The Broadband RI Program by RIEDC

Posted on May 20th, 2011
By Broadband RI

On April 1, 2011 Broadband Rhode Island, an initiative of the RIEDC, convened over 80 stakeholders throughout the state for the first Broadband RI Forum.

Representing diverse interests and points of view, each with a stake in the future for creating a better RI, these thought leaders gathered to better understand the implications of an enhanced broadband infrastructure, digital literacy and increased adoption throughout the state.

Broadband Rhode Island, an initiative of Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), is funded through December 2014 by the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBBD) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The initiative focuses on broadband mapping and broadband planning in the State of Rhode Island. Programs will address public awareness and education about broadband and study and develop plans to increase adoption rate and broadband usage across all aspects of our lives including in our homes, schools, businesses, libraries, healthcare facilities, public safety and government.

You can help put Rhode Island on the national broadband map by taking your speed test here: http://broadband.ri.gov/test-your-speed

For more information about our state’s broadband program, please visit: http://broadband.ri.gov

Comments

dynamoore

Submitted on June 23rd, 2012 - 3:05am link

While Rhode Island is one of the leading states in terms of access to broadband, it’s important to remember that access is not the same thing as adoption.

JVan

Submitted on June 29th, 2012 - 8:25pm link

A good point, Dyna. And adoption of most anything comes when that item fills a need. As more useful resources become available online that offer direct benefits to users, the adoption rate goes up. There are many examples on a national and global scale, but locally, the Online Business Incubator is a good start. We need other things, though to really bring together a strong community of entrepreneurs and independant professionals, which will continue to drive adoption...