2015 Economic Development Conference Series -Lexington, KY – Using Broadband to Drive Economic Development and Create Jobs: Successful Local Approaches Ron Walters PANGAEA Executive Director September 16, 2015

Where Are We Today???

Community Leadership Seed Capital Funding Operations Funding Human Capital Partners Growth Hurdles

Public/Private Partnerships

Impact

Lessons Learned Community Focus, Not Shareholder Focus Partnerships (Public/Private) Funding (Sustainability) Grants for Capital Costs Customer Revenue for Operating Costs USAC Service Provider Community Focus, Not Shareholder Focus Partnerships (Public/Private) Funding (Sustainability) Grants for Capital Costs Customer Revenue for Operating Costs USAC Service Provider No Cookie Cutter Solutions Challenges Remain

Case Study “Connect” Community Wi-Fi Goal: Provide Internet access to thousands of underserved students in the area (only 50% have access from home) Two solutions deployed: OpenMesh AP’s on telephone poles first, then more robust GoBeam AP’s mounted to high points (water towers & rooftops) ~5,000 unique users per month, 25Gb per day usage Open Mesh GoBeam

Case Study Mill Spring Agricultural Development Center Renovated 1920’s Brick Schoolhouse Agricultural Development, Farmland Preservation, Education, Community Service, Business Development 10 PANGAEA Fiber Optic Customers Spotlight: Turner HD Media

Case Study Ameridial 31,000 sf call center in Spindale Remodeled vacant grocery store NC Department of Commerce grant (building reuse) 160 positions w/+100 commitment “PANGAEA Internet was a key factor for us when we were considering Rutherford County for our new call center,” commented Mark Schmidt, President of Ameridial. “In fact, without high speed fiber, we would not be able to connect to our network and our customers with the bandwidth speeds they require. Having PANGAEA support and connectivity was a must for us.”

“Bringing the world closer through the power of the Internet”