CCN's Comments

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) is preparing to undertake a critically important survey. The survey will seek to identify factors preventing the widespread availability and use of broadband technologies around the state.  The results could lead to improvements in the state funding and strategies to help residents and organizations get access to affordable, high speed Internet and/or training. Communities Connect Network (CCN) represented our community of technology learning providers, researchers and others who care about digital inclusion at a WUTC planning meeting. We also submitted comments to help them structure the survey.  Our comments included a call for adoption of a "digital inclusion" definition. The WUTC was provided with $160,000 from the Legislature to conduct the survey.  We know a comprehensive survey will be difficult to complete with these funds, but this is an important first step.

We are glad the WUTC has undertaken this large challenge of our first ever state survey to find out what the needs and opportunities are. We want to thank Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles and the Washington Legislature for initiating this important effort for our state's future.

There may be additional opportunities for stakeholders like you to comment.

Visit the WUTC site and let us know if you're interested. (lauri@communitiesconnect.org)

Click here to see what CCN recommended on 09/26/07.
See more on the WUTC Broadband Study page.