We sure do. In
fact, not only do we have it, we're at the top of the list on broadband
infrastructure. That's according to the fresh-from-the-oven TechNet
2012 State Broadband Index. TechNet is a network of CEOs and senior executives that
promote the growth of technology-led innovation.
What puts us at the
top are high rates of broadband use, a broadband-connected economy and better-than-average network speeds. Other tech states, like California and Utah, trail
behind us ranking 5 and 9 respectively.
Upon hearing the
news, the Washington State
Broadband Office (WSBO), which is part of the Washington State Department
of Commerce, issued this
press release. It quotes Will Saunders, WSBO program and policy director, on
the issue: "The state's ranking reflects state broadband planning going back to
2008 and more than $2.3 billion in public and private investment in
infrastructure and training during that period. The study also confirms that we
are ideally positioned for economic growth based on this work."
Saunders is right;
one of the reasons we're leading the pack in 2012 is that in 2008 the
legislature passed SB
6438, regarding high-speed internet services and community technology
opportunities. The measure required the then Department of Information Services to
come up with a statewide high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy
to:
• develop
geographic information system maps and inventories of public and private
high-speed internet infrastructure
• address
management of proprietary and competitively sensitive data
• spur development
of high-speed internet resources across the state
• track residential
and business adoption of high-speed internet
• use local
technology planning teams to help with internet deployment to disenfranchised or
unserved areas.
Access to broadband
means your morning paper loads quickly and you can watch the latest viral video
in a snap. Being the best at access to broadband means it will be easier for the
state to attract and grow companies, which means more jobs.
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| Graphic courtesy of Technet |
