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GIS Data for California Roads and Landmarks a Goal of Geospatial Officer
"California Geospatial Information Officer Michael Byrne, who was named to the newly created position on Wednesday, says one of his first priorities will be to create common GIS data sets of imagery, roads and landmarks of the state."
To read more please visit the Government Technology website.
Sprint to deploy WiMAX in 10 U.S. cities in 2009
"Sprint plans to deploy its WiMAX services to 10 major U.S. cities in 2009, with at least five additional major markets due to get services in 2010.
For 2009, Sprint plans to deploy services in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle. In 2010 the company expects to launch WiMAX services in Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C...."
To read more, please visit the Network World website.
Support Digital Inclusion for the City of Los Angeles
Broadband and related computer technology can provide important benefits to the City of Los Angeles. A digitally connected city is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Please support key policy recommendations drafted by nonprofit and community-based organizations that seek to ensure that all Angelinos can participate in and take advantage of the economic, educational, health, and civic opportunities afforded by broadband and related information technology.
For more information about this initiative and to co-sign the recommendations online, please visit: http://digitalinclusionla.wordpress.com.
In Search of Digital Equity: Assessing the Geography of Digital Divide in California
In Search of Digital Equity: Assessing the Geography of Digital Divide in California by Ali Modarres is an important addition to to the literature which documents digital disparities in California. This report provides “a detailed visual and statistical assessment of the nature of the digital divide in the state.” The findings “illustrate the degree to which Latinos and Non-Hispanic African Americans remain isolated from advancements in the use of ICTs [information communication technologies] and the information and services they offer.” The report concludes by noting that efforts to promote digital equity need to be connected to community and economic development. The report can be found at the Pat Brown Institute website.
Stimulus Broadband Feedback from Locals Solicited by Federal Government
Before stimulus bill broadband grants flow to local governments, the federal government is seeking input on grant requirements from "interested parties," according to the Federal Register. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will begin holding meetings on March 2 and continue until further notice. The NTIA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is distributing $4.7 billion of the $7.2 billion President Barack Obama detailed in his stimulus package for municipal broadband...
Economic Stimulus Will Boost Technology and Role of State CIOs
With billions of dollars directed toward health IT, rural broadband and education technology, the economic stimulus package will have significant impact on technology in state and local government, according to Gopal Khanna, CIO of Minnesota and president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Just as important, President Barack Obama's plan for tracking stimulus spending could help transform relationships between federal, state and local government, Khanna said.
To read more, please visit the GovTech website.
Stimulus Bill Aims for "National Broadband Plan"
"...The other $4.7 billion of that $7.2 billion in the package is set aside for the 'Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.' Bits of this are supposed to go toward public computer centers, such as those at libraries and community colleges, and toward 'innovative programs to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.'
But the bulk of it is intended to build out broadband service to unserved and underserved areas and communities across the country. That's what this is all about. Schools, libraries, healthcare providers and community support organizations are given as example recipients, as are 'low-income, unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations.' Public safety agencies are another..."
I.B.M. Delivers Rural Broadband Over Power Lines
With $7 billion of government money on the line, it’s no surprise that all kinds of companies are claiming they can wire the most isolated ranchers and mountaintop recluses with broadband Internet service.
On Thursday, I.B.M. piped up to say that it is working with rural electric cooperatives to offer high-speed Internet service, delivered over power lines.
To read more, please visit the NY Times website.
California Releases Statewide Five-Year IT Capital Plan
The new California five-year IT capital plan includes 122 proposed and approved projects -- everything from a sex offender address match system to enterprise GIS and positional awareness for Cal Fire aircraft and vehicles.
To read the complete article, please visit GovTech.com.
Audio: Stimulus Stirs Debate Over Rural Broadband Access
Former FCC economist Michael Katz didn't hesitate to bash rural life last week when he addressed an American Enterprise Institute panel discussion on the broadband elements of President Obama's economic stimulus bill.
"Other people don't like to say bad things about rural areas," Katz began. "So I will."
The stimulus package includes $7.2 billion to expand broadband Internet access into "underserved" and rural areas. Katz listed ways that the $7.2 billion could be put to better use, including an effort to combat infant deaths. But he also spoke of rural places as environmentally hostile, energy inefficient and even weak in innovation, simply because rural people are spread out across the landscape.
