What are Connected Communities?

Connected Communities Have IT Use IT Create IT Access & Infrastructure Applications & Education Community Content

Connected Communities Have: Affordable broadband service High percent of —Residents of all ages and income have access to and use digital tools & broadband service —Businesses use digital tools & broadband service —Public organizations use digital tools & broadband service Engaged leaders that embrace change

Consumer Broadband is Available Available to all homes Minimum 768Kps upstream/1.5 Mbps downstream Affordable – $20-$50/month 2 or more broadband providers

Commercial Broadband is Available Available to all businesses Min 1.5 Mbps upstream/1.5 Mbps downstream Affordable – $400-$800/month DS3 (45 Mbps) service available a rates comparable to urban areas 2 or more business broadband providers

Residents Use Digital Tools Education and training eCommerce eGovernment services Recreation Telework Telemedicine Contact with family and friends

Businesses Use Digital Tools eCommerce Telework Remote data back-up Receiving and submitting contracts Automating internal processes and procedures Out sourcing non-core activities Employee training

Local Government Uses Digital Tools Online services Communicate with residents Public safety Remote monitoring of utilities Video conferencing Reporting to or sharing information with other government units

Rural Healthcare Uses Digital Tools Remote diagnosis Access to specialists Continuing education Remote patient monitoring Store and access patient records

Benefits to the Community Retain or attract knowledge economy jobs “Homesourcing” - outsourcing work to rural households Retain and attract young people Improved healthcare Retain or attract entrepreneurs Increased civic and volunteer involvement

Leadership is Engaged Community leaders understand importance of technology access and adoption Government policies support technology access and adoption Knowledge economy based economic development strategy Community and technology leaders support activities that improve the community’s digital capabilities

The Community Embraces Change & Values Tradition Track global economic and social trends Discussion about the impact of trends on the community Know community values, assets, strengths and weaknesses Implement projects to: —Take advantage of change —Minimize negative impacts of change

Steps to Becoming a Connected Community 1.Find a team 2.Learn about broadband 3.Assess what you have 4.Design the future 5.Create an action plan 6.Implement and evaluate 7.Tell your story

Southern Rural Development Center Connecting Rural Communities Connecting Rural Communities