New York State Continues To Progress Toward Universal Broadband

The New York State Council for Universal Broadband held its quarterly meeting on January 13, 2009 with council members focusing on applications necessary to bring affordable universal broadband access to all New Yorkers.

During the meeting, Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York State Chief Information Officer, Director of the Office For Technology and the Chair of the Council for Universal Broadband highlighted several factors for building a stronger digital economy and improving New York State's current global and domestic broadband competitiveness ranking.

"New York State is loosing ground from a national and global perspective. According to the 2008 Digital Economy Index, New York is ranked 14th in the country and 15^th in the world. I am concerned our state's competitiveness is at jeopardy because New York has not developed the technological capacity both in terms of universal Internet access and digital literacy levels needed to achieve and sustain a strong competitive edge," said Dr. Mayberry-Stewart. "A robust broadband infrastructure throughout New York State is essential to for New York to remain financially competitive on a national and global scale.

At the quarterly meeting, council members heard presentations from Tech Valley Communications and the Albany Police Department - Round 1 Broadband Grant winners. The presentation highlighted activities surrounding the public-private partnership with the City of Albany to expand the "Albany FreeNet" wireless network and launch a digital literacy and virtual workforce training program.

"Since its inception, Tech Valley Communications has been dedicated to building a broadband infrastructure for the new economy, namely fiber optic and last mile wireless. The importance of Internet access and digital literacy for all cannot be overstated, and is at the heart of our region's competitiveness," said Kevin O'Connor, CEO, Tech Valley Communications. "New York State's landmark Universal Broadband Grant program will enable our public-private partnership led by Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings to offer no-cost high-speed wireless Internet and digital literacy education, while improving quality of life through high technology public safety and municipal service applications."

Albany Police Chief James Tuffey further discussed his goal to share real-time information and intelligence to first responders throughout the tri-county region by adding computers that run on wireless connection to patrol cars.

"Sharing information and intelligence is critically important to enhancing public safety. First responders must have real-time access to the information that enables them to protect our local communities," said Chief Tuffey. "Through the use of the computers and data sharing, an officer may run a file check on an individual or a license plate in under 60 seconds, far quicker and more accurately than was ever done by voice communication."

In addition, New York City Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer, Chris O'Brien, Diamond Management and Technology Consultants and Vincent Grippo, Chief of Staff for New York City Department of Information Technology and Communications presented on the current state of broadband in New York City and shared the results of the NYC Broadband Study that determined where the digital divide exists in New York City.

"In New York, we have an opportunity to close the digital divide. We have mapped locations of broadband, surveyed which communities need hardware, and strategized how to fund public-private partnerships. The New York City Broadband Advisory Committee, which I initiated with the Mayor, has held hearings on these issues, and, with the New York State Council for Universal Broadband, we look forward to working with the Obama administration to put these initiatives in place." said Councilwoman Brewer.

The New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination (CSCIC) is utilizing its geographic information systems program to assist the Broadband Action Teams in determining where the gaps exist in wired broadband service. "The identification of underserved populations across the State will facilitate the work of the Broadband Council in prioritizing efforts for improved broadband access," said CSCIC Director William Pelgrin.

During yesterday's meeting, William Johnson, CSCIC Assistant Deputy Director presented details regarding the recent activities in mapping service gaps. "GIS allows us to incorporate multiple layers of information to better analyze the gaps as they impact education, businesses and government, among others. This further enhances the ability to effectively evaluate proposed broadband enhancement projects."

The focus of the New York State Universal Broadband Initiative is to increase broadband access and improve computer literacy throughout the State.

In March 2008, Governor David A. Paterson announced the public-private partners that were selected to receive the first $5 million of $12.5 million available to facilitate increased physical access to broadband services statewide and to provide equal and universal broadband access to underserved rural and urban areas, including schools and libraries

CIO/OFT expects to release a Request for Proposals for the remaining $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2009. This funding will be combined with private sector investments to provide support through competitive grants for activities related to increasing access to broadband services in underserved areas, making broadband services affordable for all citizens and businesses, and improving digital literacy throughout the state.

The New York State Universal Broadband Initiative is governed by the New York State Council for Universal Broadband, which is charged with developing strategies to ensure every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-speed Internet service. The Council recommends comprehensive statewide strategies that chart a course towards affordable broadband access throughout the State.

The Broadband Council's next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2009.

For additional details on New York State Broadband Council initiatives, visit http://www.oft.state.ny.us/oft/UniversalBroadband/overview.htm

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About CIO/OFT

The State Chief Information Officer and Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) provide statewide IT strategic direction, IT policy and centralized IT services to the state and its governmental entities. CIO/OFT provides IT services to support the missions of state agencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including more than 90,000 telecom users, 50 statewide mission-critical applications, a secure network of over 1,600 miles of fiber, including mainframe operations, telecommunications, Internet and intranet services, email systems and support, IT training, networking, and data storage and processing. In addition, the agency has a world renowned project management practice, develops web applications and assists with application development.. For more information, visit http://www.oft.state.ny.us/.