Broadband Basics

At present, too many Virginia communities both urban and rural do not have access to affordable broadband telecommunications and are deprived of the opportunity to participate in enhanced social, education, occupation, healthcare, and economic development opportunities. 

The Office of Broadband Assistance and Telework Promotion is tasked with developing programs and policies that will drive the delivery of affordable broadband services into underserved markets throughout the Commonwealth and facilitate the attainment of the Commonwealth’s Economic Strategic plan goal of having “broadband access to all businesses by 2010”.

Broadband plays a critical role in the deployment of advanced applications such as telework, telemedicine and distance learning.  To ensure that such applications are available to all Virginians, Governor Kaine and Secretary of Technology Chopra have formed an executive broadband “roundtable” to help formulate community oriented last-mile deployment and sustainability strategies.   The group, to be co-chaired by former Governor Mark Warner and Secretary of Technology Chopra will begin working this summer and present their recommendations to the Governor in July 2008.  For more information contact Karen Jackson Karen.jackson@governor.virginia.gov