Broadband Adoption & Utilization Keys to Success

Both of these are infrastructure…

…Value comes only from use!

Why is this so hard?

Why? Users Community

This is how we do it!

…Broadband Communities Background Sponsored by Blandin Foundation http://broadband.blandinfoundation.org http://blandinonbroadband.org Developed through NTIA BTOP Sustainable Broadband Adoption grant Uses the Intelligent Community Framework www.intelligentcommunity.org Provides Leadership development Strategic planning facilitation Project grant dollars

Flexible approach Geography Individual cities Counties Multi-county regions Tribal governments School districts Uniquely defined “communities” Resources Grant funds range from $50 - $100k per community TA project partners contracted vs. self-interest High touch vs. self-help

What is the Intelligent Community approach? Broadband Will your area broadband networks be adequate to allow advanced use? Knowledge Workforce How are you creating, attracting and retaining a tech-savvy workforce Innovation Who is adopting new technologies? Digital Equity Is everyone connecting? Sustainability Is your community prepared for the long run? Advocacy Does your community have a tech-focused brand aimed at current and prospective residents and businesses?

Process Overview From Vision to Projects in 90 days Pre-process Partner development Community application and selection Leadership and project planning Orientation and benchmarking Steering team Vision Project development Projects Grant writing Projects approved Implementation

Project Examples Broadband Community WiFi hot spots Broadband feasibility studies Digital Inclusion PCs for People computers Library and school access Intro tech courses Knowledge Workforce WiFi on school buses Device purchases Hack fests Internships Coding camps Innovation E-commerce classes Social Media Breakfasts Technology assessments Technology consulting Technology grants Tech fairs Marketing/Advocacy Branding initiatives Landing pages Community apps Websites Events Sustainability Waiting on a project!

Get everyone paddling in the same direction on adoption and use!

Successes Community excitement and satisfaction Community sectors working together Expanded community view beyond infrastructure 15% increase in take rates over non- participating communities Partnerships Providers Tech vendors University Extension Service Workforce Centers Small Business Development Centers Others

Key learnings Leadership matters! Early efforts to spur widespread community participation pays off More small projects provides more impact than just a couple large projects Projects with multiple partners and multiple Intelligent Community elements are more interesting and sustainable Providers need patience to get participation ROI Community cohorts spur multiple benefits

Discussion For more information: Bill Coleman bill@communitytechnologyadvisors.com 651-491-2551 www.communitytechnologyadvisors.com