COMMENT SOUGHT ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF FEDERAL, STATE, TRIBAL, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO BROADBAND
"Comment Date: November 6, 2009
Government – at all levels – affects broadband deployment and adoption, and itself uses broadband to interact with its citizens. As the Commission develops a National Broadband Plan,1 the Commission staff have heard about the many benefits of broadband deployment and effective use of digital technology.2 For instance, Fort Wayne, Indiana has used wireless monitoring to improve the efficiency of its street sweepers,3 and, like many states and cities,4 has also used broadband solutions for better health resources, greater community connectedness, better educational opportunities, more efficient public safety measures, and greater energy efficiency. We have also heard, however, of difficulties in obtaining required government licenses or permits or access to government assets, as well as restrictions in the use of government funding that hinder the pursuit of broader broadband goals...

We seek tailored comment about how governments at all levels promote broadband deployment and adoption, and how digital technologies and broadband deployment can improve civic engagement, government at all levels, and the lives and welfare of residents and businesses..."