1. Broadband Initiatives
MOREnet: MERC IR
Broadband Initiatives
Tim Arbeiter, CEcD
Director of Broadband Development
Missouri Department of Economic Development

2. GDP Growth (2007-16 CAGR) by State
We trail on GDP growth.
GDP Growth ( CAGR) by State
Missouri trails considerably on GDP growth, and Michigan’s more recent GDP growth has outstripped Missouri’s considerably
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Internal Use Only

3. Global Megatrends Accelerating urbanization
Climate & resource scarcity
Shift in global economic power
Demographic changes
Technological breakthroughs
Authorized Use Only

4. Technological Breakthroughs
Broadband is a statewide imperative
“The general assembly declares that expanding and accelerating access to high speed broadband communication services throughout the entire state of Missouri is necessary, desirable, in the best interests of the citizens of this state, and that it is a public purpose of great importance.”
HB Signed into law, June 1, 2018

5. Bridging the Digital Divide
7th most diversified economy in the US and we must differentiate from peers.
Agribusiness is a key strength and an opportunity for significant growth.
Ag represents an $88B industry for Missouri,
Supports over 400,000 workers combined,
Over 1,000 farms and covering 28.3 million acres of land
Barrier to growth for the industry is access to high speed internet capabilities
Infrastructure and workforce development will allow us to compete

6. Bridging the Digital Divide
Partnering to Grow Missouri’s Communities, Counties & Regions
Broadband will help economy in rural, sub-urban, and urban areas:
Retention/expansion of businesses and workers,
Preparing for business attraction projects,
Education – expansion of educational opportunities,
Healthcare – increasing telehealth access,
Workforce Development –offer virtual training or re-training efforts,
Quality of Life – ability to retain talent and enhance regional appeal

7. % of Households w/ Broadband Internet Connection
83.5
79.6
81.6
80.3
77.2
81.3 82
79.2
80.5
80.9
77.3
76.7
70.9
80.7
86.9
87.4
79.0
79.3
BroadbandUSA Map citing 2016 Am Community Survey, NTIA & FCC Data

8. 2018 Milestones
Convened more than 100 key stakeholders and submitted a core set of recommendations for action,
Ongoing work to advance summit recommendations,
HB1872 created a broadband expansion grant program and HB1880 expanded the scope of Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives to include broadband, and most recently
DED, in partnership with the Dept. of Agriculture, hired the Director of Broadband Development to lead the state’s efforts.

9. What’s Next
Office of Broadband Development will work with stakeholders and providers to craft the State’s Broadband Plan, second draft complete,
Develop the framework, processes, and application for the Broadband Grant Program,
Recommend to the Legislature an appropriation for the Broadband Grant Program,
Work with public and private partners to seek additional funding and partnership opportunities,
Serve as resource and connector for those seeking broadband expansion.

10. State Broadband Plan will have these priority areas
Data & Mapping Tools
Infrastructure
Buildout & Access
Partnership Development
Sector Strategies
Education and Awareness
Administrative & Regulatory Strategies
Internal Use Only

11. Guiding Principles Be vendor neutral,
Our Commitment Moving Forward
Be vendor neutral,
Achieve 25/3, with room for network expansion and not endorse one technology over another,
Not a “political” issue,
Be accessible and our meet our deadlines,
Provide outstanding customer service to all of our partners, stakeholders and communities,
Processes and strategy will be transparent.

13. Ways Higher Education Can Assist
Advancing broadband infrastructure around rural higher education centers, collaborate with governments & provider,
Serve as a leader or facilitator on broadband advisory groups (community, county, and regional efforts),
Help organize survey efforts for state and/or regional coverage and adoption data collection efforts, and
Collaborate with Farm Bureau, University of Missouri Extension, Chambers, and SBDC’s on community wide digital literacy & cybersecurity trainings.