Resources

General Resource

Author

Title

Annotation

Larry Irving & Bruce Mehlman, Internet Innovation Alliance

Broadband Fact Book

Written by the Internet Innovation Alliance, this is a primer on broadband internet access geared towards U.S. policy makers. It is a great source of introductory information, providing basic usage statistics, definitions, and context for the discussion of broadband universal internet access and its effect on communities in this country.

Dale E. Bonner, et al, The California Broadband Task Force

The State of Connectivity - Building Innovation Through Broadband

This document was published by the California Broadband Task Force and contains the results of its charge to identify and assess opportunities for—and challenges to—broadband deployment and adoption. Even though it is focused on California, the report provides an excellent framework for communities considering universal access projects of their own. Its go-forward recommendations address several critical topics including governance, technology, communications, training, timeframes, and access, etc.
and a timeframe in which to meet these critical goals.

Robert J. Shapiro, US Internet Industry Association

The Internet's Capacity To Handle Fast Rising Demand for Bandwidth

Shapiro argues that the sharp increase in demand for high bandwidth internet access caused by voice, music and video applications requires a $300 billion to $1 trillion industry investment in the United States alone. Shapiro focuses on the business models and pricing plans of ISPs as a possible solution to this growing disjunction between supply and demand, arguing that changes to both are necessary to provide economic efficiency to this industry.

Fernando Gil de Bernabe y Varela (ed), Cisco Systems Thought Leaders - Essays from Innovators

Connected Homes

A collection of essays by various thought leaders and executives from around the world, this book functions as a snapshot of the consumer broadband market in 2004. At the time, the market was nascent, but verging on explosion. The essays speculate about what forces will shape the growing market with the goal of helping service providers adapt to and profit from increasing market demand.

Fiber to the Home Council

FTTH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and accelerating fiber-to-the-home and the resulting quality of life enhancements. A FTTH Council membership provides access to expert guidance and a cross-sector user group to share knowledge and establish best practices related to fiber-to-the-home solutions.

Connecting Rural Communities

Connecting Rural Communities provides a step-by-step strategy for community leaders to bring broadband and ICT to rural areas, but the information presented is applicable to all types of communities. In addition to research and other background materials, sample presentations, brochures and other resources are available to assist community awareness efforts.

APT is a nonprofit membership organization and a consumer group focused on broadband and communication technologies. APT's mission aligns closely with the focus of the Knight Center, as both are dedicated to utilizing broadband and ICT to improve social services and quality of life.

W2i brings together stakeholders from around the world to accelerate the adoption of wireless Internet in support of social and economic development and better managed cities, communities and regions. A collection of studies and reports, expert commentary on a variety of topics, an awards program for communities, and events held across the country make W2i a great resource for communities working toward universal access.

An initiative of the Pew Research Center, this project explores the Internet's impact on different age groups and social categories. Data collected can help communities better understand the importance and relevance of Internet access to various community members as well as how the Internet is changing lives and habits.

Toolkits have been developed out of CTN-sponsored workshops over the years and cover topics relevant to the operations and programming of organizations that provide technology-related training, services or access to the public. These resources are helpful as communities explore universal access initiatives and corresponding opportunities to improve digital literacy among their citizens.

The OECD aims to improve our understanding of how ICT contributes to sustainable economic growth and social well-being in today's emerging knowledge-based societies. This section of the OECD website contains broadband statistics, policy reports, country-specific data, publications covering ICT, industry updates, and a range of other information on an international scale that helps convey the role that broadband and ICT play in 21st-century life.

This national organization works to make technology and broadband available to more households and communities. Connected Nation supports a number of statewide programs, hosts events and performs extensive research, information on all of which is provided on their site. The national "Economic Impact Study" published in February 2008 is of particular value.

These resources aid community leaders in discussions of big broadband for their communities. With these documents, including the popular Broadband Bill of RIghts, leaders can assess their community's current state of broadband and help achieve their community broadband goals. A sample business plan and an informative video from other communities can help guide planning efforts.

The Federal Communications Commission publishes data covering a variety of categories related to information communications technology and broadband. These statistics are helpful for understanding the digital status of different communities as well as current trends in the telecommunications industry.

Business Models

Author

Title

Annotation

John M. Peha, New America Foundation

Peha examines four different financial models for municipal wireless using "wireless Pittsburgh" as an example case study. These include: 1) a single citywide monopoly wiMAN provider; 2) facilities-based competition from multiple citywide WiMAN providers; 3) a citywide WiMAN offering wholesale services to competing retail service providers; 4) open competition where multiple providers are free to serve the neighborhoods of their choice.

Julia Stasch et al, Mayor's Advisory Council on Closing the Digital Divide (Chicago)

One of the best of its kind, this report was produced by the Mayor's Advisory Council on Closing the Digital Divide in Chicago in May 2007. The advisory council was tasked the make recommendations "to help ensure universal digital access and to improve community, educational, economic and other outcomes." The lengthy report goes far beyond this goal. It lays out a short and long term road map that addresses immediate actions and long term drivers; identification and engagement of key stakeholders; ownership and governance; funding; public, private, and nonprofit sector participation; and evaluation and metrics. In addition, the report provides a wonderful set of definitions.

Karen Archer Perry

This is a short, three page summary that examines the factors contributing to the success of "Smart Riverside," a wide collection of individual programs aimed at bridging the digital divide for the 275,000 residents of Riverside, California.

Lauren Gelman, et al., Center for Internet and Society, Stanford Law School

These are proposed contract terms between Silicon Valley WiFi and MetroConnect.

A nonprofit group formed in 2002, ConnectKentucky aims to bring broadband and ICT access to all residents. Some of its work includes: a comprehensive strategy for increasing technology usage, digital literacy and broadband deployment; technology training and consulting services; technology leadership teams in each county; and a project to ensure all disadvantaged children and their families have access to technology resources.

This private foundation focused on sustaining healthy rural communities recognizes the transformative potential of broadband and has developed a Broadband Initiative to establish strategies, leadership, and financial support for broadband deployments throughout Minnesota.

WinstonNet is a Winston-Salem, N.C., nonprofit community technology initiative established with the goal of "bridging the digital divide." Their work includes community computer centers, a supercomputing initiative, and a community wireless network. WinstonNet is another example of a solid business model based on public-private partnerships.

The e-NC Authority is dedicated to increasing prosperity for North Carolina citizens and businesses by creating jobs through technology-based economic development, which requires a broadband Internet platform for success. Also has a research repository with data collected information about bringing broadband and other technology to underserved populations.

UK-based CBN supports, promotes and develops community-owned broadband schemes. Along with an explanation of their approach, the site also offers research and thought pieces on major broadband-related topics.

Technology

Author

Title

Annotation

Cisco Systems

Written in 2006, this Cisco white paper examines the evolution of citywide broadband wireless networks. The paper focuses on public safety applications and was one of the first to address the phenomenon of municipal wireless projects. The case study accurately and succinctly lays out the major concepts, issues, and history of muni wifi projects up to its publication date, but notes that, in 2006, most projects were still in their early stages and many hadn't reached full deployment. Hence, this document is also valuable because it provides insight into how the tone, issues, and challenges around municipal wireless projects have changed in the last two years.

A comprehensive resource for communities exploring municipal wireless networks, MuniWireless offers insight on funding options, network applications and technologies as well as research, news and other information needed for communities to create sustainable strategies for wireless deployments.

This blog is an aggregation of the latest wireless networking news with commentary from tech journalist Glenn Fleishman.

The Wireless/Mobile/Broadband category within the Digital Communities section features articles, reviews and research that explore the technology that communities can employ to maximize the impact of broadband.

Program Areas - Digital Inclusion

Author

Title

Annotation

Maria Wynne et al, Microsoft Digital Inclusion

Wynne, Perry and Cooper address mayors, city managers, policymakers, and community leaders, calling on them to address the growing digital divide in their communities and to make technology accessible to everyone in order to close the gap between technology "have-nots." The report goes on to outline a basic roadmap or strategy to do so. It is a must-have resource for anyone beginning a project of this type.

Maria Wynne and Lane Cooper

Wynne and Cooper address mayors, city managers, policymakers, and community leaders, calling on them to address the growing digital divide in their communities and to make technology accessible to everyone in order to close the gap between technology "haves" and "have-nots." The report goes on to explore many of the key issues that municipal leaders must address in order to do so, outlining early best practices necessary to begin a municipal universal access program. This short report is accessible, easy to read, and a good introductory piece for those looking to familiarize themselves with the issues salient to the general concepts prevalent in the digital divide discussion.

This online community for educators, activists, policy makers and concerned citizens working to bridge the digital divide features success stories, reports, blogs and a listing of related events that local activists can utilize in their own communities.

The Digital Access Project is an example of how a community is working to improve technology access and digital literacy. Research, reports, white papers and other resources being used in the Twin Cities are available for other communities to analyze. The site also provides access to task force reports and legal agreements that other communities may want to use as models.

The Digital Inclusion Forum is a comprehensive resource center to inform, educate and share best practices among state and local government leaders, and industry and institutional stakeholders to help bridge the digital divide. Institution and case study databases, expert commentary, and a variety of reports relate the importance of bringing Internet access to all people.

A bipartisan advocacy group, Alliance for Digital Equity promotes equal access to information technology resources for underserved populations. A sign-up form is available on this Web site to become involved with the Alliance and learn about their initiatives.

Program Areas - Health Care

Author

Title

Annotation

Kevin Dean (ed), Cisco Systems Thought Leaders - Essays from Innovators

Focusing on information delivery, this collection of essays on electronic healthcare represents relatively early thinking (2003-04) regarding the intersection between high-speed internet access and the healthcare field. The editor focuses on initial and continued educational opportunities for medical practioners, a critical topic among many now discussed in this field.

Dennis Lyman, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society

The focus of this paper is how a physician or an organization decides if he/she/it desires to implement stand-alone e-prescribing. Although it specifically addresses managers of ambulatory community health organizations, physicians and medical groups, and managers of health plans, the paper highlights issues relevant for all those interested in the topic.

Jeff Sutherland

This workbook, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is designed as a practical tool to help those involved in developing and managing state-level health information exchange efforts. It is process driven, focusing on how to develop a state-driven RHIO.

Geared towards health care professionals and consumers, this site offers newsfeeds, research and events related to telehealth. It also invites readers to post content on the following topics: issues and policy; current projects; applications; and technology.

The eHealth Initiative's mission is to drive improvement in the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare through information and information technology. Health care providers can find toolkits, reasearch, publications and policy information related to ICT in health care.

This initiative assists health care providers collaborate to develop statewide HIE programs and organizations. Presentations, workbooks and other supporting documents are available for review.

A resource for health care IT professionals, Fierce Health IT provides news, market trends, developments and insights as well as conferences and webinars on IT in the health care field. Another valuable tool is a database of information on specific health-related technology and applications.

Program Areas - Workforce Development

Author

Title

Annotation

Robert Crandall et al, Brookings Institute

Published in July 2007, this study provides estimates of the effects of broadband penetration on both output and employment, in the aggregate and by sector, using state level data. It is one of the first studies to provide empirical data focusing on the impact of the broadband telecommunications infrastructure in the United States.

Program Areas - Economic Development

Author

Title

Annotation

Sharon Gillett, MIT

Published by MIT in February of 2006, this report represents a first attempt to measure the impact of already-deployed broadband technologies by applying controlled econometric techniques to data on broadband availability and economic performance for the entire U.S. The study differs from others in its definition of broadband as a here and now technology, its use of controlled statistical techniques, and its geographic scope. It encompasses the entire U.S. The results support the view that broadband access does enhance economic growth and performance.

George Ford and Thomas Koutsky, Applied Economic Studies

Broadband and Economic Development: A Municipal Case Study from Florida

In 2005 the authors of this paper explore the impact of broadband investment by municipalities on economic growth. To do so they employ an econometric model to compare economic growth in Lake County, Florida, with other similar Florida counties. The authors argue that
Lake County has experienced approximately 100% greater growth in economic activity.

Geoge Ford, Applied Economic Studies

Economic Development Through Bandwidth

This presentation by George Ford provides 14 slides focused on justifying municipal broadband projects. The majority of Ford's content focuses on economic development and financial impact to communities.

Stephen Pociask, TeleNomic Research, LLC

Published in 2002, this study investigates the economic benefits of building a nationwide broadband network and quantifies the job gains that this investment will have on the U.S. economy. The major finding of this study is hat building and using a robust, nationwide network will expand U.S. employment by an estimated 1.2 million new and permanent jobs.

Mark McElroy, Connected Nation

Published in early 2008, Connected Nation uses "counterfactual" analysis technique to apply the results of its ConnectKentucky broadband access project thus far to the rest of the United States. Connected Nation applies the effects of its impact in Kentucky to other states to quantify the potential national impact of pending federal legislation that would empower states to accelerate broadband through similar public-private partnerships.

Program Areas - Education

Author

Title

Annotation

Michelle Selinger (ed), Cisco Systems Thought Leaders - Essays from Innovators

Arguing that the internet has caused a dramatic change in our children's access to information that has itself necessitated a "paradigm shift" in the way schools "operate within society," the editor of this collection of essays addresses four main topics: 1) Teachers and learners; 2) Practical frameworks; 3) Policy frameworks; 4) and Changes to date and potential future changes.

John Windhausen Jr, Educause & Telepoly Consulting

Addressing the growing gulf between demand and availability for bandwidth in the United States, this 2008 white paper by Educause urges the United States to develop and adopt a national broadband policy. The paper proposes the creation of a new federal Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) that, together with matching funds from the states and the private and/or public sector, should be used to build open, big broadband networks of at least 00 Mbps (scalable upwards to 1 Gbps) to every homeand business by 2012.

Knight Center of Digital Excellence(formerly Karacomm)

This is a short, two page summary that describes the factors contributing to the success of "Gateway Regional School District One-to-One," a program in several rural towns in western Massachusetts that uses multi-year leasing and purchase options to equip students in grades seven through twelve with a laptop computer.

Knight Center of Digital Excellence (formerly Karacomm)

This is a short, two page summary that describes the factors contributing to the success of "K12nects II," a program that builds a bridge to parents and families by providing no-interest loans and bundled PC offerings to low-income parents of children in the Stuart Pyramid schools in Fairfax County.

Eschool News is a comprehensive resource for technology information for educators of all levels. Grant databases help teachers find grants available for technology. A series of resource center address a variety of tech topics that interest teachers. The site also provides a list of education technology conferences as well as an emergency information section to help schools deal with safety and security issues related to technology.

This nonprofit organization promotes the effective use of information technology to improve higher education. Programs include professional development activities, applied research, strategic policy advocacy, teaching and learning initiatives, online information services, print and electronic publications, special interest collaborative communities, and awards for leadership and innovation.

Professional development opportunities, a database of new technologies, published resources, and an advocacy toolkit are just a few of the features of this site, aimed at improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in education.

Program Areas - Social Services

Author

Title

Annotation

Simon Willis (ed), Cisco Systems Thought Leaders - Essays from Innovators

A collection of essays focused on various cities, this book explores municipal network projects throughout the world. The editor argues that by providing or investing in network infrastructure, the successful city can redefine its role in the 21st century.

The Digital Opportunity initiative of the Children's Partnership works to extend technology to all children and their families. Studies and reports, videos and information about Digital Opportunity projects can help communities ensure that children benefit from any broadband deployment strategy. The "Facts and Statistics" in the "Resource" section of this website are especially strong.

This nonprofit provides technology training and computer equipment to underserved communities. The site is very community focused. It offers supporting materials online, and its BDBF programs could be adopted by other communities.

An initiative of the Communications Workers of America, SpeedMatters seeks affordable broadband access for all Americans. The site's application features, blogs and document library can help local leaders and citizens learn about the importance of high-speed Internet access.

Program Areas - Community Engagement & Democratic Process

Author

Title

Annotation

This national nonprofit works to ensure that the digital world is designed and governed in a way that promotes democratic exchange and human rights. This site provides a list of links to other organizations that support or align with this mission as well as resources covering a variety of digital fields, such as social networking and wireless networks, and how digital democracy applies to them.

Program Areas - Government Services

Author

Title

Annotation

Paul Taylor, Center for Digital Goverment

The Center for Digital Government has been a keen observer of state and local government portals since their inception in the mid-1990s. With a wink and a nod to the TV series that started the home improvement revolution, and a tip of the hat to the thousands of public servants and their private partners who labored tirelessly on the first generation of e-government services, this white paper takes a fresh look at “This Old Portal.” It too has good bones and great possibilities when considering the future of public service delivery.

Mark Badger et al, Cisco Systems Internet Business Solutions Group - Point of View

Written in 2004, this book was one of the first to attempt to re-focus the discussions about e-government away from technology and towards the people and communities that electronic government services must engage. Terming its vision the "connected republic," the book argues that to be successful, e-government projects must focus beyond information and transaction and toward a redefinition of the role and purpose of the government in the Information Age.

Willi Kaczorowski (ed), Cisco Systems Thought Leaders - Essays from Innovators

A collection of fourteen essays focused on countries around the world, this book explores the concept of connected government. It examines the issues involved in developing compelling national e-government strategies and implementing them on a country-wide basis.

Heike Boeltzig and Doria Pilling, IBM Center for the Business of Government

In both the United States and the United Kingdom, considerable emphasis has been placed on government information and services being online, and increasingly on the possibility of carrying out online transactions (e-government). While both countries are well on the way to Internet delivery of government services, this does not necessarily mean that all citizens are equally able to access them. In both countries, those who have most to gain from e-government may have least access to it—people on low incomes, older people, people with disabilities—thus providing evidence of a continuing digital divide. This study has set out to identify effective approaches for encouraging Internet access for selected groups and use of e-government services and to disseminate information about them across the two countries. The objective of this six-month study was to identify initiatives for which there is some evidence of effectiveness and conduct case studies to highlight their key features.

Government Technology provides public officials with information about technology applications in all areas of administration and service delivery, including health care, workforce development, security, and transportation. Government Technology also produces Digital Communities, which offers strategies to help overcome ICT challenges that today's goverments face.

Program Areas - Public Safety

Author

Title

Annotation

Project MESA, an international partnership, works to develop globally applicable technical specifications for digital mobile broadband technology, aimed initially at the sectors of public safety and disaster response. This site can help communities learn how broadband and mobile technology can improve fire, EMS and law enforcement response and performance.

Training/Support

Author

Title

Annotation

This site offers free computer, technology, and life skills trainings. The curriculum was built from by people working with new learners in technology centers. As communities begin working toward bridging the digital divide, they can utilize the content on this site, or model a similar training program after it.

The Unlimited Potential–Community Technology Skills Program promotes workforce development and IT skills training programs in underserved communities. Digital literacy and community technolgy curricula are available, and communities can also learn about Microsoft's other tech initiatives. The site also offers excellence resources on adaption Windows systems to support people with disablities.

Marketing/Awareness Building

Author

Title

Annotation

A component of the Blandin Foundation's Broadband Initiative, this multimedia collection of demonstration and resource material is available for communities to use in marketing broadband and its many important applications to citizens.

Policy & Rights

Author

Title

Annotation

TechNet is a bipartisan political network that supports policies that encourage innovation and growth in the information economy. Many of the issues that TechNet is interested in, such as internet policy, privacy, e-health, and education, are also important concerns for communities that are developing universal access programs.

Attorney Jim Baller specializes in cases relating to communications, the Internet and other related topics, many involving the public sector. He is considered the leading legal expert on broadband. This go-to resource lists links to presentations, papers, research and commentary on the societal significance and legal considerations of broadband.

This site provides the latest news about digital privacy laws and standards. Privacy is a key concern for communities as they create safe, fair networks for their citizens.

For public officials looking to start e-government initiatives or to learn about the ways that technology can influence leadership, the Center for Digital Government offers a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government.

The Connecting America project helps state legislators understand policy options that will facilitate broadband deployment. Several reports have been published through the project that can assist lawmakers in making informed decisions about broadband.

This program of the New America Foundation promotes policies that allow for fair and efficient uses of telecommunications infrastructure to provide universal access and encourage innovation. The Broadband and Community Wireless section has valuable resources for communities to consider. This site also provides key national statistics regarding Internet and broadband use.

Community leaders can visit this site for the latest news, analysis, commentary, and white papers on telecommunications regulatory issues that will shape community broadband and ICT strategies.

The New Rules Project promotes self-sustainable communities based on new principles that guide life in the information age. The Information Sector portion of the site consolidates resources from successful broadband and ICT projects around the country to guide communities to the best strategies for successful, impactful broadband deployment.