Tuesday, March 16, 2010

FCC Broadband Plan Perks Ears in Indiana

The whole country is getting excited over the broadband stimulus plan, as well they should. But, in my old stomping grounds, it's exciting to see the "good-ole" Mid-Westerners with their ears perked up over the matter. While Indiana is already quietly making waves in technology industries--manufacturing, EMR, web2.0 businesses, and the like--visiting Ball State University professor Stuart Brotman sees the stimulus plan brining "rapid expansion of broadband infrastructure" in the state as well as an employment boost.

The federal government has allocated more than $25 million to Indiana to improve its broadband infrastructure. Part of that funding will go toward continuing the very popular I-Light network--a fiber-optic network in Indiana serving universities and heavily populated metro areas. But, as small business and start-ups continue to be incubated in Indiana fixed wireless solutions for faster provisioning, low-cost local loop solution, and rural broadband are going to be increasingly needed.

Among the most exciting provisions in the FCC national broadband plan is the recommendations to accelerate employment assistance. That means, for companies in Indiana who are on the fence about hiring more linemen, network technicians, etc. the decision to hire could be much easier and more advantageous.

Indiana is, of course, only one (admittedly small) story of how the broadband plan will impact our nation's economy. But, the story at the local level in small towns like Muncie, IN echo the story of the nation at large. Will every state meet the federal plan with such enthusiasm? What are you hearing in your neck of the woods?

Labels: Broadband Plan, FCC, Fixed Wireless Broadband, Rural Broadband