Utah Broadband Project

OVERVIEW

The Utah Broadband Project is a joint effort between the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Department of Technology Services’ Utah Automated Geographic Reference Center (AGRC), that is responsible for mapping broadband service availability and developing a plan to increase broadband adoption and deployment in the State The project works with stakeholders to identify critical unserved or underserved areas and populations

Like electricity a century ago, high-speed Internet access, or “broadband” is now a driver for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life It provides the capability for people to interact in new ways, resulting in the creation of new industries, and is unlocking vast new opportunities for existing ones It is changing how we educate children; deliver health care; manage energy; ensure public safety; engage government; and access, organize and disseminate knowledge

The official project website broadband .utah .gov features the Utah Broadband Map, a broadband connection speed test, current project information and continual news updates

Do you know how your community stacks up?

Go to broadband.utah.gov and use the interactive map to enter your location into the search box to see the coverage in your area.

The Utah Broadband Advisory Council

The Utah Broadband Advisory Council was formed in June 2011, and meets regularly to examine the condition of broadband adoption and deployment in the State of Utah and will provide the Governor and Legislature with recommendations and policy guidance Members of the Council represent a diverse group of interests including legislators, economic development, state and local government, healthcare, education, libraries, public safety and tribal entities

The Advisory Council released their inaugural report in June 2012 The Report details the programs and organizations that have made Utah a leader in broadband adoption and deployment and highlights the recommendations made by the Council to continue coordinating efforts to expand broadband access and use Going forward, the Council will engage in targeted approaches to aggregated demand for broadband deployment and extend resources to improve broadband use and accessibility across the State

Students in all parts of the State benefit from the broadband connections provided through the Utah Education Network.

Small businesses got websites and learned more about managing their online presence at a recent “Utah: Get Your Business Online” event hosted by Google.

Doctors in rural areas of the State can attend training seminars using the Utah Telehealth Network.

For additional information about the Utah Broadband Project, visit broadband.utah.gov or contact Project Manager Tara Thue at tthue@utah.gov or 801-538-8742.