MICH. TOPS TECHNET'S STATE BROADBAND INDEX
TechNet ranked Mich. the #1 state in enacting policies that spurred broadband deployment and demand, the group said in its new State Broadband Index. It ranks the top 25 states based on their rights-of-way and zoning laws, the ability of private sector companies to deploy cables and networks for broadband in their state, and any initiatives under way that will raise broadband demand in their state. Second place went to Fla., although Mich. had nearly double its score, with Mo. 3rd. Cal., home to Silicon Valley, finished 14th.
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“It is clear to us that the federal government can play a pretty significant role, but it is the state policies that hold the key to whether the nation will be a leader in broadband networks,” TechNet Pres. Rick White said. He said the states had proved that they could “heavily influence the private sector and do a lot to drive demand and use” of broadband.
Mich. “made broadband a central policy initiative for their economic plan,” White said. The Index cited 2 public projects: LinkMichigan, which established 2 broadband authority offices and a property tax credit incentive for new broadband deployment, and the METRO Act, which eliminated disparities in rights-of-way access charges and delays across the state and centralized and standardized the permit and fee collection process. Mich. also offered loans to providers to fill technology gaps in underserved communities. Fla. and Mo. instituted similar policies and practices as well.
The Index also included a best practices guide to state broadband initiatives. Some of the policies TechNet sees as critical to broadband deployment are: (1) Standardizing and expediting rights-of-way permitting. (2) Adopting statewide strategies and broadband agencies. (3) Establishing policies to enable wholesale municipal networks. (4) Creating innovative initiatives that increase private sector deployment. (5) Providing financial incentives to reach underserved communities. White said Fla. had a “focus on deployment and right-of-way fees,” and TechNet was impressed by Mo.’s “31-day limit for municipalities to take action on right-of-way limits.” All of the top 10 states had technology policy initiatives that involved establishing a standard set of objectives and boards and agencies to work with telecom companies to implement new infrastructure, TechNet said.