this can exacerbate health disparities.

Bridging the digital divide related to health care information begins with extending reliable, affordable broadband to vulnerable populations while also supplying Internet-ready computers. Likewise, collaborative efforts are needed to provide computer skills training with emphasis on strategies for accessing health information online and using chronic disease management tools. It’s also essential that health content be accurate and multi-lingual. Copyright restrictions and pay-for-use fees that stem the dissemination of health information should, likewise, be reassessed. It’s equally important that findings from health disparities research be used to craft e-health policy. Daunting as these tasks may seem, as a nation, we are on the cusp of a new era in health care, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers an unparalleled opportunity to address digital divide issues. The challenge is to turn that opportunity into action.

Google’s Chrome OS

2009-08-05T10:58:00.000-04:00

So, let’s imagine that your company name has become a verb. Lucky dog! You’ve just reported revenues of $5.52 billion for the quarter ending June 30, 2009 – despite the global economic downturn. You’re a key player in the search engine market. You operate a Web browser. Your Gmail service gives users more than 7,300 MB of free storage and you’ve found a clever and popular way to map the Earth. How do you top that? Well, if you’re Google, you extend your reach just a little bit farther to see if you can shake things up in the operating system (OS) realm.

In early July, Google revealed that it is developing a free, open-source, Linux-based operating system that is using the Web as its primary development platform. The fast, lightweight OS will carry the same “Chrome” moniker as the company’s Web browser and when it debuts some time in 2010, it will join OS giants like Linux, Apple Leopard, and Microsoft Windows. Chrome will run on standard x86 chips and ARM chips, and Google is working with companies like Acer, Adobe, ASUS, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, and Toshiba to bring Chrome OS-compatible devices to market.

Chrome is not Google’s first foray into the OS arena. Android, the company’s mobile OS, runs on the G1 phone from T-Mobile. Though there will be some overlap, Google intends to keep both systems with an eye toward market segmentation. Android, as the company explained in a recent blog post, is designed “to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks.” Chrome OS is “being created for people who spend most of their time on the Web, and [it] is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems.” The company also reports that it is “going back to basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.”

But will it?

Critics of Chrome say Google has brand power, but lacks driver ecosystem knowledge and the type of customer support staff that an OS requires. There are also privacy concerns. Undoubtedly, Google has given these and other criticisms a great deal of thought, so Chrome OS is not likely to end up as just another heap of code on the R&D scrap pile. Google knows that Chrome has promise, and the idea of using the Web as the primary development platform seems to build on the master plan of cloud computing. This, of course, raises an interesting question: Given the way people have embraced cloud-centric e-mail and social networking, is the Internet the future of the operating system? Stay tuned. Google may very well have the answer.

States Compete for Efficiency and Opportunity – via Technology

2009-08-04T12:57:00.000-04:00

This fall, all 50 states will have the opportunity to find help (in the form of cash grants) from the federal government to assist in developing their own authorities to map broadband availability. These federal grants are also available to assist in addressing broadband supply, demand and uptake rates in households, businesses and major community institutions in each state. Known as the Broadband Data and Improvement Act of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), between $1.3 and $3.8 million is available to each state depending on the competitiveness of their grant applications.

Why is this so important to citizens? Broadband deployment enables better access to health care and educational opportunities, while also enhancing economic competitiveness – among countless other benefits. For the first time, governments in all 50 states will be able to take a good look at how they interact with citizens as they contemplate greater broadband availability.

Here are some examples of how greater access to government services could help citizens:

Better, Faster, Cheaper is a new Web site of the Harvard University Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, and aims to provide a forum for government officials to post best practices. There is currently a very robust ongoing column about technology and government, well worth perusing.

On his way out of office, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack worked with legislative leaders to develop an “Office of Lean” in the Department of Management. The goal of this initiative is to identify and eliminate wasteful or overlapping spending – saving money for the citizens of Iowa while simultaneously improving services. The bonus? Participating government departments are given the option to retain up to 50 percent of the identified savings.

Last year, Utah’s state government transitioned to a four-day work week and opted to close public buildings on Fridays. They realized an immediate annual savings of $4 million in energy costs alone. Utah has now moved more than 850 services to the Internet. According to state CIO Steve Fletcher, it has been very successful with citizens.

So again – how can technology help? ARRA grants across America will jump-start broadband and enable states to deploy this infrastructure faster; it will be a sight to behold when more private, government and nonprofit initiatives are funded to deploy broadband. This will also assist community anchor institutions (schools, libraries, hospitals, etc.) to become part of statewide broadband networks – whether these networks are run by government, nonprofit or private sectors.

We are witnessing a paramount shift in how governments deliver services – driven wholly by technology. But when you really boil it down, the citizens will also have a tremendous impact on the new and fresh ideas of how this will actually come to fruition. How can technology make your state government greener? How can technology reduce the cost of government? How can citizens find government more transparent with broadband access? These are your questions – but are they being directed to your government?

Disability Should Not Mean Disconnected: Recasting Lifeline/Link-Up Programs

2009-07-24T11:50:00.002-04:00

The Internet is sometimes described as “the great equalizer,” capable of overcoming most barriers in the delivery of resources and services to an ever-expanding spectrum of people and organizations. The importance of universal Internet access and the ability to use broadband-enabled information and services is made explicit in the core purposes of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA, section 6001). In addition to providing support to ensure access and stimulate demand for broadband in unserved and underserved areas, public safety agencies, job-creating strategic facilities and anchor institutions (such as schools, libraries, and medical facilities) the ARRA funds target organizations and agencies serving vulnerable populations. In ARRA documents and the related Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), the term “vulnerable” includes those whose Internet access and use is limited due to “low income, unemployed [and] aged” conditions. While persons with physical disabilities are not expressly referenced in the BTOP Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), they have been singled out for special attention in draft legislation previously submitted to reform federal broadband programs (Benton Foundation example, Hearing Loss Web example).

The Federal Communications Commission, with funding from the Universal Service Fund, administers the Lifeline/Link-Up programs to address telecommunications needs of qualifying low-income citizens. Historically, the Lifeline/Link-Up programs provide discounts for initial installation and activation of telephone services over publicly-switched telephone networks. More recently, discounts have been extended to include wireless services in select areas. As broadband becomes more important in the delivery of basic services, some are arguing that it is time to reform these programs and their funding sources in order to subsidize broadband and Internet-based services. The need to transform the Lifeline/ Link-Up programs to provide broadband service is especially acute in among disabled citizens, where the percentage of persons with Internet access is reported to be only half that of the general population.

North Carolina has long been an advocate and active partner in extending voice service to those who qualify for Lifeline/Link-Up program assistance. Lifeline subsidies subtract $13.50 monthly from the telephone bills of qualifying customers. Of this amount, $10 is the federal portion paid directly to service providers; the remaining $3.50 is treated as a tax credit that offsets corporate state taxes accrued by service providers. According to Hugh Gerringer with the N.C. Utilities Commission, approximately 126,000 customers in North Carolina received Lifeline subsidies on their phone bill even though nearly 500,000 families qualify. Many of the state’s low-income citizens are also disabled. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 21.1 percent of individuals in North Carolina who were 5 years of age and older were identified as having a disability; this figure that is slightly higher than the overall 19.3 percent found in the national population. Among adults age 65 and older, this figure is 45.7 percent.

The e-NC Authority is developing a proposal in response to the available ARRA broadband funding to pilot a program that will adapt the Lifeline/Link-Up programs to support broadband service for low-income and disabled populations in North Carolina. This proposed pilot program will include outreach and training initiatives targeting social service agencies serving as the gatekeepers for qualifying individuals. The pilot will also address training opportunities for those receiving services.

Where the CITIZENS come to ask questions…

2009-07-17T10:37:00.002-04:00

Almost on a daily basis, the e-NC Authority hears from citizens that do not have broadband access. Their stories are often born from ongoing frustration with lack of service, being held back at work and school by not having service, and the experience they have had with telecommunications service providers.

When we correspond with citizens, we always try to gather information about their specific experience (ex. do they know others nearby without service, what their experience has been when contacting who they think would be the obvious service provider, how lack of service is affecting their life/home, etc.), but we also encourage them to write to their legislators about the issue. Often, we must also explain the nature of the telecommunications industry and its relationship with regulatory government. Once we gather information about the citizen’s home address and landline telephone number, we ensure that the citizen has contact information for their elected leaders in the N.C. General Assembly.

With address and home landline in-hand, we then forward that information to the closest service provider to inquire about if that citizen’s location is included in any known deployment plans. Getting this answer back from a service provider can take anywhere from a few days to several months. We always forewarn citizens that the e-NC Authority does not hold regulatory authority and that getting information back from the service provider about their specific location can often take a long period of time.

The content of the correspondence is something to behold. From time to time, we plan to post that content to this blog. Here are a few. (Specific information from citizens and their service provider has been removed to protect privacy.)

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Hello, I live three miles from the local university and cannot get broadband. I am a professional therapist and my wife is a professor at the college. A neighbor up the road gets broadband, but apparently we are too far from the source. We are supposedly about the same distance away from the other transfer station, so we will likely never get broadband. Help!

I have had (the telecommunications company) come and check the line on two separate occasions. They never let me know their findings until I called and was routed through several different branches of their service. Then I was told our house was too far away, with no explanation about why our neighbor who lives up the mountain received broadband services.

S.M., Jackson County

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I live in Graham County. For the last two years I have been struggling to get broadband service at my residence. I contacted (the telecommunications company) and they stated that DSL service was not available. After talking to the local technicians, they said it might be possible to get DSL. The current outcome is that the local employees want to provide the service and they say they could, but the upper management of their company did not want to provide a solution. I've called and talked to anybody in (the telecommunications company’s) chain of management that would listen to me. The higher up I go, the less they care about the situation and always more focus on profit issues.

My wife is a full time college student who is a distant learner and her university requires high-speed Internet for school work. She must drive either to the public library or her mother's house to have Internet access. I know of many more residents in my area and in Graham County who would like broadband service to better themselves. It seems my efforts alone will not get the ball rolling, so if there is any help or guidance that e-NC can provide would be greatly appreciated. If this helps any I am a Disabled Veteran, a former Marine, who is still serving (in a public service job) and in the U.S. Army reserves. All I am asking for is for something that many take for granted.

K.T., Graham County

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I took an early retirement package from a newspaper in November and established a business at my home. I have been severely hampered by having only slow, dialup Internet at home. Many Web sites I need to use for research will not open here. PDFs are also very slow to open, if they open at all. Often, I write on my laptop and then drive six miles to another town to e-mail my article to my customer. One offer of regular editing work was rescinded in part because of my "connectivity issues."

Everything I do takes much, much longer than it should. This is a real burden in my business. I live in eastern Stokes County. (Telecommunications company) is my phone provider; they will not bring DSL to my house, even though they have it north of here. (Another telecommunications company) is the local cable provider; they told me I am "unserviceable" even though they come near our road. Someone I met who lives in a remote area of Stokes County right on the Virginia line recommended (a satellite company), but they said that they will not serve my area.

I have a (telecommunications company) air card for my laptop, but their service is not strong enough in my house to use the air card. Once, I wrote an article in my laptop and, because it was raining, had to drive to the top of a nearby hill just to send it out by e-mail. This is not a very good way to run a business.

I e-mailed all my state representatives and some others who I had been told were on crucial committees about rural broad-band back in the winter. I received not a single reply. If there is anything I can do to help this process along, please let me know.

L.B., Stokes County

Broadband on Jones St. & National ARRA update

2009-07-02T13:04:00.002-04:00

As we head into July, we are likely looking at the last few weeks of the N.C. General Assembly’s legislative session. So, what’s happened? As far as broadband legislation, several bills have made it into law, primarily those supported by the telecommunications service providers.

HB135/SL 2009-80 – Broadband Service Providers
This bill allows companies that already provide broadband to expand their service areas for voice service. This was signed into law on June 11.

SB889/SL 2009-202 – Utilities/Carrier of Last Resort
This bill allows for local exchange companies to, in some cases, be granted waivers of their carrier of last resort obligations for certain subdivisions and other defined areas. This was signed into law on June 26.

HB1180/SL2009-238 – Consumer Choice and Investment Act of 2009
This bill decreases regulation on local exchange companies in their provision of voice service. This was signed into law on June 30.
SB357– Utilities/Regulation of Pole Attachments
This bill requires municipalities and membership corporations to allow the use of their poles, ducts and conduits by communications service providers and authorizes the North Carolina Business Court to resolve disputes around use. This bill was ratified July 2 and is now waiting to be signed into law.

So with the final budget still in limbo – the session is not over, but these are some of the key broadband bills that have made it into law, or are at least headed in that general direction.

So what happens now? The state budget is expected to pass in the next couple of weeks. The e-NC Authority expects to retain much of its recurring operating funds so that we may continue to keep our doors open for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Unfortunately though, the latest versions of the budget do not contain funding for broadband-related grant programs as requested by the e-NC Authority. We are still pushing for funds that could be used as match for grant applications on broadband projects forthcoming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

And in other big news…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce released the Notice of Funding Availability this week for the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

In North Carolina, the Office of Economic Recovery and Investment has been holding meetings of its Broadband Task Force (although the state does not have direct input on funds distributed by RUS and NTIA). At the next meeting of the group in July, Connected Nation’s online maps of North Carolina are to be presented.

In other big happenings, CenturyTel and EMBARQ announced this week that they have completed their merger, impacting 33 states. And last month, Verizon Communications announced the sale of its landline service in 14 states, including in North Carolina. Meanwhile, AT&T continues to focus on build-out of its mobile 3G wireless network.

Technology Reuse: New life for old computers

2009-06-23T13:41:00.003-04:00

Many of us have been environmentally conscious for years. We faithfully sort through our trash to unearth newspapers, glass, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. We take old clothes to Goodwill Industries, buy organic and tend a compost pile in the backyard. But when it comes to that old computer sitting in the hall closet and those ancient monitors gathering dust in the attic, it is difficult to know what to do.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “In 2007, discarded TVs, computers, peripherals (including printers, scanners, faxes), mice, keyboards and cell phones totaled about 2.5 million tons” of waste. When this electronic waste, or e-waste as it’s commonly known, is disposed of improperly, substances like lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants can end up in landfills. Fortunately, there are environmentally-responsible disposal alternatives that can benefit our communities.

First, open your phone book and call a nonprofit – as there are scores of them nationwide that collect donated, second-hand computer equipment. This equipment is often refurbished and offered free or at a low cost to organizations and individuals. This helps to bridge the digital divide in a major way. San Francisco’s City Youth Now has also found that donated laptops can positively influence the lives of some teenagers and young adults who have become involved with gangs and illegal drug activity. Here in North Carolina, the e-NC Authority is exploring how refurbished computers can be used to help economically-disadvantaged citizens gain access to the Internet.

If you are looking to donate or acquire a refurbished or used computer, these organizations could be of assistance.

Earth911.com: Web site offering a searchable database of over 100,000 reuse/recycling centers nationwide.

EPA: The EPA’s Do the PC Thing offers helpful information about clearing data from your computer before making an equipment donation.

Goodwill Industries: Contact your local Goodwill to find out if the location accepts computer donations.

National Cristina Foundation: Accepts donations of used computer equipment from individuals and corporations, and then matches that equipment to non-profit organizations, schools, and public agencies that serve the disabled, at-risk students, and the economically disadvantaged.

Plug-In To eCycling: A partnership program between the EPA and electronic manufacturers, retailers, and service providers, which is designed to provide consumers with options for donating and recycling used electronic equipment.

Kramden Institute: Durham, N.C.-based nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and awards them to economically-disadvantaged K-12 students in the Triangle area.

Purple Elephant Computer Factory for KIDS!: Raleigh, N.C.-based nonprofit that provides refurbished, operational, Internet-capable computers to individuals and organizations.

Recycles.org: Web site serving as a national and regional exchange network that connects prospective computer equipment donors with nonprofit participants.

TechSoup: Offers discounted and donated technology products to nonprofits. Web site also features a blog, Webinars, articles, discussion forums, and information about upcoming technology events.

Planning Broadband for the “New Normal”

2009-06-09T13:16:00.003-04:00

In his recent conversation-starter essay, The New Normal, Ian Davis poses the question of “What comes next?” in terms of our current economic turbulence. Davis’ basic premise is that the current downturn is fundamentally different from recessions of the past, and that we are about to face a restructuring of known economic order. He states that the “new normal” will be shaped by a confluence of powerful forces – some arising directly from the financial crisis and some that were at work long before this all began. One-time factors such as the entry of women into the labor force and loads of new college graduates conveniently coincided with peak spending years of the baby boom generation – all helping to boost consumption-driven growth since the 1980s. It is clear that these forces will not predominate in whatever emerges. Rather, Davis says that the factors shaping the world economy of the near future are less leverage and more government.

We already see evidence of the effect these factors are having on efforts to stabilize the financial crisis and revitalize growth in the banking and financial services sector. In the arena where the e-NC Authority is most directly concerned (broadband deployment), decreased leverage is sparking a new wave of mergers and acquisitions, delays in equipment upgrades and new deployments and reduced investment in product R&D. Countering these negative trends is another that makes us cautiously optimistic: increased interest in broadband at the highest levels of federal government through targeted investment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

On Feb. 17, 2010, at long last, a national broadband plan will be delivered to Congress by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As its primary goal, this plan will espouse ubiquitous and affordable broadband access. On May 22, 2009, acting FCC chairman Michael, J. Copps made an important down-payment toward the national plan with the release of the report Bringing Broadband to Rural America. This report fulfills a requirement of the June 2008 Farm Bill that the USDA and the FCC submit a rural broadband strategy to Congress. Other critical federal broadband legislation includes the ARRA that will provide funds to map the current broadband footprint and help fund network deployment to unserved and under-served communities, and the October 2008 Broadband Data Improvement Act that requires the FCC to deliver an annual status report to Congress that benchmarks progress toward ubiquitous broadband access.

Highlighted recommendations contained in the Rural Broadband Plan include:

Improve coordination among federal agencies and with stakeholders to better harmonize broadband agendas and working definitions – leverage broadband dollars across federal agencies and improve communication via an improved Web site
Assess and address broadband needs thorough accurate mapping, education and training to stimulate demand – and provide subsidies to increase penetration while decreasing the cost of deployment
Overcome challenges through consideration of universal services reform, network openness, spectrum access, middle mile and speed access reforms, inter-carrier compensation, access to poles and rights-of-way and tower studies
Monitor and adjust the plan through annual status reports to Congress

In support of a national vision for broadband, acting FCC Chairman Copps harkens back to other instances where leadership and vision were successfully employed in the face of considerable opposition – and those adventures ended up delivering critical infrastructure that catalyzed and sustained economic growth. Think about it – he’s right. U.S. Postal Service. Transcontinental Railroad. Interstate Highway System. Rural Electrification and its spin-of, the Rural Telephone Cooperatives. All then of course, the Internet itself. All of these initiatives represent transformative public investments whose development depended on a strong and coordinated national vision. We agree with Copps’ statement that it is time for the United States to meet the challenges of the 21st century with universal broadband deployment. Whatever our collective “New Normal” turns out to be, we will be better prepared to meet it if we are all connected.

The Latest: Broadband on Jones St.

2009-05-29T15:13:00.001-04:00

As we move into June, there is now a somewhat clearer picture of how North Carolina’s current connectivity-related bills are moving and shaking within the General Assembly. Much remains to be seen, but we understand that about half of the legislation related to connectivity made the crossover deadline on May 14. Baby steps, right?

So, what is crossover, you ask? This is the deadline for when legislation that does not involve money must be passed by one chamber (read: the House or the Senate) and been tossed to the other chamber. If legislation doesn’t pass in one chamber by this deadline, it’s essentially dead-in-the-water for this year. Some exceptions can exist for this rule, but that’s usually only the case if the legislation is being sent to appropriations or revenue committees. Bills that did not meet the crossover deadline can still be considered in some type of study committee after this year’s session. If they are in a study committee, then they can roll their decisions into bills that can be considered next year. All appropriations- and revenue-related bills are still under consideration for this session.

Here are the connectivity-related bills that met the crossover deadline, and still up for consideration by the N.C. General Assembly. (HB refers to House Bill, SB refers to Senate Bill.)

HB135 – Broadband Service Providers
This just passed the Senate Commerce committee, and would allow broadband service providers to also sell voice service in their area.

HB136 – DOT/Fiber-Optic Cable
This legislation is now in the Senate Finance committee. It would allow the N.C. Department of Transportation to acquire right-of-way for fiber optic cable enabling broadband communications.

HB530 / SB889 – Utilities/Carrier of Last Resort
The House version of the bill is now in the Senate Commerce committee and the Senate version is now in the House Public Utilities committee. This legislation would further authorize the N.C. Utilities Commission to designate carriers of last resort.

SB357 – Utilities/Regulation of Pole Attachments by Communications Service Providers
This is now in the House Ways & Means/Broadband Connectivity committee. This bill would require municipalities and membership corporations to allow the use of their poles, ducts and conduits by communications service providers and would also change the handling of related disputes between entities.

SB1004 – Level Playing Field
This is now in the House Public Utilities committee, and authorizes the Revenue Laws Study Committee to research local government owned and operated communications services. The original bill proposed adding restrictions to municipalities providing broadband service to their community. The e-NC Authority’s position on this issue is that local governments should have the right to offer broadband services when the service available does not meet the needs of the local community.

HB1180 – Consumer Choice and Investment Act of 2009
This just passed the Senate Commerce committee, and would decrease regulation on local exchange companies in their provision of voice service.

The e-NC Authority’s funding legislation – HB532 and SB697 – are in appropriations committees, so they are still up for consideration in this session. During the first week of June, the appropriations subcommittees will likely make their funding recommendations to the chairs of the full appropriations committees. At that point, the House budget will quickly take shape. Ultimately, a conference committee will be appointed to work out the differences between the Senate and House budgets.

As everyone knows, there continues to be a budget shortfall for the current fiscal year, and low projected revenues for the upcoming year. In fact, experts are saying that it could be as late as 2013-2014 before the state can expect to generate enough revenue for a $20.8 billion state budget again (this was the initial budget for 2008-2009).

So – for all the broadband advocates in North Carolina, we still need you to talk to your representatives about the need to make such a critical investment, and to continue to provide financial support for the e-NC Authority. Always remember that, for better or worse, legislators are expected to understand and track thousands of bills and different policy issues, so please help with continuing to educate them about the importance of broadband for economic competitiveness through job creation in our state – for every dollar invested in broadband is expected to return ten-fold to North Carolina’s economy.

The nationwide splatter of job losses

2009-04-29T14:16:00.006-04:00

We came across an interesting animation this week - a tool that demostrates/illustrates the collective job gains and losses that different communities in this country have experienced since January 2004. The animation is simple but the impact is profound. Just visually, this shows you that no area of the country stands immune from the economic downturn. While some economists and politicians may groan about certain corners of the United States that seem to be losing more jobs than in other areas, this animation truly debunks any notion of that. Unfortunately, the final "slide" is eerily reminiscent of a crime scene. Yikes. All the more reason to start your own business?

The (Free) Classroom of Life

2009-04-16T16:22:00.002-04:00

These days, a lot of community colleges and universities offer Web-based education for individuals pursing degrees or certifications. But folks that pursue online education aren’t always looking for a degree. Some of us just want to increase our knowledge for professional, civic, or personal development. To address this need, an increasing number of institutions are providing open access to lectures and courses through their Web sites or via iTunes U. These non-credit offerings allow self-learners to audit classes and listen to renowned lecturers free of charge – without commuting to a campus or dealing with tests and admissions hurdles. Access to an Internet-connected computer and a love of learning is all that is required.

So, let’s say you’re interested in micro-financing and poverty elimination. One of the world’s leading experts on these subjects is Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus. You can hear Yunus’ perspective on these topics in a 44-minute segment featured with UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan Flagler School. If you’d rather focus on mathematics, listen to MIT Professor Denis Auroux conduct a lecture series called "Multivariable Calculus." More interested in literature? Consider Yale University Professor Amy Hungerford’s “The American Novel Since 1945." Or, perhaps you’d like to hear D.C.’s Public School Chancellor Michelle Rhee talk about education reform. Duke’s Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy has a video of Rhee’s November 2008 speech titled, "Public Education Reform: The Case Study of Washington, D.C." And that’s just a sampling of the thousands of archived courses and lectures that abound on the Web.

But what if you don’t have the time or patience to hunt for institutions that offer free, open access to their course catalogs and lecture series? The OpenCourse Ware Consortium is a global network of more than 200 universities, providing what the group describes as “free and open digital publication of high-quality education materials, organized as courses.” So, from your desk or armchair, you can tap into the University of Tokyo or the University of Nottingham, to name a few. Then there's Academic Earth, a new site compiling listings of free online course and lecture offerings. Founder Richard Ludlow is hoping his clearinghouse site will eventually offer free electronic textbooks and opportunities for learners to interact with one another. In the meantime, if you’re searching for a particular book or article being discussed in a class you’re auditing, start with a visit to your local library, and be sure to check out NC LIVE and the Library of Congress as well. Along the way – whether for education or leisure, always remember these budget-conscious sites that allow you to trade, borrow, or buy books: bookmooch.com, paperbackswap.com, bookswim.com and betterworld.com. Happy learning!

In Search of Excellence: Research that Underpins SOUND Public Policy

2009-04-14T09:42:00.001-04:00

Look up the word “research” and you will find an expansive set of definitions that ultimately converge on the idea answering questions, discovering truths and gather information. We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again – the e-NC Authority is legislatively charged by the N.C. General Assembly to research access to telecommunications infrastructure and use that data to inform state efforts to encourage broadband Internet use and expansion. We take this charge very seriously – applying considerable resources and talent to the collection, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, utilization and dissemination of the e-NC Authority’s proprietary research on behalf of the citizens and businesses of North Carolina.

The e-NC Authority employs research that includes the following:
- qualitative focus groups
- quantitative/high-precision surveys
- empirical assessments of geographic or population connectivity issues
- meta analysis of mathematical modeling and technology adoption
- exploratory network feasibility studies
- prescriptive, futures-oriented technology forecasts
- retrospective evaluations of funded programs
- data-driven economic impact assessments

While the methods may vary, the e-NC Authority’s commitment to high-quality, high-relevance research has never wavered. Studies conducted involve in-house research professionals and expert consultants to generate data and results that are credible, accurate and independently verifiable. Multiple approaches are utilized to provide more accurate answers in instances where data availability is incomplete. Third-party research professionals at universities and private research organizations join our studies and provide arms-length evaluations of the e-NC Authority’s programs.

Best of all – its public. All research produced or sponsored by the e-NC Authority is available at http://www.e-nc.org/research.asp. This is in keeping with the legislative and legal mandates that govern us as a state authority but also with the research methodologies and best practices that drive the private sector. Following research best practices is not simply a gesture towards credibility – it is fundamental in our mandate to provide responsible guidance for public policies and investments in an arena that is critical to economic competitiveness.

Finally, the e-NC Authority champions data- and fact-driven research as a requirement for the accountability that any publicly-funded agency must provide. Therefore, we applaud the fact that accountability is an important factor to federal government agencies that will be managing grants, programs and initiatives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With the help of the e-NC Authority’s research, North Carolina’s public, private and nonprofit agencies will be better prepared to responsibly manage any broadband stimulus dollars made available.

Broadband on Jones Street?

2009-04-07T14:59:00.002-04:00

Well, things are moving quickly on Jones Street. For those of you trying to follow broadband issues in the legislature, here are a few references for you.

As you may already know, there was a House select committee called High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas. This committee submitted its final report to the N.C. General Assembly in January. That same month, the e-NC Authority also submitted its Internet Action Plan to the state’s legislators. Take some time to read it – we think you’ll find it to be overwhelmingly progressive.

Once the House select committee wrapped, we were pleasantly surprised to find that a House standing committee was created to look at broadband. The name of this group is the House Ways & Means / Broadband Connectivity committee.

Funding for the e-NC Authority
As far as the e-NC Authority, our priority is to obtain operating funds for the upcoming year so that we are still here to advocate for access on behalf of the citizens. As of June 30, 2009, the e-NC Authority will have depleted almost all of its original private monies. The e-NC Authority cannot continue to operate as it currently does without additional state funding support for the upcoming year. In her version of the budget, Gov. Beverly Perdue has recommended $495,000 recurring for the e-NC Authority’s operations. However, our operating budget is approximately $1 million – this means that the governor’s proposal alone would only cover half of our ability to operate. Of course, we are also requesting funds for connectivity incentive grants, public access/digital literacy training and two new telecenters. Some of these funds could also serve as match for federal stimulus dollars.

Take some time to look over our entire funding request to the N.C. General Assembly. There are bills both in the House (H532) and the Senate (S697) that appropriate funds to the e-NC Authority, in the amounts we have requested. The Senate will put the budget together first this year, likely coming out this week. Then the House will compile their version before both bodies meet in conference committees to negotiate and resolve the differences.

Other Broadband Bills
On our Web site, we have a page that will allow you to track federal and state legislation that affects connectivity. Note in particular, N.C. Senate bill S1004. This legislation is a resurgence of a bill from a few years ago that sought to put restrictions on the ability of local governments to offer telecommunications services. Here is one take on the bill, from a blog that ran last week. The e-NC Authority’s position on this issue is that local governments should have the right to offer broadband services when the service available does not meet the needs of the local community.

In closing, keep in mind that while there are certainly a lot of lobbyists floating around the legislature, it is the constituents around the state that ultimately impact the legislators. So, share your opinions with your delegates. Remind them of who they really work for.

Networking N.C. Rural Health Care

2009-03-20T14:52:00.001-04:00

On Nov. 19, 2007, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the Rural Health Care Pilot program, which is using $417 million to benefit 69 participants in 42 states and three U.S. territories. The funding is being granted to cover up to 85 percent of costs associated with the following, as they relate to rural health care:

(1) construction of a state or regional broadband network and the advanced telecommunications and information services provided over that network
(2) connecting to Internet 2 or National LambdaRail
(3) connecting to the public Internet.

North Carolina won four of the 69 grants:
Albemarle Network Telemedicine Initiative: max. support $1,583,076
North Carolina Telehealth Network: max. support $6,023,985
Western Carolina University: max. support $3,596,290
University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina: max. support $960,939

To review additional details about these projects, visit:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/rural/rhcp.html
http://www.usac.org/rhc-pilot-program/#

This networking project will promote telehealth and telemedicine access for rural health care providers (public and free clinics) to medical hubs, which are often located in urban areas. The benefits of telehealth and telemedicine applications that ride over broadband facilities are enormous, and a broadband network that connects multiple health care providers, including a significant number in rural areas, would bring those benefits to areas of the country where the need is most acute.

The e-NC Authority has been contracted as of September 2008 to participate as a major part of the program management effort during the network development phase. Be on the lookout for an RFP from the e-NC Authority by mid-late April.

Rural business grows by using technology, through New Ventures Business Development, Inc.

2009-03-20T12:53:00.000-04:00

Harold Britt, owner of Britt Insurance Agency, Inc./Nationwide (www.brittinsuranceagency.com) in Anson and Union counties, N.C., talks about the technology applications he learned by working with New Ventures Business Development Inc. (www.nvbdi.org). Using these services, Britt's business is growing and saving money at the same time. New Ventures is a publicly-supported business and technology center that offers free or low-cost counseling for small business owners and entrepreneurs, thereby creating jobs and local wealth in this rural community.

A Bounty of Technology – Served Local and Organic

2009-03-16T12:17:00.002-04:00

Recently, some of our staff attended the 2nd Annual Farmer & Chef Banquet on Feb. 26 in Rutherfordton, presented by the Foothills Connect Business and Technology Center in Rutherford County. It was a celebration of the work of Foothills Connect with FarmersFreshMarket.org – a Web-based food product brokerage that links rural Rutherford County farmers with Charlotte-area restaurant chefs.

Imagine that you are 50+ years old – the age of most of North Carolina’s farmers. Your income used to be subsidized by working at the local textile mill; the farm income added an edge you often needed to pay bills and have a reasonably good life.

Now, your income and lifestyle have reversed. The mills are gone, their looms are silent. The silence you now hear is the deafening and panicked anxiety to find a way to still earn a living. What’s left? The farm. Suddenly, you realize that the farm income must justify your primary chance to flourish financially.

You also realize that this might be a blessing in disguise. Through the Foothills Connect Farmer’s Fresh Market program, you are given the opportunity to learn how to use a computer to exchange orders with the Charlotte-area restaurant chefs. Through Isothermal Community College, participants can graduate from the Farmers Adopting Computer Training (FACT) program and then receive a rebuilt computer.

So – back to the farm, up on the tractor. Eureka! Through Foothills Connect, you have started tilling up the land to grow crops being demanded by chefs in the big city. You learn that others are having success with the program too. Down the road, your friend sold 60 pasture-fed turkeys for $100 each. That’s $6,000 for sixty 28lb. turkeys. That has to be a good omen. There’s also the “Kudzu Lady” Edith Edwards, who does untold, beautiful, succulent things with the plant that we so often otherwise grumble about.

At the Feb. 26 banquet, the farmers joined together with state and community leaders, elected officials and the many Charlotte chefs and sous-chefs that participate in the program, including Charlotte Marriott City Center Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Marechal. Chef Liz Rose of Café on the Mall has prepared a sumptuous meal from crops born out of the good earth of Rutherford County. The tables are also festooned with flowers grown in the county.

DINNER:
Red Feather Farm beef patties
Tiny Myrtle Meadows molasses mashed sweet potatoes
Savannah Red’s cornbread, served w/ “Kudzu Lady” kudzu blossom jelly butter
Yoder Farm microgreens and deviled eggs
Spicy Peaceful Valley grit cake
Shiloh Acres braised BBQ pulled chicken
Moonflower Farm Asian microgreens

DESSERT:
Golden Valley honey cake
Baked Limber Twig apples w/ cinnamon

Presiding over the banquet are Chef Marechal and Foothills Connect Executive Director Tim Will. This celebration is the result of their efforts to use technology to connect farmers and chefs – merging each other’s needs with the Internet to create a new way of life for the people of Rutherford County.

FarmersFreshMarket.org continues to pay all participants back in good wages. The farmers love the fresh air. The chefs love the fresh food. Both parties love the smell of money, success and satisfaction. In this project, technology, the land and its people have come together to create new jobs and good food. It is a win-win, especially for our tummies on that particular evening. We noticed more than a few folks going back for second and third helpings.

"Shoot for the Moon:" starting a new business in rural Anson and Union counties, N.C.

2009-03-13T10:29:00.002-04:00

Sheri Strawn, owner of Hip Chick Accessories in Anson and Union counties, N.C., tells her story about how her business got started through the affordable support offered at New Ventures Business Development, Inc. (www.nvbdi.org). Strawn believes that rural communities must have local support for entrepreneurs as a key strategy for that area's economic development plan.

Wall Street Journal video - Rural fiber project in Vermont

2009-03-05T09:56:00.001-05:00

Lacking broadband infrastructure in Halifax County

2009-03-03T11:33:00.000-05:00

Florine Bell, a community organizer in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., explains the value of high-speed Internet services to her area and its ability to impact economic improvement.

Rural community finds success with New Ventures Business Development, Inc.

2009-03-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

Ivory Little, proprietor of a forthcoming support home/center for unwed teen mothers in and around Anson County, N.C., talks about how her business plan has come together with vital support from New Ventures Business Development, Inc. in Wadesboro.

The Twittersphere

2009-02-26T13:02:00.004-05:00

“As of December 2008, 11 percent of online American adults said they used a site like Twitter or another similar vehicle that allowed them to share updates about themselves or to see the updates of others.” (Twitter and Status Updating, Pew Internet & American Life Project)

For the uninitiated, Twitter is a free micro-blogging/social networking site that imposes a 140-character limit on each individual post or “tweet,” as such bite-sized status updates are called. The phenomenon allows you to give “followers” a real-time update, via computer or a mobile device, about what you’re doing at that very moment. So, let’s say you’re at the gym and you just bench-pressed 300 pounds. Now, who wouldn’t want to hear about that? Or, maybe you find it comforting to tweet when you’re having a bad day. You’re certainly not alone. Twitter is staying mum about the number of Twitterers it has snared, but estimates put the figure at between 4 and 5 million – not bad for a site that launched in 2006. And naysayers swore would never make it.

But what if minutia’s not your thing? Well, if you can get past the frivolity, Twitter has potential beyond its stated purpose. Consider fundraising and emergency notification, for instance.

If you blink, you might miss the fact that Twitter is about community-building, and Twestivals really capitalize on this notion. The 100 percent volunteer-run Twestival concept came about in September 2008 after a group of London Twitterers connected and organized a food drive/fundraising event to help a local homeless charity. Word spread quickly, and Twitterers had a hunch that the micro-fundraising concept could be elevated to affect change on a global level. That hunch was recently tested.

On Feb. 12, 2009, 202 international cities hosted a Twestival to unite the Twitter community in support of charity: water, a nonprofit bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. From Asheville, N.C. to Johannesburg, South Africa and beyond, people gathered for an evening of fun and fundraising. Some sold tickets for entry, while others collected $1 or $2 per participant. In the end, the event raised $250,000, which will be used to fund 55 sustainable water projects and provide clean water for over 17,000 people in Ethiopia, Uganda, and India. The first Twestival-funded well will be drilled in Ethiopia at the beginning of April. Imagine how this concept could be used to support causes and projects in North Carolina’s communities.

On the subject of emergency notification, think missing children. @MissingChildren is a Twitter account that was created by web developer Nate Ritter. The account uses data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to tweet about missing, endangered, and recovered children. Twitter is also being used by some cities and colleges as one part of an overall system to make people aware of crisis situations. It’s quick. It’s to the point. And perhaps most importantly in these economic times, there’s little to no impact on the bottom line.

Lacking broadband infrastructure for Alleghany County (N.C.) school children

2009-02-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

Dr. Jeff Cox, superintendent of schools for Alleghany County, N.C., discusses the "digital divide" that he sees for area students and why broadband deployment must be a priority for state government in terms of educational advancement.

Lacking broadband infrastructure in western N.C.

2009-02-20T09:07:00.001-05:00

Betty Hurst of western North Carolina's HandMade in America (www.handmadeinamerica.org), explains how craftspeople must have access to high-speed Internet services in order to sustain their small businesses and resultant livelihood.

Do People Even Care about Privacy Anymore?

2009-02-17T14:04:00.005-05:00

The September 2008 issue of Scientific American led with the banner question “Will Technology Kill Privacy?” Behind this question are a series of articles that address a growing undercurrent of anxiety felt by many people about their ability to control the amount and type of personal information that is available about them online.

In the provocative opening editorial, John Rennie crystallizes what underpins the uneasiness that many people feel with the information fishbowl we all swim in – the connection between privacy and freedom. He cites an idea posited by English philosopher and ethicist Jeremy Bentham for a new form of prison, the panopticon, an all-seeing place where “inside its walls, convicted prisoners would be exposed to perpetual view from a central tower by an unseen jailer who would supervise their behavior, health and menial labor.” Bentham said that this would be effective because inmates would never know when they were being observed, so that out of uncertainty and fear – they would end up standing watch over themselves.

Bentham’s idea is brought forward and connected to the Internet by David Brin in his book The Transparent Society, in which he argues that “the modern conception of privacy is historically transient and made obsolete by new technology.” In the opening editorial, Rennie notes Brin’s central point, in that the only way to prevent abuses is to require that everyone, including governments, must be equally transparent.

Transparency? The Internet has the corner market on that, especially now with the booming vehicle of social networking. It is startling really, the frank disclosures that populate worlds like Facebook and MySpace. This seems to indicate that that millions of people are on some level, consciously or not, accepting a reduced valuation of privacy. Unchecked, the Internet allows for the reduction of ability to protect our reputations. But one could also argue that the thick and well-established lines between our personal lives, our family lives and our professional lives have quickly eroded – by choice.

Benefits of Personal Communication (via the Web) Seriously Underrated

2009-02-13T17:00:00.003-05:00

As we work to get more broadband around the state, and around the country, you often hear about the economic impact of broadband – the jobs made possible through access, the training and educational opportunities, the increased possibilities for local governments and healthcare, etc., etc.

But, in taking a break from all the economic stimulus talk, sometimes it seems we skip over the most fundamental aspect of broadband – simply providing a vehicle for personal communication. While this benefit may seldom come up during policy debates about public funding, it is still of valid importance.

In thinking of how we communicate with colleagues, friends and family, most of us have reached a point where our most constant communication is done over e-mail. It is simple really – by e-mail, we can reach a lot more people, in a lot less time. Do you have famiy or friends overseas or on the other side of the country? Well, you probably use VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) to talk with them. In this instance, it’s actually better than phone service because folks can use video as well. (Hey – pictures are great, but how else would you have such a great opportunity to see how quickly your nieces are growing?)

Then there’s Facebook. Talk to almost anyone using this and you’ll hear them go wild over how many unexpected (or forgotten, lost) friends they have suddenly and joyfully reconnected with. You now get to easily keep up with each other day-to-day, even if you haven’t actually spoken to them in years! Maybe these examples are too personal, but we would venture to say that many people would give up their televisions or cell phones before giving up their broadband access.

Some experts have argued that Internet-based communication erodes people’s ability to interact well in-person. But the personal communication aspects of broadband rank tremendously high for many people, above and beyond the obvious economic benefits of connectivity. It’s hard to imagine not having broadband access, and even harder to realize that so many people around the state don’t have this communication tool available.

Rural entrepreneur finds success with New Ventures Business Development, Inc.

2009-02-13T14:51:00.001-05:00

Sheri Bowers, owner of Bowers Family Studios in Wadesboro, N.C. (Anson County), talks about how her small business got started and why the community must continue to support New Ventures Business Development, Inc. as a key strategy for local economic development.

Broadband in Rural N.C. - Looking at the 2007 numbers

2009-02-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

In North Carolina, there are nine telephone membership cooperatives, six privately-held telephone companies, six publicly-held telephone companies and one municipal telephone company. Here’s how their Internet service breaks down:

The telephone membership cooperatives serve approximately 4 percent of the access lines in North Carolina and have made DSL service available to 98 percent of their subscribers (note: a number of them make service available to 100 percent of their subscribers).

The six privately-held companies serve approximately 6 percent of the access lines in North Carolina and make DSL service available to 98 percent of their subscribers.

The one municipal group serves approximately 0.05 percent of the state’s access lines and has made DSL service available to 100 percent of subscribers.

But here’s the real story…

The six publicly-held companies serve approximately 90 percent of the access lines in North Carolina (and actually, two significant companies in that mix serve 88 percent of the lines). Combined, the six publicly-held companies make DSL service available to approximately 80 percent of the access lines in the state. These companies are now headquartered outside of the state and financial decisions on deployment of specific telecommunications services are now mostly made at that corporate level.

There are approximately 600,000 households in North Carolina that do not have access to any type of high-speed Internet service, and most of these households are in rural communities. As an economy, we’ve long-since passed the point where Internet is a luxurious or insignificant pastime for people with disposable income. It is a utility and a basic infrastructure – no different from water, sewer, roads and electricity.

So, how do citizens solve the problem of not having service?

Call customer service?
Many citizens tell us that this doesn’t work, even when they are armed with community petitions that beg and plead for service.

Escalate the issue to someone higher up in the company?
Again, many citizens tell us that this also does not work, but we always suggest that they continue to try.

Call the Utilities Commission?
By law, they don’t regulate Internet services.

What’s left?
Contact your state and federal representatives. They are the only ones that can bring about a change in the way companies operate. (For example, they can provide incentives to nonprofit, private and public sector providers to encourage deployment to homes and businesses.) Always remember that your elected officials are in a position of power – but only by virtue of your vote.

InternetforEveryone.org Town Hall Series Coming to North Carolina

2009-02-06T11:21:00.002-05:00

InternetforEveryone.org - a national initiative of groups that are working to bring the benefits of a fast, affordable and open Internet connection to everyone in America - will hold its second town hall meeting on March 7 in Durham. This event is part of a nationwide series designed to give local citizens a seat at the table as new leadership shapes America ʼs broadband future.

WHAT: InternetforEveryone.org Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Durham Marriott Convention Center, 201 Foster St., Durham

High-speed Internet, or "broadband," is becoming a crucial public necessity - but more than 40 percent of all U.S. homes are not connected or use slow "dial-up" technology. To address this digital divide, President Barack Obama has vowed to "expand broadband lines across America," and Congress is poised to spend billions on broadband as part of its economic stimulus bill. InternetforEveryone.org will deliver feedback from the Durham town hall meeting to the Obama administration and Congress as a national guide to building a better Internet.

"Leadership in Washington has made Internet for everyone a national priority," said Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press, the organizer of InternetforEveryone.org." But getting everyone connected wonʼt happen overnight. In North Carolina alone, more than 3.5 million citizens are without high-speed access. Building an open, fast, affordable Internet is a process that requires true public participation. Washington must listen to the people of Durham , and others across the country, in order to build an Internet that works for all Americans."

For more information, visit www.InternetforEveryone.org/Events/Durham.

Lacking broadband infrastructure in western N.C.

2009-01-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

Andrea R., a telecommunications business consultant in Jackson County, shares her perspective on the need for connectivity in western North Carolina and industry's lack of willingness to provide it. These comments were shared at a public meeting about poor Internet access in North Carolina.

Lacking broadband infrastructure in N.C. - Piedmont Comm. College, Caswell County

2009-01-09T17:19:00.001-05:00

Lionell Parker, librarian at Piedmont Community College in Yanceyville, Caswell County, shares his story about the challenges of life without broadband at a public meeting about poor Internet access in North Carolina.

Lacking broadband infrastructure in N.C. - Caswell County

2009-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mary Farmer, a senior citizen in Caswell County, shares her story about the challenges of life without broadband at a public meeting about poor Internet access in North Carolina.

Lacking broadband infrastructure in N.C. - Moore County

2008-12-29T13:49:00.002-05:00

Darlene Yudell of Moore County shares her story about the challenges of life without broadband at a public meeting about poor Internet access in North Carolina.

Now Boarding: In-flight Wi-Fi

2008-12-18T14:56:00.003-05:00

This week, USA Today reported that Delta Airlines is now offering in-flight Wi-Fi on flights between Regan National, LaGuardia, and Logan airports. The service, called Gogo, is provided by Aircell. Gogo works by connecting a plane’s Wi-Fi hot spot to the ground over a 3 MHz signal that links to Aircell’s network of 92 cell towers across the United States. Passengers traveling with Wi-Fi enabled devices can have access to the service for a nominal fee ($9.95 for flights lasting three hours or less, and $12.95 for trips exceeding three hours). And speed? Well, Aircell’s Web site doesn’t mention specific download/upload figures, but users say the service performs well.

Delta’s decision to upgrade its in-flight service menu follows that of competitors. American Airlines launched its Gogo service a few months ago—with power outlets at every seat in business and first class. Coach passengers get one outlet for every two rows. No privacy filters to shield your laptop screen from prying eyes though. You’re on your own there.

In-flight connectivity is, of course, not new. Boeing actually came to market with its Connexion service in 2004, when the product was offered on international carriers like Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines. Unfortunately, the company’s bulky 400-pound system didn’t find wide appeal among domestic airlines, so Connexion was discontinued in 2006. But that was two years ago…

Aircell’s system is light-weight at just 125 pounds, and the company cites easy installation and expert client support as selling points. And then there’s the potential revenue boost. These days, many passengers travel with an electronic device, and airlines are guessing that while those folks are munching on their honey-roasted peanuts, they’ll also want to e-mail, surf, chat, and shop. If their hunch is right, demands for VoIP won’t be far off.

Lacking broadband infrastructure in N.C. - Alamance County

2008-12-15T15:45:00.002-05:00

Jean Apple of Alamance County shares her story about the challenges of life without broadband (particularly in her experience with AT&T) at a public meeting about poor Internet access in North Carolina.

Paging the Economy! Can We Get Some Stimulation Please?

2008-12-12T14:49:00.003-05:00

It is impossible to watch the news these days without hearing stories on the economic recession and how it is impacting the country. As the recession continues, national and state leaders are examining a variety of ingredients in some far-off economic stimulus packages – all wondering if any of them will help to stir the economy. Early on, there was talk of a possible focus on physical infrastructure – investing in improved roads, airports and schools for the country – creating jobs through the implementation of these projects, simultaneously improving the backbone of the country. But FINALLY, the idea of increasing broadband infrastructure became part of the discussion.
Last weekend, in a radio address, Pres.-elect Obama pledged rollout of a massive public works program as part of his economic stimulus plan, including a renewal of the country’s information superhighway. While some have said that physical infrastructure projects take too much time to show results, others say the recession is deep enough that we have plenty of reason to invest for the long term. If we are moving toward an infrastructure-focused plan, it seems that broadband, our gateway to 21st century competitiveness, should be the key component.

Edward Glaeser’s recent column in the New York Times talks about the challenge of not losing focus on human capital in the mix of all the public infrastructure projects, especially when considering the unskilled workers. And really, broadband is A LOT more than just physical infrastructure. It is more so a tool that allows citizens and communities to reach their full capacity by enabling them to be connected to each other. A global conversation, if you will. But reaching those left behind will require not only infrastructure, but also training and education that will help unskilled workers reap the benefits of this tool.

This plan holds lots of potential promise for those interested in a national broadband strategy, but there is much left to be defined. It will be interesting to see how a massive broadband deployment program would be rolled out. From the FCC? From individual states? From some yet-unnamed entity? Broadband is not currently considered a public utility. Traditional public works programs are defined by the government investing in government-owned infrastructure. So if that’s the case moving forward, who will own this valuable infrastructure? If the funding goes to private service providers, what will be the criteria for deployment? How do we ensure competition between the providers, and what areas will be targeted? These questions are just some of the complicated issues to be sorted out in the country’s economic stimulus plan. At the e-NC Authority, we will be watching with great interest to see how it unfolds.

Where for Art Though, oh Wi-Fi Hot Spot?

2008-11-17T10:08:00.002-05:00

Are you planning to travel somewhere, and do you anticipate needing access to the Internet during that time? Most hotel properties now have Internet access for their guests, but many tend to charge an additional fee for this service. However, if you need to get on the Internet where wired service isn’t available, there are numerous options that provide this access on a wireless network called Wi-Fi.

Most of North Carolina’s public libraries have this service, so they are listed in the following links. But plenty of others are – consider the myriad coffee shops and McDonalds that now serve as community Wi-Fi hot spots, often at no cost.

Here are two sources to preview before you venture out into the land of “what-if-there-isn’t-connectivity.”

http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/

http://www.jiwire.com/browse-hotspot-all-united-states-us-north-carolina-nc-28.htm

These can be used as a resource for finding wireless access points around the world and here at home. As for North Carolina, there are over 1,800 hot spot locations listed on the first site, and around 1,700 listed on the second site.

A Wi-Fi hot spot is defined as any location in which 802.11 (wireless) technology exists and is also made available for use by consumers. In some cases, the wireless access is free, but many locales have charges for this service. But as ever, buyer (or user) beware. Enhanced security measures should always be used to protect your credentials, passwords and data during wireless Internet sessions.

Broadband Policy and Obama: What to Expect

2008-11-07T15:25:00.003-05:00

The votes are in; now the work begins. What can we expect in terms of how broadband Internet will infuse and define the platforms, programs, policies of President-elect Obama’s first administration? How can we get involved? Fortunately, the answers to these questions can be found online where Obama is already on the record as supporting universal broadband access and its use in support of education, health care, business development and civic engagement in government at all levels. The following excerpts from various sources capture and highlight what we might expect from his administration related to broadband.

Some of Obama’s sector-specific goals for broadband include…

Business Development:
Obama recognizes the role that technology and broadband Internet needs play in business development.

Health Care:
A key feature of Obama’s plan to lower health care costs is the proposal to invest $10 billion each year over the next five years to move the U.S. health care system to broad adoption of standards-based electronic information technology systems. This includes use of electronic health records to better coordinate care, measure quality and reduce medical errors.

Public Safety:
Obama is committed to improving the use of ICT to support public safety and improve response to emergencies and natural disasters. Critical to this is investment in the development and deployment of new technologies to promote interoperability, broadband access and more effective communications between public safety responders and their network systems.

Education:
Obama will push for funding to bring broadband access into all K-12 schools as a minimum technology operating platform.

Civic Engagement:
Building on the most technology-intensive campaign ever, the Obama administration envisions continued and expanded use of the Internet to encourage civic engagement.

Speed DOES matter

2008-10-31T14:04:00.002-04:00

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) have been strong supporters of universal Internet access in the United States. These last two years, they have taken that message online, especially in an effort to try to demonstrate what the true picture is of the speeds that people have to deal with across our land.

According to the CWA, between May 2007 and May 2008, over 230,000 people in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have found their Web site to take the Internet speed test and to measure how fast their computers can upload and download data. Unfortunately, the results show how far the United States lags other countries in speeds. And that’s not good…

But why should we care? Speed matters because it defines the applications that you can effectively run on the Internet from your home, business, government or institution. The United States – the very country that invented the Internet – have now fallen to a world rank of 15th in the percent of the population subscribing to broadband. This is according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development survey (OECD). Canada, France, and South Korea all have faster Internet connections. In Japan you can download an entire movie or educational course in two minutes, but it could take you two hours or more in the United States. And that’s if you’re lucky. And as for cost? Citizens in Japan often pay the same as we do and sometimes lower for their Internet connections of profoundly faster speed.

Take the CWA’s speed test and test your computer access and download speeds. Last year, the United States had a median download speed of 2.35 Mbps. North Carolina had a median download speed of 2.93 Mbps. On page 40 of the CWA August 2008 Speed Matters Report, you can find the page for North Carolina. Our median upload speed is 369 kbps. So in that regard, our ranking among the states is 11th, up from 16th in 2007.

Is the Internet Immune to an Economic Downturn?

2008-10-22T13:20:00.002-04:00

Our economy has been on a real rollercoaster ride this year. Most every day brings new stories of bank failures. Stock market troubles. Mortgages gone wild. Fluctuating oil prices. The National Debt that even the famous Times Square “counter” can’t keep up with. And then there’s the $700 billion bailout (ahem…rescue plan). Add to this volatile mix, pundits consulting their crystal balls, comparing our current economic crisis to the Great Depression, and telling us the obvious – that the institutions we’ve traditionally trusted have failed us. Our domestic woes are now impacting the world and, oh by the way, we might be in a recession. Bad news withstanding, the Internet seems to be thriving. And no wonder…

According to a May 2008 survey by Pew, 73 percent of American adults are Internet users. And in this age of Google, iTunes, eBay and cars.com, users are spending money, and lots of it. Forrester Research shows online sales, excluding travel, reached $175 billion in 2007. And Forrester expects the figure to hit $204 billion this year, despite the economic slump.

Online content consumption is also on the rise. In June 2008, Cisco reported global Internet traffic will grow at a compound annual rate of 46 percent from 2007 to 2012. And the company believes Internet videos will account for 50 percent of consumer traffic in 2012.

But, back to the question of whether the Internet is immune to an economic downturn. The Internet is certainly well-insulated because of high demand for its offerings and affordable delivery. Likewise, its worldwide audience, innovation-friendly environment, and seemingly unlimited expansion potential offer some additional warm-and-fuzzy buffers. On the other hand, though, Internet content and usage is influenced by our needs and wants, and our relationship to the prevailing economy shapes those needs and wants. So, can there really be a definitive yes or no answer to the question? What do you think?

Is e-rate working for North Carolina schools and libraries?

2008-10-10T10:55:00.001-04:00

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the obligation of telecommunications providers to allow discounted services to the nation's schools and libraries. This initiative became known as the e-rate (Education Rate) program, administered by the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company. The e-rate program funds technology discounts to K-12 schools, and amounts nationally to approximately $2.5 billion each year.

All libraries and K-12 schools are eligible for discounts at a minimum of 20 percent and up to a maximum of 90 percent, based on the school’s participation in the National School Lunch Program. Applicants are also required to have a state-approved technology plan before they can receive discounted services through e-rate.

But even with the help of e-rate funds, many schools and libraries struggle to pay for vital telecommunications services. So to help, the N.C. General Assembly in 2007 funded a $12 million initiative to pay the balance (amount not covered by e-rate) of the cost to connect schools. In the 2008 session, legislators stepped up again to grant an additional $10 million.

North Carolina is in the process of upgrading services to Local Education Agencies (LEA) and to each of the associated schools with adequate bandwidth to support their needs. The majority of North Carolina’s schools and LEAs are operating at 100 Mbps but many are connected at speeds far slower than this. The installation will be complete this year with the exception of the schools still under independent contract for this service, and even those will be converted at the end of their next contract.

With funding from the e-rate program, the N.C. General Assembly and Golden LEAF, each school will have resources to participate in programs like Virtual School, Learn and Earn and distance education through interactive video.

This program has greatly enhanced educational capabilities of participating schools by allowing high-speed connections not only to the Internet, but also to state’s computing systems. So to answer our own question – YES – the program seems to be working…

Fight Night: The Internet vs. Newspapers

2008-08-29T15:36:00.002-04:00

If the Internet were a boxer, it would be the heavyweight champion of the world; taking its rightful place alongside boxing legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis. In this same context, newspapers would represent an aging, near-retirement opponent, lying dazed on the mat with a cut over its left eye, hoping for a second wind.

So, what happened to newspapers, a once-formidable contender? Well, it’s complicated. But for starters, while newspapers were training 10 hours a day and mixing together pulpy, old-school protein powders, promoters for the Internet were out scouting for new talent and taking notice of a shift in journalism. The Internet honed in on this weak spot and came out swinging. And newspapers are still reeling…

The Numbers Tell the Story
Newspapers just aren’t packing them in like they used to. A survey by Scarborough Research for Journalism.com shows that in 2005, 38 percent of 18-24 year olds were reading newspapers in an average week. By 2007, that figure dropped to 33 percent.

In contrast, the Internet is attracting fans. Princeton Survey Research Associates International conducted a survey for The Pew Internet & American Life Project that illustrates this point. Survey participants age 18 and older were asked “Did you happen to use the Internet yesterday?” In January 2005, 58 percent said yes. By October-December 2007, 72 were in the affirmative. That’s a big jump.

The Blog Jab
Citizen journalism has gained in popularity and is challenging the way we define “news.” Search engine Technorati currently tracks around 112 million blogs and estimates another 175,000 are created every day. From notable blogs like the Daily Yonder to voyeuristic TMZ and Perez Hilton, bloggers deliver timely content, often beating traditional news outlets to the punch.

The Ad Hook
In March 2008, the New York Times reported that newspaper advertising fell 7.9 percent last year. Advertising used to be a mainstay of the industry, but ad dollars follow eyeballs and these days, millions of those eyeballs are glued to the Internet – therefore making Yahoo!, Google and Craig's List the new go-to companies for advertisers.

The Broadband Uppercut
The speed and agility of broadband has changed expectations about information delivery, and given people power to shape their news experience by quickly gleaning stories from multiple sources. Broadband also makes it easier to collaborate online, building on the concept of creating communities through shared experiences, which is one of the Internet’s greatest strengths.

The Final Punch
The Internet seems poised to deliver the deciding blow, but newspapers aren’t going to disappear tomorrow. Having survived radio and television, they can withstand the Internet. Many papers already boast a respectable online presence, and some of the best writers still call the newsroom home. The medium’s success rests with its ability to use what it has. And in this competitive Web 2.0 climate, it also must become a stronger advocate for universal broadband and net neutrality. Beyond that, time is on the industry’s side, so there’s still a chance to mend whatever may be broken.

Thinking differently (externally) about innovation

2008-08-26T10:07:00.004-04:00

The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center’s annual Rural Partners Forum is coming up in early October and the topic this year is INNOVATION. And we’re sure that they’ll present a slew of different ways in which innovation touches our state’s rural economies, but is there a vehicle for innovation more radical than the Internet?

While most companies still cling to the invention model that centers on internally-generated ideas and intellectual property, other companies are beginning to adopt a fundamentally different way of thinking about how to develop new products and processes. They understand that the Internet is fueling the transition to an open model of innovation that is driven by greater access to talent, risk-taking entrepreneurship and capital – wherever in the world it is found.

In 2000, Proctor and Gamble (P&G) realized that their return on increasingly expensive research and development (R&D) investments was inadequate. Studying their process for innovation, they estimated that each of their internally-employed researchers had at least 200 talented peers worldwide with skill sets that that P&G could potentially use. So P&G decided to fundamentally change their view of R&D to now include not only the 7,500 people inside the firm, but also 1.5 million scientists and engineers outside the company. The Internet made this possible by providing those new connections. The results more than support the wisdom of that decision – to adopt an open innovation policy. The company reported in 2006 that R&D productivity is up almost 60 percent, and 45 percent of products in development having key elements from external sources. Their innovation success rate has doubled, the cost of innovation has decreased, and perhaps the most telling of all – the price of a share of P&G stock has doubled.

Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical giant headquartered in Indiana, has also used the Internet to dramatically change their innovation model. Eli Lilly created and spun-off Innocentive, a Web-based service firm that posts client’s scientific problems and offers cash for accepted solutions, maintaining the anonymity of all involved. This approach allows firms of all sizes to efficiently use the Internet to leverage their access to a critical and scarce R&D resource – talented human capital. It was found that for the 166 problems solved through Innocentive, the further the problem was from the solver’s expertise, the more likely he or she was to solve it. Non-experts in one field solved problems in another field by thinking differently. The results reinforce the value of the Internet as a boundary-eliminating connection that can serve to enrich blockbuster innovations.

The application of the Internet to spurring innovation is not limited to R&D enterprises. Netflix, a mail-order and Web-based entertainment service recently offered a $1 million award for an algorithm that would improve efficiency of one of its existing internal systems by at least 10 percent. They drew over 15,000 entrants from 126 countries, and the leading solution came from Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

Hurricane season is here - do you have a communications plan?

2008-08-18T10:07:00.004-04:00

Tropical Storm Fay is the first storm of the season to even flirt with the idea of dumping some weather on North Carolina. With everything that Florida and the Gulf have suffered through for the last few years, you have to wonder if in the give-and-take of Atlantic Hurricane Seasons, it is the Carolinas' "turn" to get it.

So - since we've had a relatively long stretch of hurricane-free years - the forthcoming (potential) arrival of Fay makes us think about emergency communication plans. Stocking up. Boarding up. Heading out of dodge, if need be.

The Home Safety Council recently reported that only 30 percent of households have discussed and created an emergency communications plan - specifically outlining how families would stay connected in the case of a major weather or disaster event. And this topic is so intimately tied to technology these days because of our collective dependence on linkage with each other though mediums like Internet access and cell/mobile coverage. It may sound like a stretch, but this is a truly great example of how Internet connectivity has infiltrated every portion of modern society.

Who Understands All This Technical Stuff Anyway?

2008-08-12T10:15:00.002-04:00

Well, the quick answer may be – not many people. It seems somewhat scary for local, state and national leaders to be making policy decisions on technologies that they may not fully understand. If we want to deploy more broadband (and deploy it in areas that may not have the normal market-driven forces at work), it seems that it would be helpful to have more technical resources available to decision-makers who are trying to understand broadband issues.

Last month, Geoff Daly of App-Rising.com spoke at the annual conference for the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners on wireless broadband. In his speech, he points out some of the pros and cons of wireless broadband – in a way that is easy to understand. What areas will it be most useful in (ex. mobility-driven applications)? What are the drawbacks (lack of standardized technologies)?

Daly’s goal was to educate the regulatory commissioners gathered together there from all around the country. We won’t try to spell out his entire speech here, but we recommend reading it. He even points out what he sees as a technical problem in a wireless plan around libraries, suggested one of the FCC commissioners. And that makes us wonder – where do these national leaders go for technical advice? Of course, the FCC commissioners have dedicated staff but what about all the utilities commissioners and state-level leaders? There are a multitude of technical issues surrounding broadband deployment, and you don’t have to look far to also see the volume of complex regulatory and legislative requirements around varying technologies.

At the e-NC Authority, we get lots of calls from local leaders and state leaders who are trying to sort out these questions. They most often ask about deploying wireless service and/or developing fiber networks. We do provide technical advice to local and state leaders in North Carolina, but only as much as is possible with our small staff and limited financial resources. And there are some other groups which do this as well, such as the Center for Public Technology at UNC-Chapel Hill, which offers training for government IT professionals.

But there still seems to be a lack of technical assistance available to those who need it most – those who may be trying to decide where to invest millions of dollars allocated for a community network, or those state legislators who are trying to decide how to write a particular piece of legislation. There are always industry professionals and vendors to provide consulting but can you get objective advice from a vendor?

In any case, until we have enough public entities willing to invest in technical staff members that really understand broadband technologies, or in policy staffers that really understand the policy side, we just have to hope that leaders and interested citizens are taking the time to read Daly’s columns and the thousands of other blogs, presentations and in-depth papers that examine these issues.

Coastal N.C. - are you gettin' the signal?

2008-08-01T16:16:00.001-04:00

Wakey, wakey! The switch to digital television for several coastal communities in North Carolina is less than 40 days away! I know we’ve written about it before but every little reminder helps.

Beginning at noon on Sept. 8, 2008, Wilmington-area stations WWAY (ABC), WSFX-TV (FOX), WECT (NBC),WILM-LP (CBS) and W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting) will broadcast only digital signals to their viewers in New Hanover, Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and Pender counties. The rest of the nation will make the switch on Feb. 17, 2009. The transition will affect those who watch free television from an over-the-air signal (through a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears”). If you watch television from an over-the-air, or analog, signal, you must buy an analog-to-digital converter box, buy a digital television OR subscribe to a paid television service.

Analog-to-digital converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-70. To help you pay for the boxes, the U.S. government is offering two $40 coupons per household. For more information on the coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Plus, you should not need a new antenna if you get good quality reception on analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has staff available to educate people about the switch. In Brunswick County, you may contact Jessica Przybyla at (202) 418-2721. Additionally, FCC staff will be at the following local events and locations to answer questions about the digital television transition and sign-up area residents for the converter box coupon.

Saturday, Aug. 2 – 5 -10 p.m.
Leland Under the Lights Classic Car Show, Wal-Mart parking lot, Leland

Monday, Aug. 4 – 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Leland WIC Center, 1492 Village Road N.E., Leland

Monday, Aug. 4 – 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Brunswick Community College, Main Campus, Bolivia

Tuesday, Aug. 5 – 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Brunswick County Health Department, 25 Courthouse Drive, Bolivia

Wednesday, Aug. 6 – 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Shallotte WIC Center, Sunward Office Building, 117 Holden Beach Road, Shallotte

Economy in the pooper = Internet subscriptions expendable?

2008-07-25T14:12:00.001-04:00

We have wondered when or if the lagging economy would translate into fewer new Internet subscription requests (or rather, people electing to terminate that service). With gas and food prices what they are, times are tight and many people are having to think more strategically about what expenses are truly necessary. It’s definitely a tough call. Imagine being a small business and trying to make that decision? Or the parent of a high school-aged student?

An article in Telephony Online this week pointed out that AT&T cited a decline in home-based wire line Internet subscriptions when discussing its third-quarter earnings. AT&T Chief Financial Officer Rick Lindner mentions that the lost customers are “indicating they are not going to a competitor” and that many of these lost subscribers are trying to save costs by using their work/office-based Internet services instead of having that availability at home.

As Ed Gibbons from Telephony Online points out, “If these people have office Internet connections, they likely don’t have blue collars; they’re not bus drivers or waiters. They’re white-collar workers who would rather fill up their gas tanks than their phone lines. The irony, of course, is that if they were able to keep their broadband connections and work from home, they would likely reap much larger savings by not buying the gas needed to drive to and from work each day.”

As others have pointed out, stressful or uncertain economic times tend to quickly illustrate the value (or lack thereof) that consumers place on any given product – gas, disposable diapers, new sneakers, name-brand macaroni-and-cheese, to name a few. This draws into question something that contradicts much of the e-NC Authority’s cause…the profound economic value of broadband connectivity.

Universal broadband throw-down: McCain vs. Obama

2008-07-21T13:55:00.004-04:00

The Washington Post has put together a healthy resource site for readers to examine the 2008 presidential campaign candidates for their position on various issues. In looking at this recently, it was made clear what a stark difference there is between Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama when it comes to looking at universal broadband as an economic driver. Did we mention it was a stark difference?

When each candidate was asked to name "the three most important things [they would do] to promote economic growth and prosperity," Sen. Obama noted universal broadband deployment, but the words "broadband" and "Internet" are completely missing from Sen. McCain's response. Now, Sen. McCain's answer to the question is longer than Sen. Obama's, but Sen. McCain only mentions the role of technology in economic stimulation after a short break (included in the text below). Both are worthy candidates and we certainly won't make a political recommendation here - but the differences between candidates when it comes to universal broadband access is worth pointing out.

Here's how it went down...

Q:
WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU WOULD DO TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY?

SEN. OBAMA'S RESPONSE:
First, I will make strategic, long-term investments into American infrastructure to create more high-wage jobs. I will expand federal funding for basic research, make the tax credit for research and development permanent, and expand the deployment of broadband technology, so that businesses can invest in innovation and create high-paying, secure jobs. And I will make investments in education, training, and workforce development so that Americans can leverage our strengths -- our ingenuity and entrepreneurialism -- to create new high-wage jobs and prosper in a world economy. Second, I will fight against trade agreements that undermine American competitiveness and use trade as a tool to grow American jobs. I will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world and stand firm against agreements like the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) that fail to live up to those important benchmarks. Third, I will promote digital inclusion. Getting broadband Internet access into every home and business in urban America at an affordable rate could give low-income people increased opportunities to start businesses and engage actively in our communities.

SEN. McCAIN'S RESPONSE:
I am committed to pursuing a pro-growth economic agenda. First, we must minimize the burden of the federal government on entrepreneurs and the private sector by keeping spending under control and taxes low. We should keep income taxes low by making the tax cuts permanent, thus eliminating the threat of a crippling tax increase in 2011, by repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax, and also by making it more difficult for Congress to raise taxes by requiring a three-fifths, super-majority vote in order to pass a tax increase. But low taxes work best when accompanied by low spending. To limit spending, we must eliminate pork-barrel spending and reform entitlement programs. Opening markets for American goods and services is indispensable to our future prosperity. We can compete with anyone. American leadership on trade is critical to a vibrant world economy and to ensure access to new markets which will benefit our businesses, workers, farmers, and ranchers. Ninety-five percent of the world's customers are outside our borders, so it makes sense to try to reach more of them with our products and services by concluding more trade agreements tied to vigorous enforcement. Over the past fifty years, efforts to reduce global barriers to trade have raised U.S. incomes by $1 trillion every year - a $3,500 'trade refund' for every man, woman, and child in the United States. We also benefit from direct investment in our nation. Americans do not shy away from the challenge of competition: they welcome it. Because of that, we attract foreign investment from across the world. Trade has also contributed to our low unemployment and inflation rates. But the benefits we enjoy today can easily be gone tomorrow if governments travel the road of protectionism to failure. We must stand firmly against such economic isolationism today to ensure America's prosperity tomorrow. America has succeeded because we've more willing to embrace and encourage economic change more than most of our competitors. *break* Additionally, a strong tech industry is critical to our continued prosperity. Maintaining our tech edge requires robust basic research, a highly skilled workforce, and a healthy investment climate. We must support our tech industry with smart policies that make basic research a priority, improve our schools to produce graduates with strong math and science skills, make our immigration system friendlier to the world's tech innovators, and make our tax system and patent laws innovation friendly.

North Carolina leadership in interactive video

2008-07-11T16:05:00.001-04:00

North Carolina’s First Interactive Video to Universities: 1984
MCNC (known then as the Microelectronic Center of North Carolina) began a network known as CONCERT to carry courses in the sciences out from UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State, Duke and Wake Forest to other universities and employees at high-tech companies. The CONCERT name was changed to NCREN in 1992. And with the advent of the N.C. Information Highway, all of its constituent institutions were added to this network. University courses were carried over both CONCERT and NCREN to spread the offering of scarce courses to universities, institutions and organizations that were otherwise unable to provide a very diverse set of courses. For example, Appalachian State University and the UNC-Asheville could not offer a diverse enough set of courses for majoring in something like, say, the German language. Resources from Appalachian State University and UNC-Asheville banded together to enable a German degree by using NCREN.

Originally, CONCERT used microwave towers and then moved predominantly to leased, fiber-based infrastructure and services for NCREN. The MCNC network was full motion, two-way interactive (and high quality) video for distance education, video conferencing and telemedicine. It also carried very high-speed data for research purposes among the university campuses in North Carolina.

North Carolina’s First Interactive Video Over Fiber to Schools: 1994
It took almost 10 years from the first interactive video to spread across North Carolina – a full motion, two-way interactive video at 45 Mb, delivered over an ATM Sonet fiber network here in North Carolina (piloted in Wilmington and Charlotte as Vision Carolina), and then named the N.C. Information Highway. It first offered services in August 1994 to deliver courses to high schools and community colleges. That network was built by telecommunication carriers in North Carolina – then known as Sprint, BellSouth and GTE – as well as telephone cooperatives and independent telephone companies. These carriers are known today as Embarq, AT&T and Verizon. The state paid for video services in the same way it would pay for telephone services (it did not own this network; the private sector and nonprofit telephone cooperatives did).

Initially, the network carried video to more than 70 high schools, enabling them to offer many science and technology courses that would not otherwise be available. Other courses were subsequently developed so that schools could receive language courses and advanced placement (AP) courses that were not taught in these schools because of lack of certified teachers. Shortly thereafter, 21 of North Carolina’s 50 community colleges also joined the network. Again, scarce resources were utilized across the system to spread educational content from one corner of the state to another.

The N.C. General Assembly was a leader and pioneer in funding the N.C. Information Highway. And private sector companies – be they wireline carriers, independent wireline carriers or telephone cooperatives – joined in this public-private partnership to deploy this first fiber-switched broadband ATM network in the world.

And here’s the kicker – it was the largest network of its kind in the world at that time. Right here in North Carolina. Can you believe that?

Such an awful shame that now the state and nation have fallen so far behind…

Move Over Vista

2008-07-03T14:13:00.001-04:00

“Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to you door.” So said Emerson. And that seems to be the mantra at Microsoft. The company debuted its latest work-in-progress, Windows 7, at the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital Conference (D6) in May. There was, I’m sure, a global sigh of relief. Many of us had been holding our collective breath in anticipation of Vista revisited, which we feared might produce a gangly operating system with a set of steroid-enhanced service packs. But, apparently, the techno Gods have spoken and there will be no Vista, Jr. At least not for now. (Let us pause a moment and give thanks.) Okay, time’s up. Let’s talk about Windows 7.

At this stage, Microsoft is being uncharacteristically low-key when discussing the platform. There’s been no talk of grand marketing plans or beta release schedules. However, the D6 Conference allowed the company to drop a few hints (very few) about what we can expect when Windows 7 appears in stores late 2009 or early 2010.

“Multi-touch” was the buzzword. Microsoft has long been at work on multi-touch technologies. In 2007, the company unveiled Surface, an interactive digital table computer aimed at hotels, casinos, restaurants, etc. More recently, a multi-touch office whiteboard called TouchWall has garnered attention. Windows 7 appears to build on the Surface and TouchWall projects, and it also incorporates supporting technologies from N-trig and Tyco Electronics to create multi-touch features for laptops and PCs. Such touch screen technologies (think Apple’s iPhone) will give our fingertips the capacity to open applications, move and resize images, rotate a globe, navigate maps, draw, and play a virtual piano. If you’ve got a moment, click here to see Microsoft’s six-minute demonstration. Pressed for time? Click here for a two-minute version of the demonstration. Nice, huh? But don’t throw your mouse out just yet, okay?

Beyond the touch screen wonders showcased at D6, other Windows 7 details have emerged from talks and interviews with Microsoft executives. In a recent interview with cnetNews.com, Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president, Windows and Windows Live Engineering, indicated that we can look forward to fewer compatibility challenges, so drivers and software that work on Vista should work with Windows 7. And Sinofsky signaled that Windows 7 will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. We can also expect a leaner kernel, according to Microsoft engineer Eric Traut. Speaking on the topic of virtualization at the University of Illinois in October 2007, Traut described work that has been done to refine the kernel architecture. The resulting microkernel, known internally as MinWin, will likely be the basis for forthcoming products. For Windows 7, this could translate into a smaller OS memory footprint, better security, and increased system speed. To illustrate this concept, Traut showed a rendering of MinWin consisting of 100 files, which took up 25 Mb of disk space and ran in 40 Mb of RAM. Just an ever so tiny glimpse of the future. And for now that’s all we know about Vista’s successor.

Up next, developers can get a peek under the hood of Windows 7 at the 2008 Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, which takes place October 27-30 in Los Angeles. Scheduled Windows 7 sessions include: “Touch Computing,” “Web Services in Native Code,” “Graphic Advances,” and a decidedly eco-friendly offering – “Optimizing for Energy Efficiency and Battery Life.”

Hmmm…could Windows 7 possibly have a green alter ego? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

A Crescendo of a Video

2008-07-01T14:56:00.003-04:00

We recently wrapped production of the video below, intended as a general piece that would promote the value of broadband deployment as an economic fixture in North Carolina (and by extension, the nation as a whole). It is a unique visual style and we are thrilled with the results. Moving forward, we are sure to find plenty of opportunities to use this at community meetings, legislative briefings and the myriad occasions in which we are asked to provide remarks and data at large presentations and events. Hope you like it...

Is the Internet a mixed blessing?

2008-06-30T10:19:00.001-04:00

At the e-NC Authority, we speak of the Internet as being transformative because we have witnessed individuals, organizations and communities up-close. We have seen first-hand the transformation that the Internet can create within educational resources, applications and market access. Access to training, the capacity to recruit 21st century industries, global markets for local goods and crafts, extended and reconnected social contacts – the Internet is delivering all of this and more to citizens and businesses all over the globe. So the Internet must be a good thing, right?

Well once in a while, articles come along that stop us abruptly in our full-steam-ahead cheerleading for this technology and cause us to ponder otherwise. The most recent issue of the journal Atlantic (July-August 2008) is labeled “The Ideas Issue” as its focus is on ideas that are changing the way we live and work. The cover graphic poses the question “Is Google Making Us Stoopid? What the Internet is doing to Our Brains,” which is the title of this issue’s focal article by Nicholas Carr. The intriguing, and possibly troubling, premise of Carr’s article is that the Internet has been “tinkering with (our) brains, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory.” In short, changing the way we think.

Carr refers to media theorist Marshall McLuhan, who pointed out in the 1960s that media are not just “passive channels of information…they also shape the process of thought.” Carr states that the Internet is “chipping away at (his) capacity for concentration and contemplation.” He suggest that our minds are changing – altering physically – as the norm for information intake becomes a jet of accelerated particles skipping around our neural nodes. The act of reading is the example he uses to drive home his point. His idea is that while we may actually be reading more than we ever have before, on average, due to the ubiquity of text on the Internet and text messaging on cell phone, it is a different type of reading that requires a different type of thinking. Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist at Tufts University is quoted as saying, “We are not only what we read; we are how we read.” She worries that while the Internet may promote efficiency and immediacy, it may also be weakening our ability to fully engage and make deep intuitive connections with the information we are processing. Wolf goes on to cite research that demonstrates that readers of ideograms, such as the Chinese, have a different neural circuitry for reading than do readers of Western languages. The expectation is that the circuits woven by our use of the Internet will be different from that woven by our reading of books and other printed words.

Like Carr and others he quotes, we are noticing a diminution of ability to focus on long pieces of writing. We scan the pages more, squirm, doze off in our chairs, and all too frequently add another book or magazine to the pile of things intend to “get back to.” Carr’s article has injected a new explanation for this impatience – the idea that our brains just aren’t what they used to be.

"Broadband Revolution" - white paper release in D.C.

2008-06-25T14:58:00.000-04:00

Our trip to Washington, D.C. was fantastic and the white paper we released was tremendously well-received at the event sponsored by the New America Foundation. Over 150 people attended the event – legislative staffers, FCC Commissioners, political consultants, industry folks and journalists a’plenty. The video below chronicles the entire event but here are the speakers in order, along with the hour:minute:second mark where their remarks appear in the video. This’ll help you to scroll through each to find what you might be most interested in listening in on…

Also – click here to find download-able copies of the white paper’s full report and its executive summary.

- Moderator: Michael Calabrese, New America Foundation (0:00:00)
- Remarks: FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps (0:05:20)
- Remarks: FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein (0:19:30)
- Report author: Jim Baller, Baller Herbst Law Group (0:43:35)
- Partner: Jane Smith Patterson, The e-NC Authority (1:01:15)
- Partner: Diana G. Oblinger, EDUCAUSE (1:15:50)
- Partner: Stan Fendley, Corning, Inc. & Fiber-to-the-Home Council (1:24:50)
- Q&A (1:31:10)

e-NC and the City

2008-06-20T12:52:00.000-04:00

The office has been all a’flutter over the last few weeks because we have been preparing for a trip to Washington D.C. on Monday (June 23). It’s not that we are normally a’flutter over a trip to the capital; this time it’s for a particularly special occasion.

Several months ago, in conjunction with our governing board, we began to realize the need for a new piece of research. We needed something concise but powerful – a report that would compile the overwhelming facts and data to support the demand for increased broadband deployment not only in North Carolina, but throughout the entire nation.

The report was commissioned to Jim Baller of Baller Herbst Law Group in Washington, D.C. and is titled Bigger Vision, Bolder Action, Brighter Future: Capturing the Promise of Broadband for North Carolina and America. Basically, it outlines the benefits of broadband and the status of current deployment efforts while also looking at how much bandwidth capacity will be needed in the future. A major emphasis of the report is the need for a national broadband strategy. Strong arguments are made within the report for increased broadband deployment in the U.S. and more action on the part of telecommunications companies and community officials.

The report also includes a series of recommendations to the e-NC Authority and the state of North Carolina. The general ideas expressed in the report’s final recommendations are as follows:

Push to make North Carolina one of the top five states in broadband adoption and use;
Participate in a national broadband strategy;
Work with local citizens and leaders around the state to gather input on how to move the state forward;
Continue the e-NC Authority’s connectivity programs, but push for higher speeds than just DSL and cable modem service;
Seek legislative authority for data collection from the providers;
Encourage proactive policies to promote build-out by service providers; and
Encourage localities to consider broadband initiatives as an option, along with all other options.

As the report was being finished, we were flattered to receive an offer by the New America Foundation in Washington, D.C. to sponsor an event announcement to release the paper.

Want to come?

Keep your eyes on our Web site after 12 p.m. on Monday - electronic files of the full report and the executive summary will be posted at that time.

Infrastructure is infrastructure, is infrastructure. Right?

2008-06-12T15:45:00.000-04:00

It has been interesting to see the changing perception of high-speed or broadband Internet in the legislature over the past few years. When the Rural Internet Access Authority (the organization that preceded the e-NC Authority) began operations in 2001, it’s fair to say that not many legislators were tuned in to the importance of this new infrastructure. But over the past eight years, the legislature’s understanding of the need for high-speed Internet services has grown. And a lot of this has to do with how much they have heard from their constituents.

Citizens and state leaders are beginning to more fully realize the growing benefits of broadband for economic development, lifetime education, health care, public safety, homeland security, telework and environmental sustainability, to name a few. Unfortunately, we still lack an easy answer for the citizens and businesses in rural North Carolina that do not have access to a broadband connection. They live in sparsely populated areas; there is little to no business case for the providers to deploy the needed infrastructure there.

But as more leaders come on board to solve this problem, we believe more solutions will be found. So far, there is no magic technology cheap enough to deploy in sparsely populated areas that would deliver true broadband. And we can’t expect the service providers to shoulder the cost all on their own – they are businesses after all. So really, the question is a policy issue, and a critical one for us at the state and national level. Maybe it cannot be solved at the state level, but the states still have an important role to play, serving as models or testing incentives programs, emerging technologies and public-private partnerships to get the job done.

The question is – will North Carolina leaders and national leaders decide that broadband Internet is actually a public service, like electricity and telephone service? Will they implement policy solutions, like they did with electrification of the United States, to ensure that everyone is able to access broadband Internet? We hope so. While we work toward increasing availability here in North Carolina, we can’t do it without the support of our national leaders.

On the bright side, it is clear that times (and minds) are changing. And the legislators really are beginning to understand the issues involved here. When we get calls from people in rural areas that lack broadband service, we try to help on our own but we also encourage them to contact their legislators. With this newfound understanding in the N.C. General Assembly, we believe we will see more focus on the issue of broadband - more discussions, more solutions, and more prosperity for our state.

All good things.

Countdown to digital TV

2008-06-05T14:12:00.000-04:00

The FCC currently has a Feb. 17, 2009 deadline for all U.S. broadcasters to transition over to digital. On this date, all analog broadcasting will stop and consumers will need to either purchase a new television or (more reasonably) buy converter boxes in order to continue receiving programming on their older sets.

However - surprise, surprise! Wilmington, N.C., your area will have to transition to digital broadcasting on Sept. 8, 2009. Yours is the lucky test market for the nationwide shutdown of analog broadcasting!

We're all in luck for the greater transition however, because Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to continue to use analog sets after the February 2009 deadline. The program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, which can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

If you are reading this blog, then it's likely that the information about the broadcast transition has already reached you. However, some of your family and friends who are less technically savvy, those folks out there who cannot set the clock on their VCR, will likely need some help in getting a converter box and setting it all up. These individuals may also live in rural areas without access to cable or satellite services.

Here is your opportunity to assist those family members and friends in addressing the issue before the mad rush, especially for the greater Wilmington area. Here are a few questions to consider with the people that may need help:

Do they have cable or satellite (Dish) services? If so, they are all set to go!
If not, then how old is their television? (If it is 10 or more years old, then the citizen will need to have a converter box installed.)
If the television is newer than 10 years old, does it already have a digital tuner? (You will need to look on the back of the set or in the product manual to determine this - look for "digital" or "ATSC tuner.")

Here are some other helpful links and suggestions as we all prepare for the transition:

Go to http://www.dtv.gov/ - it is full of great information, all in one place, including participating retailers and installation instructions for the converter box.
Request your converter box coupons now and while supplies last, apply online through www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx. It is perfectly legal to apply for someone else as long as you use their home address (this will be validated for eligibility). Only two coupons can be used per U.S. household address, and the coupons are intended for the resident of that household. We recommend applying for two coupons even if you only have one set that needs a converter box.
Be sure that you purchase the converter box that includes an "analog pass-through" feature (especially for you folks in Wilmington). This feature will allow you to install the box now and your regular television signal will continue to work through the transition in February 2009. This way, with the converter box installed, you can kick back, relax and watch everyone else fly into a procrastination-induced tizzy when the actual deadline rolls around.

Entrepreneurial ISPs (especially wireless), take heed

2008-05-29T14:43:00.000-04:00

We receive a number of calls from entrepreneurs and ISPs wanting to start a wireless Internet access network. They usually ask what areas need the service, info on tower availability, where would they be the most successful, and also if we happen to have any grant funding. They have usually looked at our Web site and understand that our mission is to work toward universal high-speed Internet access to every citizen of North Carolina.

Normally, the urban counties, metropolitan areas, larger towns and larger subdivisions have at least one type of high-speed Internet access whether it is by cable modem, DSL or wireless. A business case for these areas is easy to develop (with all those potential customers packed in together), so they already have service. The small towns, communities, crossroads and rural areas of our state are the areas lacking high-speed Internet access, yet they are the areas that need it the most. These are the areas that need to be served, but are the hardest to develop a business case for.

Tower availability is also harder to find in these areas. Most water tanks already have some form of wireless equipment on them and most communities have set up guidelines and fees for their use; some have very stringent requirements and hefty fees associated with them. Getting access to fire towers has also become more difficult and backhaul transport to these locations is very expensive. All of these hidden and obvious costs have to be included in the business plan for entrepreneurs interested in starting a new ISP. And don’t forget a billing system, support staff and back office operations. It adds up.

But let’s get back to the case of effective wireless in rural communities…

Another issue for ISP entrepreneurs is access to customers, which is one of the main problems in rural areas. Manufacturers often present a “best-case” scenario when they advertise their radio equipment. Some state that their equipment is line-of-sight, but then give exaggerated examples of five to seven miles of coverage from their antenna. Some say that their signals can “blast through trees.” (They just don’t say what kind of tree.) We need for them to run some trials in the thick pine trees of rural North Carolina. According to some of the wireless providers we have talked with, pine trees “eat radio frequency.” Besides the trees, there are other items that cause interference and affect the range and quality of the signals.

Even with these challenges, wireless will probably be the only way a number of areas in North Carolina will ever see service. The e-NC Authority supports wireless efforts and the challenges outlined here are not meant to be negative or against wireless service. When ISP entrepreneurs spend their money, time and effort to serve these areas of our state, we want them to be successful. Our intention is to assist those entrepreneurial ISPs in developing a thorough business case. And when it comes time to deploy, we want them to be successful.

As for grants, we do not have any available at this time. If the N.C. General Assembly provides us with funding this year, we will address the counties with the lowest connectivity as we have in the past. And who knows – hopefully wireless can be a part of that…

Just trying to do what we're mandated to do...

2008-05-14T11:15:00.000-04:00

On Monday there was another meeting of the House Select Committee on High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas (chaired by Rep. Bill Faison, N.C. District 50) and it was quite the adventure. Invited to present was Jim Baller of Baller Herbst Law Group in Washington, D.C., an attorney and national telecommunications policy expert. He addressed the committee and those members of the public about - in general - how far the United States and North Carolina are falling behind in terms of broadband deployment and access to connectivity. It was pretty depressing, though he did have some excellent concrete recommendations toward the end about what can be done to remedy the situation, namely to support research efforts of the e-NC Authority and provide funding for public-private partnerships for deployment in the most critically underserved counties. These recommendations tie directly into the e-NC Authority's legislative and advocacy priorities for the 2008 session.

Unfortunately, the reality of how far behind we are as a nation in terms of broadband deployment and broadband access is nothing new. But tell that to some of our rural citizens that are TRULY stuck at the bottom of the heap because their only access is dial-up or (expensive and slow) satellite! The meeting started with only three legislators present, but three others joined the meeting before leaving again prior to adjournment. The full legislature just reconvened for this summer's short session on Tuesday, so everyone there is pretty busy right now.

What also made the committee meeting so interesting was the discussion around a proposed bill that would mandate the service providers to annually report their coverage areas (availability, not disclosure of actual take-up rates or subscriber information) to the e-NC Authority. A good number of the service providers currently DO send this information to us on an annual basis, but a few of them don't - and unfortunately, this holds up the entire process.

The committee started to discuss the bill that would mandate reporting, and no issues were raised by the legislators. When the floor was opened up for commentary from those of us in the peanut gallery (staff members from the e-NC Authority, and various and sundry representatives from the service providers) - things got really interesting. Many of the service providers stated that providing this information could be financially burdensome. Some also argued that they do not have information about where exactly they offer service, at least not to the detail/degree suggested in the bill.

When you really get down to it, the e-NC Authority is only trying to accomplish its mission as assigned by the N.C. General Assembly - to accurately track the availability of high-speed Internet access in all 100 counties on an annual basis and then advocate for deployment in underserved counties.

But how can that happen effectively if the data we receive is incomplete?

Getting hip to NEW technology

2008-05-06T14:47:00.000-04:00

In the midst of all other sundry tasks and responsibilities, our staff recently realized that an entire world of Web 2.0 opportunity was passing us by. Well...never more. Consider us reformed (or rather, a beginning of reformation).

We hereby christen this blog of the e-NC Authority - as a small but instrumental step toward greater inter-connectivity with our partners and advocates across the state of North Carolina. As we work together to increase the availability of high-speed telecommunications services, this blog will be populated with new and compelling research, publications, articles and links of interest. We hope you will join us in the discussion. Send stories of what your life is like without a high-speed connection to the Internet. Send stories about how your business or education has improved because of greater (and new!) bandwidth. And let us know how we can work better together as a team.

If North Carolina is to remain competitive in the global economy of our present and future - every citizen, school, home, hospital and business must have access to a high-speed Internet connection. Making this happen continues to require nothing short of revolutionary action on the part of our state's citizens and elected leaders - to ensure that North Carolina not only survives economic transformation, but excels at it.

Welcome to the connection.

Visit www.e-nc.org