[RTC List] Experiments to encourage broadband access and use in California

[Rollin Richmond]

I discussed the idea below, which was inspired by Susan Estrada, with  
the Broadband Task Force at our last meeting.  If any of our local  
people have ideas for how to proceed, I would appreciate receiving  
them.  Thanks.

Experiments to encourage broadband access and use in California


At our first Task Force meeting, several of us suggested that we  
consider doing some experiments in California to encourage the  
development of broadband access.  Our initial report includes some  
aspects of this idea, but I would like to see the Task Force develop  
some detailed proposals that would help to move the state and in  
particular the rural areas forward as rapidly as possible.  I have  
received several suggestions as to activities we can pursue.  I would  
be most interested in hearing from you about these suggestions and  
others that you may have, and how we might use them to develop  
approaches to encouraging broadband development and adoption by  
citizens.  Below are some of the ideas:

Our regulatory structures need revision to encourage business to  
install fiber/wireless access throughout the state and especially in  
rural areas.  Should we try to develop a set of regulatory guidelines  
with counties and municipalities or specific regions of the state?   
How can we educate people about ways to use broadband access that  
will make use of new levels of access?

Develop incentives for suppliers and applications developers.  We’ve  
already proposed changes for state agencies that control access to  
public right of ways.  Could we work with the state and local  
government agencies to develop a regulatory free zone to encourage  
experimentation?  Can we develop models for communities to use to  
promote broadband access such as the Smart Valley initiative in the  
Silicon Valley (http://www.jointventure.org/programs-initiatives/ 
smartvalley/smartvalley.html)?  Should we consider working with the  
Legislature to propose tax incentives for the development of new  
broadband applications?

How can we bring suppliers together with those needing broadband  
resources together on a regional basis to deal with issues of secure  
access, emergency services, healthcare and so forth?

Libraries and schools in California are a means for some people,  
especially those who don’t have computers and broadband, to access  
these resources.  Is this an option to market the advantages of  
broadband and new applications that are being developed?  Should we  
find a few urban and rural libraries and schools and try to help them  
develop better broadband access and training for people?

What is the best way to proceed with these experiments?  Do you have  
ideas of places that would be good to begin?

Thank you very much for your consideration.  I look forward to your  
feedback.

Regards,
Rollin

Email me directly at rollinr at humboldt.edu

_________________________
Rollin C. Richmond, President
Humboldt State University
Phone: 707-826-3311
Email: rollinr at humboldt.edu
Cell: 707-599-6699
________________________________________________________________________ 
_________________
Humboldt State University: Learning to Make a Difference. Visit us on  
the Web at www.humboldt.edu.


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