In Wyoming, private companies are starting to build out the Unified Network which is one of Governor Matt Mead’s initiatives to enhance the broadband network and build the 100 gigabit backbone for the state as compared to 2.5 gigabits in place now. The access points will be located in eight communities and will benefit healthcare via telemedicine.
CenturyLink and Advanced Communications Technology were awarded contracts to build part of the network. CenturyLink will build six portions of the Unified Network with work expected to be completed by July 2014. ACT based in Sheridan Wyoming won two contracts and estimates the work will be completed by July 2014
In Kansas, the Department of Commerce is helping communities develop strategic plans for broadband and announced that four Kansas cities and counties are going to participate in a “Local Technology Planning Pilot” project as part of the Kansas Statewide Broadband Initiative (KSBI). The KSBI is funded through a federal grant from the NTIA.
The plan is to work with consultants, local partners to understand broadband needs and priorities and then develop strategic plans to meet the objectives within the communities. The cities and counties participating in the Pilot will be documenting and quantifying local supply plus demand and economic impact.
Modeling will show the network cost to serve, demand and revenue, unique local factors, and future projections. The strategy reports developed in each pilot will incorporate analytical findings, best practices, and the next steps recommended by local stakeholders.
According to KSBI Program Director Stanley Adams, “The initial four communities participating in the pilot represent a range of geographic and demographic profiles designed to assess rural and underserved priorities.”