First Major Step Taken in Digital Infrastructure Build-Out Efforts in Rhode Island, Across Nation

Related Media Coverage and Links

February 17, 2011 | Print this page | Share This |

Data gathered through RIEDC’s “Broadband Rhode Island” initiative used in National Broadband Map launched on Feb. 17

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today announced that its Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI) initiative has achieved its first major step as part of a national effort to expand the availability and use of high-speed Internet service in the state and across the country. 

Data gathered through the federally funded BBRI program was used to help build the National Broadband Map (www.broadbandmap.gov) launched earlier today by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The National Broadband Map (NBM) is the first nationwide research and comparison tool that will help residential consumers, businesses, economic developers and policy makers accurately assess the availability and speed of broadband Internet service in any given state, county, city or town - down to the census block level.  

“Now more than ever, high-speed Internet access is an economic necessity. Rhode Island is playing a key role in enhancing the national digital infrastructure that will connect community institutions, foster computer literacy, develop employment skills and create new opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities to compete in an innovation-driven global economy,” said Keith Stokes, RIEDC Executive Director.

Each of the 50 states and six U.S. territories received federal funding in 2009 to collect broadband data from local Internet service providers for the National Broadband Map.

BBRI received additional federal funds in 2010 that will help the state build on the data collected to identify and address the barriers that prevent full access to and adoption of broadband in areas with low levels of usage. BBRI will also collaborate with service providers, information technology companies, local communities and institutions including libraries, schools, hospitals and police and fire departments to put sustainable programs in place to expand broadband connectivity and digital literacy throughout Rhode Island.

“We are pleased to participate in this important and worthwhile national effort. Understanding our current service availability is a key step in the larger effort to close the digital divide, which will ultimately increase economic opportunity and improve our quality of life in the state and across the nation” said Stuart Freiman BBRI Program Manager. 

The NTIA, through the U.S. Department of Commerce, has awarded BBRI a total of $4.52 million from the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to support the five-year project.

BBRI Fast Facts
•    Broadband data is collected by census block.
•    The 2000 U.S. census identified 21,023 census blocks in Rhode Island.
•    16 broadband carriers have been identified throughout Rhode Island.
•    Using NTIA definitions, the data identified 91 percent coverage in Rhode Island, excluding satellite and wireless service.
•    The high rate of existing broadband coverage will enable the acceleration of adoption/usage, connectivity and digital literacy efforts in the state.
•    Coverage means at least 1 household or business has service in a census block.
•    Coverage rates do not reflect adoption/usage rates.

The public is encouraged to visit the BBRI website at http://broadband.ri.gov to take the Internet speed test to determine the speed of their connection at home or at work. A summary of Rhode Island’s broadband data can be found on the National Broadband Map website at http://www.broadbandmap.gov/summarize/state/rhode-island.

About Broadband Rhode Island
Broadband Rhode Island, an initiative of Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), is funded through December 2014 by the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBBD) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The initiative focuses on broadband mapping and broadband planning in the State of Rhode Island. Programs will address public awareness and education about broadband and study and develop plans to increase adoption rate and broadband usage across all aspects of our lives including in our homes, schools, businesses, libraries, healthcare facilities, public safety and government. To learn more about Broadband Rhode Island please visit: http://broadband.ri.gov