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Broadband Internet access is key to Nebraska′s economic future and quality of life, and citize
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by Holdrege Chamber of Commerce on 5/5/2011
Eight broadband planning regional forums are scheduled across Nebraska, beginning Wednesday and continuing until April 28, to begin the conversation about increasing broadband adoption to build vibrant communities. The forums will focus on specific needs and strategies of broadband use to strengthen economic development and maintain quality of life.
During each session, 2010 household survey results and broadband mapping data will be presented as well as engaging in the conversation about the possibilities of using broadband Internet access.
"Broadband applications are impacting every sector of Nebraska's economy from agriculture to health care. The broadband forums being held across Nebraska offer an opportunity for Nebraskans to participate in discussions about how broadband applications can enhance economic development and quality of life," said Sheehy, chair of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission.
Frank Landis, Nebraska Public Service commissioner, said, "Collectively, Nebraskans need to chart a course on how to close the gap between those who utilize broadband and those who do not. All Nebraskans need to be prepared and ready to participate in a world that is driven by, and dependent upon, the Internet."
All forums are from 1 to 4 p.m. Locations and dates for the forums are:
– March 23 – Norfolk - Learning Center - 801 East Benjamin Ave.
– March 30 – Gering Civic Center - 1050 M St.
– March 31 - Valentine - 4-H Building - 120 N. Green St.
– April 6 – North Platte - Quality Inn Convention Center - 2102 S. Jeffers
– April 7 – McCook - Mid-Plains Enterprise Center - 1205 E. Third
– April 13 – Lincoln - Embassy Suites - 1040 P St.
– April 14 – Minden - Opera House - 322 East Fifth St.
– April 28 – Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce - 1301 Harney St.
The forums are open to anyone interested in participating in discussion about broadband adoption and use.
"Broadband can be a powerful tool in advancing Nebraska's urban and rural economy. Increased adoption of broadband will maintain an educated workforce, create new opportunities for existing business, and assist in attracting new employment opportunities to the state," said Public Service Commissioner Jerry Vap. "Broadband availability and adoption is essential to the future of Nebraska."
The broadband forums are part of the federal broadband mapping project funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, whose goal is to increase broadband access and use. The grant was awarded to the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which has worked with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Information Technology Commission's Community Council, Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the AIM Institute.
For more information on the broadband forum In your region, contact Connie Hancock, UNL Extension, chancock1@unl.edu or ( 308 ) 254-4455, or Charlotte Narjes, UNL's Center for Applied Rural Innovation, cnarjes1@unl.edu or ( 402 ) 472-1724 or 800-328-2851.