July 01, 2009

Alabama’s Broadband Initiative Launches Website

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley’s “ConnectingALABAMA” broadband initiative today announced the launch of a website with features that allow visitors to test the speed of their Internet connection and share stories about how high-speed service helps their families and businesses. It can be found at www.ConnectingALABAMA.gov.

The goal of ConnectingALABAMA, a two-year initiative launched by Governor Riley in January, is to identify accessibility and barriers to high-speed coverage in all areas of the state, implement strategies to improve access through expanded coverage, and increase the use of broadband technologies to enhance education, health care, public safety, agriculture, tourism and more.

The site has been designed to also be conducive for those with the slower dial up Internet service.

“Broadband service for every community is essential to Alabama’s success in the 21st century,” said Governor Riley. “Increasing access to broadband can promote economic development, increase learning opportunities and connect more Alabamians to a wide array of services and resources online,” said Governor Riley.

“This website provides a venue for us to share information and new developments about the project with Alabamians, as well as a way to receive input back from our citizens,” said Kathy Johnson, ConnectingALABAMA’s director. “Both are critical to the success of the broadband initiative.”

In order to develop a benchmark of where broadband currently exists and does not exist, the project is working with over 100 internet service providers (ISPs) across the state. The data collected is being aggregated into maps that reveal unserved and underserved communities, which are those with only one ISP option and/or speeds that do not meet the FCC’s minimum definition of basic broadband. These maps will be uploaded to the ConnectingALABAMA website when completed. Understanding where service exists will be a tool for ISPs looking to expand into unserved and underserved communities.

By the end of 2009, plans are for on-line interactive maps to be added to the website. This feature will allow visitors to the site to identify which internet service providers, if any, provide broadband access in their community.

“Your broadband connection will be provided through a business arrangement between you and an Alabama service provider of your choice,” explained Johnson. “The site will continue to provide a way for you to let ConnectingALABAMA know you are requesting service in an unserved area so we can notify providers there is interest.”