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Nebraska Broadband Initiative – Nebraska Extension

The Nebraska Broadband Initiative was formed in 2010 as response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and aims to increase broadband adoption and utilization. The Initiative partners include Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Public Service Commission, Nebraska Information Technology Commission, Nebraska Library Commission and USDA Rural Development – Nebraska contact.

About

Goals of the initiative are to:

* To increase economic development opportunities, attract and retain population, overcome the barriers of distance, and enhance quality of life in Nebraska by facilitating the continuing deployment of broadband technologies which meet the need for increasing connection speeds.

* To facilitate digital literacy and the widespread adoption of broadband technologies in business, agriculture, health care, education, government and by individual Nebraskans.

Impacts of the effort includes:

The Nebraska Broadband Map has provided better information on where gaps in broadband availability exist and how broadband availability is improving.
Business and household surveys have documented regional differences in broadband adoption and the economic impact.
Nebraska’s Statewide Broadband Plan has articulated a vision for broadband in Nebraska and makes recommendations for furthering broadband development. The state plan builds on regional broadband planning efforts.
Community outreach activities have helped Nebraskans better understand broadband and encouraged the adoption of technology.