The ALABAMA Broadband InitiativeConnectingALABAMA began as a state-specific initiative under Governor Riley through Executive Order 42. It continues today under the leadership of Governor Bentley . Funded by the Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications & Information Administration American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Broadband Mapping & PlanningNTIA’s State Broadband Initiative (SBI)

Previously known as the State Broadband Data and Development Program (SBDDP)

Mapping the current environment, prioritizing community needs, and supporting initiatives to promote the availability

and sustainable adoption of broadband in Alabama

MAPPING

• Collecting provider data under NDA

• Filling in data gaps with alternative sources

• Validating the data• Informing the national map• Informing and hosting the

state map

PLANNING

• 12 regions cover all 67 counties

• Mirror economic development structure• ADECA-based planners lead

process• LinkAMERICA / VT360 support• Focus on ACCESS and

ADOPTION

A variety of tools…

• Research material

• Demand maps

• Interactive videos

• Consumer survey

• State datasets

• Data consoles

•Funding Resources

www.alabamadashboard.org

Alabama Broadband Cost Model

A central issue in the advancement of broadband availability across the state is the lack of infrastructure

to support the delivery of broadband service to unserved areas.

The singular purpose of the initial cost model is to estimate the cost to deploy and operate a viable

broadband service to currently unserved markets, as defined by the NTIA and FCC.

Regional Investment Plans

VISION

…To collect, develop and deliver information for the development of telecommunication assets for the benefit of families, businesses,

healthcare providers, educational institutions, government agencies, and

others to access and apply broadband tools and services that will secure Alabama’s

future during the Technology Age.

6

Region 1:• BB Access for Communities 1,000+

• Hardware Expansion• BB Marketing campaign

Region 12:• BB Infrastructure committee• Connect county jails• Map Access to Agricultural Locations

Region 4:• Expand Rural Public Computing Centers• Rural Tele-health • Electronics Recycling/Redistribution

Region 10:• Internet safety training• Training for Chamber, etc.• Access to Parks (Chewacla)

Region 7:• BB Policy Committee• Small Business BB Awareness Campaign• Broadband Training Program

Region 6:• Infrastructure committee

• Computer Mobile (Book Mobile)• School/Community Access Partnership

• Hardware Expansion for Seniors

Region 8:• Encourage efficiency in local gov

• Electronic Redistribution• Emerging Technology Training

Region 5:• BB Awareness Campaign• Community Website Template• Broadband Training Program

Region 2:• BB Infrastructure committee

• Downtown Wireless System Pilot• Connect County Jails

Region 9:• BB Awareness Campaign• Expand Rural Public Computing • Targeted Consumer Survey

Region 3:• Map Access to Business and Industrial areas

• Access for Low Income areas• BB Awareness Campaign

Region 11:• BB Infrastructure committee• Access for Low Income areas• Youth Technology Committee

Home BB Availability vs. BB Subscribers

6. Which of the following services are in your home? Select all that apply.7. Which of the following companies or agencies offer broadband in your area? Select all that apply. (n=4,656)

Alabama Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8 Region 9 Region 10

Region 11

Region 12

%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

94% 92%86%

97%94%

92% 92%95%

93%97%

94% 95% 96%

73%

61%

69%

83%78%

68%

59%

69%73%

80%76% 77% 75%

BB (available)Have BB Svc.

Why Not Subscribe To BB

Service?

Sustainable broadband adoption

Boosting Broadband toBridge the Digital Divide

• Goal- Deliver awareness and interactive training modules to boost broadband subscribership

• Target- Unserved and underserved communities

Specifically targeting at risk populations:

Boosting Broadband toBridge the Digital Divide

• Challenge- Success hinges directly on consumer participation

• Strategy- Utilize Partner organizations in Marketing and awareness programs

• ConnectingALABAMA Regional Planning Teams• County Extension Coordinators and Boards• Connected Community Forums• Public Service Announcements• Social Media• Billboards• Mascots

Contact Us

Chelese BeckRegions 1, 3, 8, 11

(334) 353-3376Chelese. Beck@adeca.alabama.gov

Nichole D’AndreaStatewide Outreach Manager

(251) 363-3844ndandrea@linkamericaalliance.com

Jessica DentExecutive Director

(334) 353-5682Jessica.Dent@adeca.alabama.gov

www.ConnectingALABAMA.gov

Josh PhillipsRegion 4, 5, 7, 9(334) 353-3375

Josh.phillips@adeca.alabama.gov

Jennifer FelderRegion 4, 6, 10, 12

(334) 353-3374Jennifer.Felder@adeca.alabama.gov