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Expanding high-speed Internet access is a necessary investment in our future, and Washington must move forward now or risk falling behind. High speed Internet is not just about downloading music or surfing the web faster.

A true high-speed Internet system across Washington will:

• Fuel the state’s economy, create jobs and keep Washington competitive
  Numerous economic studies and journalistic reports confirm that improved Internet access will have economic benefits and serve as an economic development tool.
• Bridge the digital divide, creating opportunity in rural/underserved communities
  Technology can break down the barriers of distance and income allowing residents for more rural and economically disadvantaged communities to participate fully in economic and civic life.
• Improve health, safety and educational opportunities
  • Better communications and coordination of First Responders means increased public safety.
  • Telemedicine augments medical care and makes health care more accessible, cost effective, and flexible.
  • High speed Internet statewide enhances educational opportunities through distance learning.
    

That’s why CWA the Communications Workers of America and their locals representing 4,227 members who work in telecommunications in Washington State, supports the High Speed Internet Initiative - SB 6438. This legislation designates the framework for researching and developing a comprehensive, statewide high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy so Washington can stay competitive and benefit from the opportunities high speed access offers residents, businesses and communities.

The High Speed Internet Initiative - SB 6438 would:

• Creates a public/private partnership that includes providers, local and state governments, unions, non-profits and health, education and public safety organizations to work collaboratively to develop and lead a statewide internet deployment and adoption initiative, including developing local area planning teams to facilitate local planning.
• Create and regularly update mapping of broadband services and identify gaps in service.
• Create an inventory of existing high-speed Internet services and other baseline assessments necessary to inform a research driven broadband expansion strategy.

This program is based on the highly successful Connect Kentucky model, an initiative that has increased broadband across Kentucky by 50%, so that now 94% of Kentucky homes can access broadband and the benefits it brings, particularly to rural and underserved communities.

On January 15, 2008, WashTech/CWA President Marcus Courtney testified before the House Technology, Communications and Energy Committee about this legislation. Click here to read his full testimony.