tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74402495847518493532023-06-20T09:38:52.136-04:00Accelerate VirginiaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-57531312806881677242015-03-10T13:59:00.000-04:002015-03-10T14:07:25.076-04:00King George to settle with bankrupt broadband company<p><em><strong>Wireless Authority update:</strong></em></p>
<p>The King George Wireless Authority attempted to bring affordable wireless Internet service throughout the county, including less dense areas without access.<br />
The effort failed, despite it being conducted strictly under state law and backed by county cash.</p>
<p> Last week, the King George Wireless Authority authorized a mutual release and settlement agreement with Virginia Broadband LLC, in accordance with the terms of a plan devised for the company by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia. </p>
<p> The March 3 vote was taken following a closed session and without comment from authority members.</p>
<p> “Virginia Broadband’s plan resulted in all their creditors receiving payments that were much-reduced from the original value of the claims submitted, including the King George County Wireless Authority. While frustrating, that is often the result, and indeed the purpose of bankruptcy,” said King George County Attorney Eric Gregory. “A mutual dismissal of this litigation will avoid additional attorneys’ fees and costs for the wireless authority, which is a positive benefit.” </p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="2" class="table-right">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><em>King George County and the George Washington Regional Commission are promoting an Internet speed mapping application to assist in determining the current state of service in this region. </em><br /><br />
<em>Virginia Tech’s Accelerate Virginia is a new broadband mapping project that seeks to expand high-speed Internet access across the state. The input will help to verify the state broadband map and identify areas in need of affordable broadband infrastructure investment.</em><br /><br />
<em>Perform the test by visiting <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and your results will be provided to you. They also will be compared with other tests and mapped for determining hi-speed availability and requirements in the area.</em></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>
The company has agreed to dismiss counterclaims it filed in response to litigation initiated by the wireless authority and the county for breach of contract in the King George circuit court back in December 2011. That filing also asked to recoup the money it lent the company with interest due. </p>
<p> This means the county authority will end its unsatisfactory relationship with Virginia Broadband and not get back the bulk of the $713,000 it lent to the company. The authority will be provided the equipment purchased with the loan money. </p>
<p> In 2003, King George began to implement new state legislation for underserved localities to establish a wireless authority and initiate a public-private plan for widespread wireless.<br />
It was never easy and took years to discover it is still impossible.</p>
<p> The wireless authority was formed in late 2006. It investigated possible options and Virginia Broadband was selected from four companies. After lengthy negotiation, a contract was signed in January 2008. </p>
<p> The authority lent money to the company to purchase equipment and provided the use of county-owned and controlled structures, including cell towers and water towers on which to install the equipment. </p>
<p> The company was to meet stated goals, such as making broadband available to about 70 percent of the county having about 80 percent of known structures during the first 24-months.</p>
<p>It was expected to pay back the loan within five years while providing wireless broadband internet service to ever-increasing subscribers. </p>
<p> Despite numerous efforts to enforce the terms of the agreement, the goals for Internet service were not achieved and payback payments were not made. </p>
<p> In August 2011, the wireless authority terminated its contract with the company then filed legal in December 2011. </p>
<p> When a preliminary hearing was held in May 2012, the statement was made in open court that the company only had about 20 customers in King George. </p>
<p> In November 2012, the company filed for bankruptcy. That action put the litigation with the county authority on hold. </p>
<p> The members of the board of supervisors/wireless authority have commented in the past, venting a little of their frustration with the issue, particularly when newer residents to the county have chided them for not doing more. </p>
<p> One of the last times members became engaged on the topic was November 2013.</p>
<p> “I don’t have any government solution. We cannot order them to come and put service in the county. It doesn’t work that way,” said Supervisor Joe Grzeika. </p>
<p> Last year, supervisors appointed a technology committee peopled with interested county residents. It is to make recommendations on policies and matters related to technology, and make the board aware of effective, efficient technology opportunities.</p>
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://journalpress.com/king-george-and-dahlgren/king-george-news/4269-king-george-to-settle-with-bankrupt-broadband-company">The Journal</a><br />
Tuesday, 10 March 2015 <br />
By Phyllis Cook
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-5209239593266438722014-11-12T09:55:00.001-05:002014-11-12T15:07:02.178-05:00Residents and businesses asked to help identify areas in need of broadband<div align="left">
In an effort to evaluate Internet access in the New
River Valley, Virginia Tech’s <a href="http://ecorridors.vt.edu/">eCorridors program</a> is asking residents to
test the speed of their Internet connection using the Accelerate
Virginia speed test. To participate, run the two-minute Internet speed
test from your home Internet connection;
<a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/">www.acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> Residents may also obtain a report
of their Internet access statistics and learn how their connectivity
compares to that of others in their zip code by clicking on “proceed”
after the speed test is finished and then “view my summary”. <br />
<br />
Often referred to as high-speed Internet service, broadband allows
faster and richer interactions between citizens and government,
businesses and customers, educators and students, libraries and patrons,
and families and friends. Along with other sources, the data collected
by the <i>Accelerate Virginia</i> Internet speed testing campaign will
provide a more accurate understanding of broadband availability,
identify areas potentially in need for improved services and support
Virginia’s state-wide broadband mapping initiative. <br />
<br />
With a focus on affordable access to broadband, the Blacksburg
Broadband Steering Committee was formed in 2013. Made up of
representatives from the Blacksburg business community including the
Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, the Blacksburg Partnership, Town
of Blacksburg, the New River Valley Planning District Commission, and
Virginia Tech, the Steering Committee is working to develop a model for
gigabit-speed network that can make affordable, high-speed internet
available for every home, business and institution in the community. <br />
<br />
The Broadband Steering Committee is also releasing a Request for
Information (RFI) soliciting ideas and recommendations for developing,
upgrading, and expanding broadband infrastructure in the Blacksburg area
while improving access for residents and businesses. Responses to the
RFI will be used to propose a model for deploying gigabit-speed
broadband using the Blacksburg community as the initial service area and
eventually replicating the model throughout the region for all who wish
to participate. <br />
<br />
Public, private and community organizations, or entities with a
commercial interest in the development of last-mile, high-speed
broadband, are encouraged to reply and provide ideas and
recommendations. Potential respondents should contact Christy Straight
at 540-639-9313 or <a href="mailto:cstraight@nrvpdc.org">cstraight@nrvpdc.org</a> for more information. The RFI can be found at <a href="http://www.nrvpdc.org/">www.nrvpdc.org</a>.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="left">
If you have questions or problems running the speed
test; or if your residence is in a location that does not have any
available Internet service and you’d like us to make note of that,
please contact Jean Plymale at (540) 231-2270 or <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a>. </div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www.blacksburg.gov/Index.aspx?page=891&recordid=3930&returnURL=%2Findex.aspx">Town of Blacksburg, VA : News & Updates</a><br />
11/11/2014<br />
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-36075138786946682102014-11-12T09:51:00.003-05:002014-11-12T11:36:33.675-05:00NRVPDC Announcements<h4>
Request for Information (RFI) - Last Mile Fiber Deployment in the Town of Blacksburg</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<b><u>I. Introduction and Background</u></b><br />
<br />
The New River Valley has long been on the leading edge of technology as demonstrated to the
world when the Blacksburg Electronic Village launched in 1993 as the first community to have
access to the internet. Continued success is increasingly dependent on the formation of
collaborative partnerships and, at times, a regional perspective to advance broadband
infrastructure for economic development and quality of life. The Town of Blacksburg and
Virginia Tech have partnered to participate in a number of national broadband initiatives
including GigU and US Ignite.<br />
<br />
Established in 1798, the Town of Blacksburg is located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny
mountains in southwest Virginia, 35 miles south of Roanoke on Interstate 81. The Town is also
home to Virginia Tech, with the university's 30,000 students more than doubling the Town's
population.<br />
<br />
The region's government and business leaders have come to the conclusion that advanced
broadband connectivity that is exceptional in its performance and affordability requires working
proactively as partners with localities, the businesses, educational institutions, citizens, and
service providers. In 2013, the Blacksburg Broadband Initiative Steering Committee was
formed, made up of representatives from the Blacksburg business community including the
Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council and the Blacksburg Partnership, the Town of
Blacksburg, the New River Valley Planning District Commission, and Virginia Tech to develop a
gigabit-speed network that can make affordable, high-speed internet available for every home,
business and institution in the community.<br />
<br />
A middle-mile broadband network now serves the area with 200 miles of open-access fiber
expandable to 200 Gbps. The network connects to Citizens Telephone Cooperative, Mid-
Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation, and Bristol Virginia Utilities. Citizens
Cooperative acts as the broker and network operator. A number of private broadband
providers are delivering internet service in the Blacksburg community, in addition to publiclyheld
broadband infrastructure owned by the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. However,
none of these offer service approaching the preferred 1 Gbps, symmetrical speed this project
aims to achieve.<br />
<br />
A neighboring project to Blacksburg is the creation of the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority
which seeks to build a high-speed, redundant regional network ring as part of its efforts to
improve the broadband availability. These efforts demonstrate a considerable interest in the
local business community, higher education, and public sector to create sustainable high-speed
broadband connectivity in Southwest Virginia that can support an innovative, globally
competitive economy.<br />
<br />
To ensure the region's relevance and leadership in broadband connectivity, the Steering
Committee is investigating a proof-of-concept for last-mile and, if needed, middle-mile
deployment of high-speed residential and, potentially, commercial broadband service, using the
Blacksburg community as the initial service area that may be replicated throughout the region
for all who wish to participate.
<br />
<br />
<b><u>II. RFI Process and Overview</u></b><br />
<br />
This RFI is issued as part of the Request For Proposals (RFP) process and seeks information
that the Blacksburg Broadband Initiative Steering Committee can potentially use to develop a
final RFP for deployment of truly high-speed broadband infrastructure that can accommodate
the ever-growing demand for the highest speeds available in symmetrical broadband internet
access. Information is being sought not just from entities that may ultimately bid to construct all
or part of the broadband network, but also from public and private entities that may be
interested in partnering with the Broadband Initiative to contribute assets or provide support
for the initiative in other ways.<br />
<br />
Responses to this RFI will be used to develop a proposed model for deploying gigabit service
for the Broadband Initiative and will guide the ultimate investment of public and/or private
resources. This process will also help identify potential partners and interested parties, and
develop a feasible pilot project in the town to deploy high-speed service.<br />
<br />
While it is highly recommended that all eligible entities respond to this RFI if they wish to
respond to a future RFP, responses to this RFI are considered non-binding proposals and are
only used to assist the Broadband Initiative as it performs its due diligence and gather
information for planning and specification preparation purposes.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>III. Need, Goals and Objectives</u></b><br />
<br />
The Steering Committee identified several goals for broadband in the region and this pilot
project. As an overarching goal, the committee's purpose is to lay the appropriate groundwork
and begin the process of building a next-generation infrastructure system in the Town of
Blacksburg as part of a larger regional effort to transform the New River and Roanoke Valleys
into an environment conducive to creating and supporting leaders in the knowledge based
economy.<br />
Additionally, they have set goals to:<br />
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Develop an open access fiber-optic network in Blacksburg capable of connecting every
home, business and institution, thus providing affordable high speed (gigabit +) access to all.</li>
<li>Develop and promote the most technologically advanced internet network possible in the
greater Blacksburg area for the purposes of attracting and retaining innovation-based
businesses, assisting in the ability to conduct research, furthering academic endeavors, and
enhancing residential access/bandwidth.</li>
<li>Enable local networks to provide our region's citizens with the network performance,
capacity, and connections they need to <u>compete successfully</u> in the global marketplace.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
The Steering Committee intends that all relevant partners are brought together at the table,
identifying appropriate phases and determining optimal timing, and coordinating efforts for the
most efficient way to deploy new infrastructure to include leveraging existing resources. The
Steering Committee encourages private sector solutions to develop and manage a gigabit
broadband service in a competitive environment, with the potential for public sector resources
to be employed in support of a solution.<br />
<br />
The Town has been participating in broadband discussions for well over a year and has the
population density to make such a pilot project successful. There is an active initiative in
Roanoke for enhancing fiber connectivity for businesses in downtown Roanoke, and these
initiatives will be coordinated through collaboration as each move forward with its respective,
unique model.<br />
<br />
The Broadband Initiative is issuing this RFI to gather information, ideas and recommendations
for developing, upgrading, and expanding broadband infrastructure in Blacksburg and improving
access for Blacksburg residents and businesses. The Broadband Initiative views possible
respondents fitting within one or more provider categories as described below.<br />
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li><b>Construction:</b> Firms which provide fiber cable installation and required
construction services including, but not limited to, digging trenches and duct banks,
building conduit, pulling cable, erecting facilities, installing initial electronics, and
other functions connecting networks together or to users.</li>
<li><b>Maintenance:</b> Firms who repair broken fiber cables, provide replacement fiber, fix
broken aerial structures, replace compromised facility structures, and generally keep
the network's physical elements in working order.</li>
<li><b>Network Operator:</b> Firms responsible for the operation of the network including
managing the performance of the switches, servers, software, and data traffic within
the network. The network operator will have the relationship with the network
hubs and interconnections, run the network operations center (NOC), and dispatch
maintenance and other technical resources to provision, maintain, and repair the
network as needed.</li>
<li><b>Service and Content Providers:</b> Firms who provide access to the internet,
manage the customer relationship, handle billing, process payments, provide
customer relations, provide technical support, undertake home installations, and
serve as a customer service contact. Also, firms who create and distribute online
content such as news and entertainment, provide hosting and cloud services, and
deliver other internet service and content.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<b><u>IV. Schedule</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The schedule for the RFI process is as follows:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="1" style="width: 508px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="336">RFI Release</td>
<td width="162">November 10, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="336">Providers meeting</td>
<td width="162">November 10, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="336">Deadline for written questions from potential Respondents</td>
<td width="162">November 24, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="336">Deadline for answers from committee</td>
<td width="162">December 8, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="336">Deadline for statement of intent to respond</td>
<td width="162">December 17, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="336">Responses due</td>
<td width="162">January 8, 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="336">Meetings with Respondents</td>
<td width="162">February 2015</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>V. How Responses Will Be Used</u></b><br />
<br />
Responses to this RFI will be used to develop a proposed model for deploying gigabit service
for the Broadband Initiative and will guide the ultimate investment of public and private
resources. This process will also help identify potential partners and interested parties, and
develop a feasible pilot project in the town to deploy high-speed service. Following receipt of
submissions, the Steering Committee will schedule meetings with Respondents to offer
opportunities to elaborate on submissions.<br />
<br />
The Steering Committee welcomes ideas and recommendations from all interested or
potentially interested parties, including public, private and community organizations, entities
with a commercial interest in the project, and potential public and private partners who may
wish to assist the Broadband Initiative in development of last-mile and, as needed, middle-mile
high-speed broadband. Potential respondents are encouraged to collaborate in offering ideas
and recommendations.<br />
<br />
The Steering Committee intends that all relevant partners are brought together at the table,
identifying appropriate phases and determining optimal timing, and coordinating efforts for the
most efficient way to deploy new infrastructure to include leveraging existing resources.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>VI. Specific Requests for Information</u></b><br />
<br />
In this RFI, the Broadband Initiative Steering Committee seeks comments from Respondents for
the following items. The Steering Committee encourages private sector solutions to develop
and manage a gigabit broadband service in a competitive environment, with the potential for
public sector resources to be employed in support of a solution. Respondents should feel free
to propose alternative business models and network solutions that could be used to meet the
Broadband Initiative's goals.<br />
<br />
<u>General Information</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>Background information for each organization represented by the submission:
<ol type="a">
<li>Name, address, website, type of organization including types of services and
products offered, overview of strengths and abilities of organization.</li>
<li>Identify a primary contact and contact information including name, title,
organization name, address, phone number, and email address.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> Description of relevant prior organizational experience related to the construction and
management of broadband networks.</li>
<li>management of broadband networks.
C. Description of currently owned and/or operated infrastructure in the region that could
facilitate achievement of the committee's desired goals.</li>
<li>Identification of prior and/or current relationship(s) with other entities that could aid in
the achievement of these goals.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<u>Increase of bandwidth</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>New network services are constantly driving up bandwidth demand. What is an
appropriate amount of bandwidth for users ranging from in-home use to businesses?</li>
<li>How can existing fiber be optimized to increase bandwidth capacity for a variety of
users?</li>
<li>Upload speeds capable of making end users into producers rather than merely
consumers of information are essential. The current level of speed asymmetry found in
many cable and DSL services can be viewed as detrimental to the innovative capacity of
businesses and residential users. Solutions that offer symmetrical bandwidth as a baselevel
option to the business and home users are preferred.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<u>Availability of broadband to all</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>What specific steps could be taken to make broadband available to all residents?</li>
<li>What minimum requirements for services and facilities should be required to ensure
that underserved populations have adequate access to the Internet?</li>
<li>What is the availability of wireless and wireline broadband services in Blacksburg
including information about any underserved areas?</li>
<li>Are there areas where it is impractical to require a new entrant to build a network
because businesses or residences already are servable by multiple advanced networks?
What are those areas?</li>
<li>Does the Respondent have any ideas, proposals and recommendations on how to speed
deployment of wireless and wireline broadband infrastructure so that Internet services
are universally available and existing infrastructure is upgraded or replaced faster than
would occur under a "business as usual" case?</li>
<li>What could be the retail price range of this service? The steering committee is
evaluating other markets' offerings and pricing.</li>
<li>Does the Respondent recommend any specific actions prior to network activation that
would ease the transition, especially for users with limited technical expertise?</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<u>Encouraging broadband deployment</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>Are there ways in which the Town could alter its permitting and contracting practices
that would encourage deployment of advanced facilities? Are there additional steps that
the Town should consider? Respondents are encouraged to provide a description of any
processes, rules or regulations at the local level that could impact the feasibility or
underlying economics associated with the proposed solutions. Submissions should
include an explanation of any forms of proposed regulatory relief, including streamlined
permitting, which could improve the economic case for the business models or network
solutions proposed or for other network solutions that Respon</li>
<li>What changes would be most valuable?</li>
<li>Should the Town install fiber or conduit as part of future construction or repair or
roads, or as part replacement of communications system? If it does, can it be assured
that it could recover its costs? How?</li>
<li>What kind of key customer(s) would be useful in encouraging deployment? What kind
would be of little use in encouraging deployment?</li>
<li>Are there particular Town service/facility needs that may be of significant value to a
person seeking to deploy all or part of the broadband network?</li>
<li>Are there particular Town service/facility needs that may be of little value to a person
seeking to deploy all or part of the broadband network?</li>
<li>How can the Town can facilitate and foster wireless and wireline broadband deployment
through streamlined processes, service contracts, creating partnerships with entities,
making Town-owned assets available to network operators or taking other steps to
leverage and coordinate ongoing infrastructure improvement efforts to reduce network
deployment costs?</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<u>Ownership</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>Who would own the system under the model? If ownership would be held by one of
several partners, what benefits would other partners maintain for their role(s) in the
creation of the network?</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<u>Broadband deployment – interest</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>Is Respondent interested in building all or part of a gigabit-speed broadband network?</li>
<li>Describe your interest.</li>
<li>What approach might the Steering Committee take to an RFP that would encourage
you to apply to bid to build all or part of the broadband network?</li>
<li>Does the Respondent have any previous case studies that could provide insight for the
Steering Committee?</li>
<li>Can the Respondent provide materials on any other municipal networks that have
adopted the approach and/or best practices the Respondent recommends?</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<u>Broadband deployment – timetable</u><br />
<blockquote>
<ol type="A">
<li>What is the typical duration of a project like this and how would the ultimate timeline
look?</li>
<li>What actions can be taken to reduce construction time or other elements of project
deployment?</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
If Respondents have additional suggestions or comments not otherwise utilized in their
submissions, they may be included at the end of their response.<br />
<br />
<b><u>VII. Communications</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
All general communications regarding the RFI, including the statement of intent to respond or
requests for additional information should be directed to:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Christy Straight, Regional Planner<br />
New River Valley Planning District Commission<br />
6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 124<br />
Radford, VA 24141<br />
<a href="mailto:cstraight@nrvpdc.org">cstraight@nrvpdc.org</a></div>
<br />
Requests for additional information must be submitted no later than <b>November 24, 2014.</b>
Answers will be provided by <b>December 8, 2014.</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>VIII. Delivery of Information</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Proposals must be sent by email or via an FTP site (with the link delivered by email by the
submittal deadline). Additional copies of the proposals can also be mailed or hand delivered,
allowing sufficient delivery time to ensure physical receipt by close of business on Thursday,
January 8, 2015. Responses received after this time will not be considered.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Christy Straight, Regional Planner<br />
New River Valley Planning District Commission<br />
6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 124<br />
Radford, VA 24141<br />
<a href="mailto:cstraight@nrvpdc.org">cstraight@nrvpdc.org</a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>IX. Disclaimer</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The committee will use information and materials received in response to this RFI to inform
ongoing conversations in the region regarding successful strategies for the expansion of nextgeneration
infrastructure. This RFI should not be construed as a Request for Proposal by the
Steering Committee, the localities involved, or any future public entity created to address this
issue, nor shall this RFI be considered any sort of obligation to any products or services offered
by Respondents. Following receipt of submissions, the committee will schedule meetings with
Respondents to offer opportunities to elaborate on submissions.<br />
<br />
No material submitted in response to this RFI will be returned. Submissions in response to this
RFI may be used by the Blacksburg Broadband Steering Committee in any way deemed
appropriate. All submissions are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Trade secrets or
proprietary information submitted by a proposer shall not be subject to public disclosure under
the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; however, the proposer must invoke the protections
of Section 2.2-4342D of the Code of Virginia, in writing, either before or at the time the data
or other materials to be protected and state the reasons why protection is necessary. The
proprietary or trade secret material submitted must be identified by some distinct method such
as highlighting or underlining and must indicate only the specific words, figures, or paragraphs
that constitute trade secret or proprietary information. The classification of an entire proposal
document, line item prices and/or total proposal prices as proprietary or trade secrets is not
acceptable and will result in rejection of the submission.<br />
<br />
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://nrvpdc.org/announcements2.html">New River Valley Planning District Commission</a><br />
By NRVPDC
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-18581511926508882612014-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:002014-05-08T10:00:28.965-04:00Accelerate Virginia Needs Your Help for Better Internet<span id="dateline"><strong>STAUNTON, VA--</strong></span> A Virginia
Tech website is seeking to map the quality of your internet. The site
hopes to use that information to bring better internet to Virginia. They
want your help.<br />
<br />
Accelerate Virginia asks a few quick questions
about your location and type of internet. The information is anonymous
and tracked by area. Then, you do a quick speed test to check the speed
of your connection. The hope is to use this info to focus attention on
bringing better quality and speed to areas with lousy internet speeds
and connections. We asked a customer at Staunton tea and coffee to do
the test himself and give us his thoughts on the campaign.<br />
<br />
"I think if they can gather the data to make the
improvements to boost internet speed around our community, I'm all for
it, I think it would be a great idea. Nobody like watching slow movies
and having interruptions," says Sam Dunham, who was surprised by his
connection speed.<br />
<br />
You can find/try the speed test to get info on your connection speed at www.acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/.<br />
<br />
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Accelerate-Virginia-Needs-Your-Help-for-Better-Internet-258380721.html">http://www.whsv.com</a><br />
May 07, 2014<br />
By Charles House
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-69254075905600067532014-02-20T09:07:00.001-05:002014-02-20T09:12:42.572-05:00Broadband access pushed in Isle of Wight, Surry counties<div>
ISLE OF WIGHT — </div>
Jim Henderson and his wife, Connie, have griped for years about their slow Internet connection.<br />
<br />
The Hendersons and their neighbors, a dozen or so houses on a mile-long private lane in <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/us/virginia/isle-of-wight-county/carrollton-PLGEO100101161010000.topic" id="PLGEO100101161010000" title="Carrollton">Carrollton</a>, are bound to a dial-up connection because no Internet company will run a broadband line out to their homes.<br />
<br />
Henderson, who telecommutes for his job as a business development consultant, had to buy a wireless USB antenna from <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/economy-business-finance/computing-information-technology-industry/telecommunication-service/verizon-communications-ORCRP016243.topic" id="ORCRP016243" title="Verizon Communications">Verizon</a> in order to get Internet service capable of handling anything more than email.<br />
<br />
Then, at a Carrollton Civic League meeting last fall, Connie Henderson mentioned that people were spending hours outside the county's libraries late into the night, using the wireless signal from the building.<br />
<br />
"That's when we kind of realized maybe we're not the only ones who have this problem," Henderson said. The Civic League put together a task force to explore the issue and they consulted with the state technology secretary's office. Henderson suddenly found himself spearheading a movement backed by state agencies and the county to expand broadband access throughout <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/us/virginia/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-%28isle-of-wight-virginia%29-PLGEO100101161030000.topic" id="PLGEO100101161030000" title="Isle of Wight (Isle of Wight, Virginia)">Isle of Wight</a>.<br />
<br />
Sandie Terry runs a program at the Center for Innovative Technology, the state's non-profit arm for technology-based economic development, tasked with expanding broadband access in rural areas.<br />
<br />
Terry said Internet access problems are common in rural areas throughout Virginia and often lead to what she calls the "digital divide" between Internet haves and have-nots<br />
<br />
"So many people look at high-speed Internet and say, 'Oh we can stream <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/economy-business-finance/media-industry/netflix-inc.-ORCRP010656.topic" id="ORCRP010656" title="Netflix Inc.">Netflix</a> or get on Facebook or play games,'" she said. "The digital divide is real and those people who are not connected will get left behind."<br />
<br />
Terry argues that those without reliable, high-speed internet access are at a disadvantage as more and more services like education, employment and health care move online. Areas that don't have high-speed Internet access are also home to populations that need it most: people with less education, those with lower incomes and the elderly.<br />
<br />
"Basically, all rural areas suffer under monopolies by having one provider of cable or DSL and in rural areas, it's how much infrastructure they have to implement versus how many people are going to subscribe," Terry said.<br />
<br />
This decision, one of dollars and cents for the providers who often have little or no competition, leaves many without the access they need.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/us/virginia/isle-of-wight-county-PLGEO100101161000000.topic" id="PLGEO100101161000000" title="Isle of Wight County">Isle of Wight County</a> spokesman Don Robertson said the lack of connectivity is a long-standing problem. The county has been trying to entice <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/economy-business-finance/charter-communications-inc.-ORCRP003079.topic" id="ORCRP003079" title="Charter Communications, Inc.">Charter Communications</a>, the county's only broadband provider, to expand coverage.<br />
<br />
Charter has told county officials the math involved in expanding the infrastructure doesn't make sense for the company, Robertson said.<br />
<br />
"In locations where service has never been active, Charter technicians will analyze area data, review capacity and make a site visit to evaluate feasibility in bringing Charter service to that location," Patti Michel, Charter's regional director of communications, in an email response to questions.<br />
<br />
"Currently, there are no plans to extend our services in the Isle of Wight."<br />
<br />
Janae Sanford, who lives in the Eagle Harbor neighborhood in Carrollton, said she cancelled her Internet service from Charter and turned instead to local libraries, where free, high-speed internet is available.<br />
<br />
"I wasn't satisfied with the service," she said. "The connection speeds were slow and my bill increased without much explanation."<br />
<br />
Blackwater Regional Library's Carrollton Branch manager Shannon Conroy said seats at the library's computers are a hot commodity, especially on Saturdays, when the branch is open for just three hours.<br />
<br />
Conroy said librarians are sensitive to the Internet needs of many in the community, especially students who may not have access at home.<br />
<br />
"We're only open until 5 p.m., which is barely enough time to get students in and get their homework done," she said. "Even when we're closed, we have people sitting outside in their cars, which is exactly why we leave the wireless on at night."<br />
<br />
The throngs of people using library Internet resources has convinced
Henderson that the demand exists to warrant broadband expansion in Isle
of Wight. Henderson hopes to gather enough data by the end of March
through a program at <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/education/colleges-universities/virginia-tech-OREDU0000161.topic" id="OREDU0000161" title="Virginia Tech">Virginia Tech</a> to prove to companies that there is money to be made.<br />
<br />
Accelerate Virginia, part of another broadband expansion group called
eCorridors based out of Virginia Tech, hosts an online survey that
tests the speed of the user's Internet. The survey plots users'
connection speeds on a map to determine where the fast and slow
connections are and asks folks whether they would be willing to
subscribe to improved service if it was available.<br />
<br />
Anyone without Internet
access can call a number connected to the Accelerate Virginia office and
register "dead zones," areas where there is no access whatsoever.<br />
<br />
Henderson plans to develop a marketing plan with that data and
present it to Internet service providers to show them that there is
demand in underserved areas. A few hundred respondents would give
Henderson enough data to make a convincing case, he said.<br />
<br />
Nearby <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/us/virginia/surry-county-PLGEO1001011118000000.topic" id="PLGEO1001011118000000" title="Surry County">Surry County</a>
undertook a similar survey with the help of a state grant in 2008, said
Rhonda Russell, the county's director of planning and community
development.
<br />
<br />
After mailing out more than 2,800 surveys, 20.5 percent of residents
and 14 percent of businesses that got the surveys wrote back, Russell
said. Respondents overwhelmingly said existing Internet speeds were
inadequate and they would likely subscribe to affordable high-speed
Internet if it was made available.<br />
<br />
The county is now looking for a suitable site for a 350-foot tower to
broadcast high-speed wireless Internet throughout Surry County.<br />
<br />
He and Terry think a similar approach could help alleviate Isle of
Wight's connectivity problems, possibly using existing cell, radio and
water towers to reduce infrastructure costs.<br />
<br />
Isle of Wight's Board of Supervisors gave the data-gathering
initiative its blessing in December, with the caveat that any help from
county staff shouldn't incur major expenses — so a mass mailing is out
of the question for Henderson's effort.<br />
<br />
He hopes tapping groups like local Ruritan Clubs will be enough to
get a critical mass of responses from the speed test, demonstrate demand
and entice a provider to give Isle of Wight's disconnected residents a
boost.<br />
<br />
<em>Murphy can be reached by phone at 757-247-4760.</em><br />
<br />
Broadband Survey<br />
<em>Anyone interested in taking the survey can access the speed test at http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest. </em><br />
<br />
<em>Those without an internet connection can register their dead zone
by phone by contacting Jean Plymale with Accelerate Virginia at
540-231-2270.</em><br />
<br />
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/business/tidewater/dp-businesses-broadband-access-in-isle-of-wight-20140219,0,2434636.story">Daily Press</a><br />
9:20 p.m. EST, February 18, 2014 <br />
By Ryan Murphy
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-21515517409846353682013-04-17T11:08:00.002-04:002013-04-17T11:08:29.742-04:00Brunswick County Internet Speed Testing Campaign Extended<span class="paragraph-1">
</span><br />
LAWRENCEVILLE - The Brunswick County Economic Development
Coordinating Council (EDCC) has joined with other Virginia counties to
map broadband availability by starting their own local Internet speed
testing campaign. Residences of Brunswick County and the Towns of
Alberta, Brodnax and Lawrenceville, with Internet access, are asked to
take the Accelerate Virginia speed test. The test will help identify
areas where Internet services are available and those areas that are in
need of access to high-speed Internet services.<br />
<br />
The Accelerate Virginia Internet speed test is a
short and simple online survey and speed test that measures the overall
quality and performance of your Internet connection. Upon completion of
the speed test, users will receive real time performance details
regarding their Internet connection, as well as a comparison summary
based on other speed test results in your community.<br />
<br />
To participate in the Brunswick County EDCC's
Internet speed testing campaign, all residents with Internet access are
asked to visit <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a>
and take the two-minute speed test from their home computers.
Accelerate Virginia also encourages business owners to take the speed
test from their business locations. Everyone is asked to spread the word
and encourage friends and neighbors to participate.<br />
<br />
The Accelerate Virginia campaign's goal is to
collect 300-500 speed tests per county. The testing has been extended
until May 1, 2013. The data will provide county officials with a more
accurate understanding of broadband availability, as well as identify
areas of potential need for improved services. The more participation we
have the better the assessment will be for the Brunswick County EDCC.<br />
<br />
By participating in the Brunswick County EDCC's
Internet speed testing campaign, you will also be contributing
information that will support Virginia's effort to accurately map
current broadband availability across the state and to help drive future
policy decisions and strategically direct future funding to areas of
need.<br />
<br />
If you need further information or cannot receive
high speed Internet services at your address, please register your
broadband dead zone by calling Jean Plymale at (540) 231-2270 or email <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a>.<br />
<br />
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www.vancnews.com/brunswick_times_gazettenews/article_2e79ba1a-a6c6-11e2-998a-0019bb2963f4.html">Brunswick Times Gazette News</a><br />
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:47 pm
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-59265434267815077942013-04-09T11:49:00.001-04:002013-04-09T12:03:16.633-04:00Internet users, college students asked to help with connection speed test<div>
<div>
<p>Researchers at <a title="Virginia Tech" href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/education/colleges-universities/virginia-tech-OREDU0000161.topic">Virginia Tech</a> are asking Internet users, especially college students, to assist with "Accelerate Virginia," a campaign to test Internet connection speeds and create a map of broadband Internet availability.</p>
<p>"Students, specifically, can help and make a difference by passing on the word to their friends and family, in person or through social networks," said Accelerate Virginia spokeswoman Angela Correa.</p>
<p>In order to make the map as complete and accurate as possible, the organizers hope a majority of Internet users will participate. While the test is primarily aimed at residential users, commercial customers are also encouraged to take the speed test from their business locations. The campaign's goal is to collect 300 to 500 speed tests per county.</p>
<p>After the test, participants will receive a detailed summary of their connection characteristics and a summary of what other residents in the area are reporting about their service, including provider names, connection types, speed averages and satisfaction ratings.</p>
<p>The test will give users feedback about how local Internet providers compare to others and help them identify alternatives to their current service.</p>
<p>To run the test, go to <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/</a> and follow the instructions.</p>
<p>Users of <a title="Apple iPhone" href="http://www.dailypress.com/topic/services-shopping/electronic-devices/apple-iphone-PRDCES00000002.topic">Apple iPhone</a> or Android mobile platforms are encouraged to test the speed of their mobile connections by installing the free FCC Broadband Test App, available at <a href="http://apps.usa.gov/fcc-mobile-broadband-test.shtml">http://apps.usa.gov/fcc-mobile-broadband-test.shtml</a></p>
<p>If you don't have high-speed Internet services at all, or who have questions about "Accelerate Virginia," contact Jean Plymale at 540-231-2270, 540- 231-8490, or <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a>. </p>
<p><em>Visit the Daily Press Education Facebook page at facebook.com/dailypresseducation. Contact Pawlowski at 757-247-7478 or <a href="mailto:spawlowski@dailypress.com">spawlowski@dailypress.com</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p>Copyright © 2013, <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/" target="_blank">Newport News, Va., Daily Press</a></p>
</div>
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www.dailypress.com/news/education/dp-nws-education-notebook-0409-20130408,0,3929827.story">Daily Press</a><br />
4:44 p.m. EDT, April 8, 2013 <br />
By Sarah J. Pawlowski
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-91173057860435304212013-02-20T11:01:00.000-05:002013-02-20T12:33:58.776-05:00Brunswick County Internet Speed Testing Campaign begins<p>Town and County residents asked to help identify areas in need of broadband</p>
<p>LAWRENCEVILLE - The Brunswick County Economic Development Coordinating Council (EDCC) is joining with other Virginia counties to map broadband availability by starting their own local Internet speed testing campaign. Residents of Brunswick County and the Towns of Alberta, Brodnax and Lawrenceville, with Internet access, are asked to take the Accelerate Virginia speed test to help identify areas in need of better access to high-speed Internet services.</p>
<p>The Accelerate Virginia Internet speed test is a short and simple online survey and speed test that measures the overall quality and performance of your Internet connection. Upon completion of the speed test users will receive real time performance details regarding their Internet connection, as well as a comparison summary based on other speed test results in your community.</p>
<p>To participate in the Brunswick County EDCC's Internet speed testing campaign, all residents with Internet access are asked to visit <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and take the two-minute speed test from their home computers. Accelerate Virginia also encourages business owners to take the speed test from their business locations. Everyone is asked to spread the word and encourage friends and neighbors to participate.</p>
<p>To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Feb. 20 edition of the Brunswick Times-Gazette.</p>
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www.vancnews.com/brunswick_times_gazettenews/article_a38b1d78-7ac8-11e2-bd1d-0019bb2963f4.html">South Hill Enterprise</a><br />
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 2:06 pm <br />
</h6>
Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-34194212036712209152012-07-17T16:42:00.000-04:002012-08-30T14:01:12.913-04:00Statewide broadband mapping initiative continues expansion<p>Broadband availability undergirds the American economy and is required for continued innovation and opportunity. Reliable broadband services are essential for economic development, educational and occupational opportunity, advanced healthcare, public safety and quality of life. Unfortunately, many counties in Virginia still have limited access to broadband services. Identifying areas that are in need of broadband is the first step towards maximizing investment in broadband infrastructure.</p>
<p>Virginia’s Broadband Mapping initiative is about one third of the way through a five-year campaign to assess broadband availability in our state. To date:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Virginia Broadband Mapping site has been developed as part of a federal initiative to map broadband availability at the state level. Participating service providers have made broadband service data available to the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance. The provider data was migrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) and is presented in an easy to understand online mapping website. The Virginia Broadband Map provides tools that allow the user to identify broadband service providers, type of service and upload/download speeds that might be available at any location in the state. CIT encourages all Virginians to explore this new resource.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Virginia Tech’s Accelerate Virginia Campaign is working in conjunction with the state to collect consumer data on broadband connectivity and quality. The Accelerate Virginia Internet speed test allows Internet subscribers to contribute data on the quality and cost of their Internet service by taking a simple online speed test. To date, Accelerate Virginia has collected data from over 6700 locations across the state (see map), but a good deal more participation is needed. Accelerate Virginia invites all county leaders to initiate a free Internet speed testing campaign for their county. The data collected will support Virginia’s effort to accurately map broadband availability across the state.</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, citizens who have no access to broadband services are encouraged to register their address with the Federal Communications broadband dead zone registry.</p>
<p>County officials are asked to help promote Virginia’s Broadband Mapping initiative by encouraging citizens to utilize these new services. Options include featuring a link to the Accelerate Virginia campaign on a prominent place in their county web site, posting fliers, adding a note to payment notices or other county mailings or sending a press release to local newspapers or community websites. Accelerate Virginia offers guidance, sample press releases and customizable marketing materials to simplify the job of promoting citizen participation in the online speed test. Together, the data produced by these services will enable a better understanding of broadband availability and quality of service throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.</p>
<p>Currently, more than 20 counties in Virginia are promoting the Accelerate Virginia campaign, but much more support is needed.</p>
<p>If your county is interested in partnering with the Accelerate Virginia Campaign, please contact Project Manager Jean Plymale at (540) 231-2270 or <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a>. </p>
<br />
<h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.vaco.org/CountyConnectionsFiles/2012CountyConnections/connections31512.pdf">Virginia Association of Counties (VACo)</a><br />
March 15, 2012<br />
</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-30719980699082624532012-05-31T14:43:00.000-04:002012-05-31T14:44:05.188-04:00Montgomery County asks internet users to help with speed tests<div class="article_font entry-content">
<span class="story_dateline">MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA --</span>
Montgomery County is joining with other Virginia counties to map
broadband availability by starting their own local Internet speed
testing campaign. Residents with Internet access are asked to take the <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/">Accelerate Virginia speed test</a>
to help identify areas in the county in need of better access to
high-speed Internet services. To take the survey and speed test please
visit the website: <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a>.<br />
<br />
The Accelerate Virginia Internet speed test is a two-minute simple
online survey and speed test that measures the overall quality and
performance of your Internet connection. Upon completion of the speed
test users will receive performance details regarding their Internet
connection, as well as a comparison summary based on other speed test
results in your community.<br />
<br />
Because numerous, often temporary factors affect connection speed,
you may want to take the speed test more than once, at different dates
and times. The average of those readings will present the most reliable
overall measure of your connection capabilities. Factors that may
influence Internet speed include: configuration of computer, network or
Internet congestion, and server and router speeds.<br />
The Accelerate Virginia campaign’s goal is to collect 300-500 speed
tests per county. The data will provide county officials with a more
accurate understanding of broadband availability, as well as identify
areas of potential need for improved services. The more participation
we have the better the assessment will be for Montgomery County.<br />
<br />
Accelerate Virginia was launched in 2010 as an extension of the
Virginia Tech eCorridors program and is responsible for the collection
of consumer broadband availability data for Virginia’s broadband
mapping initiative.<br />
<br />
The Virginia Broadband Map can help residents understand the type of
broadband service available at any location in the state as well as the
level of upload/download speeds that are available at that location. <a href="http://mapping.vita.virginia.gov/broadband/">http://mapping.vita.virginia.gov/broadband/</a><br />
<br />
If you cannot receive high speed Internet services at your address, please register your broadband dead zone at: <a href="http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/">http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/</a><br />
<br />
Users of Apple iPhone or Android mobile platforms are encouraged to install the free <a href="http://apps.usa.gov/fcc-mobile-broadband-test.shtml">‘FCC Broadband Test’ App</a> to test the speed of their mobile connection.<br /><br />
</div>
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www2.wsls.com/news/2012/may/30/montgomery-county-asks-internet-users-help-speed-t-ar-1954056/">WSLS-TV 10</a><br />
Published: May 30, 2012 <br />
By: Town of Blacksburg news release
</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-29178967068427935532012-05-18T09:54:00.000-04:002012-05-18T09:55:42.650-04:00Board discusses broadband serviceThe road to the future hangs along wooden poles next to highways, paved
with miles and miles of cable wires connecting literally everything.
Broadband internet access has emerged as an expected service in the
daily lives of businesses and individuals and is the great cultural and
technological force of our time. While it seems everyone and everything
is speeding up, though, rural areas suffer in the great megabyte race by
the very nature that defines them. In counties like Orange, broadband
access can be few and far between, especially for businesses, but county
officials hope participation in a new statewide speed test might raise
awareness of the state of the county’s wires.<br />
<br />
Broadband access in
Orange County is currently confined largely to towns of Orange and
Gordonsville and the densely populated neighborhoods in the county’s
eastern end, said county information technology manager Larry Clement,
and that reality appears unlikely to change in the near future.<br />
<br />
“Orange
County has a very limited amount of quality broadband service, mainly
centered towards the towns,” said Clement. “The problem is carriers want
a certain density level [to justify installing fiber.] They want to be
able to get a return on their investment in infrastructure. Miles of
cable and labor are expensive. It’s not cost-beneficial for them to
install five miles of cable to hook up five customers.”<br />
<br />
During a
board of supervisors’ discussion on broadband in a recent meeting,
District 1 Supervisor Shannon Abbs stated that access to high-speed
internet was well beyond luxury in today’s society, that citizens and
businesses alike depend on the broadband in a way similar to water and
sewer service and paved roads.<br />
<br />
“It’s a quality of life factor today,”
said Abbs. “With everything going to computers, people pay their bills
online, file for unemployment online, do schoolwork, take online
classes, telecommuting. It’s not just a luxury anymore; people rely on
broadband to do all the things they need to do.”<br />
<br />
Much of Abbs’
district is forced to use dial-up internet service simply due to a lack
of broadband infrastructure in the area. For some tasks, Abbs said this
entry-level speed is adequate, but is becoming less and less so for most
activities.<br />
<br />
“When you have dial-up, it’s nearly impossible to do what’s required of you for school,” she said.<br />
Orange
County Economic Development Director Karen Epps, who has initiated most
of the broadband conversations before the board of supervisors, said
the county’s limited broadband service impacts businesses to a larger
extent than residential users.<br />
<br />
“For businesses, it’s really limited,”
said Epps. “The installation cost is so astronomical; the carriers
aren’t getting a return on their investment if they don’t have a high
density of users. We definitely need to improve our broadband
capabilities for businesses.”<br />
<br />
Epps said that larger internet users,
such as Macmillan Publishing Services in Gordonsville, have reported
occasional problems with the speed of the available service,
particularly with regard to video conferencing.<br />
<br />
A broadband map
created by the state’s office of telework promotion and broadband
assistance depicts Orange County’s broadband access of both mobile and
fixed carriers. The map predominantly shows fixed coverage along the
county’s major east-to-west thoroughfare, Route 20 and in the towns and
eastern part of the county. The mobile coverage is shown in the county’s
more rural sections away from the main roads.<br />
<br />
Clement said that the
state’s definition of broadband is somewhat weak in terms of what such
speeds can offer residents and businesses. He said the state defines
broadband internet as a downloading speed of 768kb and uploading speed
of 250kb.<br />
<br />
“It’s a little on the low end,” he said. “If people wanted
to do things like video conferencing or training, it’s not really
adequate.”<br />
<br />
Given the high cost of high-speed infrastructure, Orange
County’s solution to its broadband concerns, at least for residents,
could come from the air rather than the land. While the traditional
internet service seems to have plateaued at DSL for much of broadband
coverage areas, the bristling speed with which mobile coverage has been
improving make what Clement calls “myfi” perhaps a viable option for the
county’s more rural sections. Clement said the current top-of-the-line
coverage for mobile users, 4G offers download speeds of 3 mb and
uploading at 1 mb.<br />
<br />
“It works fine for residential, but you can’t run a company on myfi,” said Clement.<br />
Epps
recently signed up the county for what is essentially a speed test for
localities in Virginia. The program, Accelerate Virginia, encourages
citizens to log on an run a speed test at one’s residence in order to
create a database profiling the extend of the county’s broadband needs.<br />
<br />
“We
hope to use [the database] as far as working with service providers in
terms of getting them to improve coverage in our area,” said Epps.<br />
<br />
The
data collection is currently open and will end after 30 days, at which
point Epps said the county will study the findings and use them to
portray the need of the county.<br />
“Increasing broadband access
continues to be an issue,” she said. “We’re not the only one in this
position, though it doesn’t make it better to say we’re not alone.”<br />
<br />
Citizens can participate in the speed test by going to <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/">http://acceleratevirginia.org/</a>.
<br />
<br />
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www2.orangenews.com/news/2012/may/16/board-discusses-broadband-service-ar-1919378/">Orange County Review </a><br />
Published: May 16, 2012 <br />
By: Drew Jackson
</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-61711205456464407382012-05-17T11:08:00.001-04:002012-05-17T11:09:37.857-04:00Strike up the (broad) band: county initiates connection conversationWe are encouraged to hear the Orange County Board of Supervisors is
discussing the limited broadband access in Orange County and that Orange
County Economic Development Director Karen Epps is trying to do
something about it.<br />
<br />
For the most part, broadband access in Orange
County is currently confined to towns of Orange and Gordonsville and the
densely populated neighborhoods in the county’s eastern end and absent
any dramatic changes in the county’s composition, is likely to stay that
way.<br />
<br />
Still, that doesn’t mean we have to be connection-content. As
supervisor Shannon Abbs noted, broadband access is no more a luxury than
paved roads and water and sewer service. It’s a fundamental need for
our daily lives, whether we’re conducting commercial enterprises, online
transactions or simply communicating.<br />
<br />
Epps recently signed up the
county for what is essentially a local connection speed test. The
program, Accelerate Virginia, encourages citizens to log on and run a
speed test from their homes which will help create a database profiling
the extent of the county’s broadband needs.<br />
<br />
“We hope to use [the
database] as far as working with service providers in terms of getting
them to improve coverage in our area,” said Epps. While it won’t
guarantee a provider will make the kind of investment required to
increase connection speeds countywide (which would be substantial), the
county will at least have a better idea of its citizens’ interest in the
service and where its needs are greatest.<br />
<br />
While carriers will want a
substantial density of users to justify running miles of expensive
cable, the county can’t solicit potential providers without the data to
support any need-based claims.<br />
<br />
The data collection is currently open
and will end after 30 days, at which point Epps said the county will
study the findings and use them to portray the need of the county.<br />
<br />
We
can talk all we want about recruiting economic development, but where
rail lines and highways were once primary determining factors,
high-speed access is now a critical determinant among corporate
considerations. This study at least attempts to measure our shortcomings
so we can begin addressing them.<br />
<br />
Citizens can participate in the
speed test by going to http://acceleratevirginia.org/. Our participation
is an investment in a better future for our community. Thanks to the
county for getting the ball rolling.<br />
<br />
<h6>
Taken from <a href="http://www2.orangenews.com/news/2012/may/16/strike-broad-band-county-initiates-connection-conv-ar-1919362/">Orange County Review</a><br />
Published: May 16, 2012 <br />
By: Orange News Staff
</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-44869986261250126852012-02-29T13:44:00.001-05:002012-02-29T13:47:39.217-05:00Loudoun County Internet Speed Test to Identify Areas in Need of Broadband<p>On Thursday, March 1, 2012, Loudoun County begins a local Internet speed testing campaign, in partnership with Accelerate Virginia, which will map broadband availability throughout the county. Residents and business owners with Internet access are asked to take the Accelerate Virginia speed test to help identify areas in the county in need of better access to high speed internet services. </p> <p> By participating in the Loudoun County Internet speed testing campaign, residents will receive real-time information about the quality of their Internet connection. They will also be contributing information that supports Virginia’s effort to accurately map current broadband availability across the state, help drive future policy decisions and strategically direct future funding to areas of need.</p> <p> To participate in the Loudoun County Internet speed testing campaign, residents and business owners should visit <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest" target="_blank">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and take the two-minute speed test from their computers. For those who cannot receive high speed Internet service, please register your broadband ‘dead zone’ at <a href="http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/" target="_blank">http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/</a>.</p> <p> Information from speed tests and the dead zone registry comes together with coverage claims from broadband providers in the Virginia Broadband Map<br /> <a href="http://mapping.vita.virginia.gov/broadband/" target="_blank">http://mapping.vita.virginia.gov/broadband/</a>. The Virginia Broadband Map can help residents and business owners understand the type of broadband service that might be available at any location in the state as well as the level of upload/download speeds that are available at that location. Input from users helps to ensure that Virginia’s broadband map is accurate and that broadband availability continues to increase in the areas that need it most. If you have problems or questions, please call Jean Plymale at 1-540-231-2270 or email <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"># # #</p> <p>Contact: Anna Nissinen, Public Affairs and Communications Officer, 703-777-0113; <a href="mailto:anna.nissinen@loudoun.gov">anna.nissinen@loudoun.gov</a></p><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=4063">Loudoun County</a><br />February 28, 2012</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-37054743518029627952011-11-10T16:42:00.006-05:002012-01-18T16:52:07.979-05:00Got Five Minutes? Help Improve Broadband Access in Virginia.<p> If your business is like most, your broadband Internet access is a lifeline that connects you to the information and people you need to make your business work. Could you function without it? If your answer is no, then lend a hand to the Accelerate Virginia Project, run by Virginia Tech’s eCorridors program.</p> <p> Accelerate Virginia is part of the Virginia broadband mapping initiative and is collecting end-user Internet connectivity information to be used in conjunction with the information supplied by Internet service providers to more accurately map the availability and speed of broadband Internet in the Commonwealth.</p> <p> Participating is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just <a href="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/" target="_blank">visit the Accelerate Virginia webpage</a> and follow the easy instructions. You’ll be helping Accelerate Virgina to map current Internet availability and you’ll also get an instant review of your broadband speed connection as well as a survey of what others in your community are reporting. And, it will only take about 5 minutes of your time!</p> <p> After you’re done, don’t forget to share the Accelerate Virginia link with your friends, family, and business associates. Remember, end-user input will help to verify the state broadband map and make it easier to identify and serve areas in need of affordable broadband infrastructure investment.</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/" target="_blank">www.acceleratevirginia.org</a> for more information.</p><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.businessfirstrichmond.com/blog/got-five-minutes-help-improve-broadband-access-in-virginia/">Business First</a><br /><span class="entry-date">November 10, 2011</span><br />By <span class="entry-author">Grace Festa</span></h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-88469481715701078542011-11-09T16:42:00.003-05:002012-01-18T16:48:27.725-05:00Broadband study shows growing need<span class="story_summary"><span><p>When Sherry Swinson, Powhatan’s Director of Economic Development, received a grant last year to conduct surveys on internet usage, she discovered that many county residents have internet service that is neither as fast nor as reliable as they want or need. </p> <p>Swinson found that inadequate broadband capability was not only affecting homes in more rural parts of the county, but was also proving to be problematic for businesses along the Route 60 corridor. “We have had a lot of people locate their business on 60,” Swinson said, “who were guaranteed a certain [broadband] service, only to find out later that the service was unavailable.” To attract and retain commercial enterprise, Swinson said, all areas of the county need access to reliable high-speed internet. </p> <p>This is why Swinson is encouraging Powhatan residents to participate in the Accelerate Virginia speed testing campaign. Residents can take the 2-minute test from their home or business computers, and are encouraged to take the test several different times at different times of day to provide the most comprehensive picture of their internet service. </p> <p>Jean Plymale, a member of Virginia Tech’s eCorridors program, which designed and runs the Accelerate Virginia campaign, said in an email that “The purpose of the study is to collect data which will enable us to better understand the availability of broadband services throughout Virginia.”</p> <p>Regarding the term “broadband,” Plymale said that “it means different things to different people and it’s changing all the time.” </p> <p>“Basically what we want is for people to have the speeds that they need to use the applications that they want,” Plymale said. </p> <p>Plymale said that as of last Friday 49 Powhatan residents had taken the test. Accelerate Virginia’s goal is to collect 300-500 speed tests per county. </p> <p>“Places like Stafford and Fauquier Counties got over 700 speed tests,” Plymale said in an email. “[The] bottom line [is] the more consumer speed test data we get, the better analysis we can produce.” </p> <p>But is there an incentive for companies like Verizon and Comcast to provide broadband service to remote areas where few potential customers? </p> <p>“The incentive isn’t there today,” Plymale said, “but that isn’t to say it won’t be there tomorrow.” Plymale said that smaller internet providers can often be a good choice for rural customers.</p> <p>“The smaller companies support speed testing, because they’re very responsive to their customers,” Plymale said. </p> <p>To take the Accelerate Virginia speed test or to learn more about the program please visit: <a href="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/" title="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/">http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/</a> </p></span></span><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.powhatantoday.com/index.php/news/article/broadband-study-shows-growing-need/26580//">Powhatan Today</a><br /><span class="story_summary">November 09, 2011</span><br />By <span class="story_summary"><span>Emily Darrell </span></span></h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-69853547045551953442011-10-31T11:15:00.005-04:002012-02-08T10:00:56.199-05:00Appomattox County Joins “Accelerate Virginia” -- Residents Asked to Run Broadband Speed TestThe Board of Supervisors has agreed to join <span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span>, part of the Commonwealth's effort to accurately map broadband availability. Each participating county will be conducting a local campaign to encourage residents to test their broadband speed or report that broadband is not available at their specific location. Residents are asked to take the <span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span> speed test with the goal of helping identify areas of the county in need of better access to high-speed Internet services.<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span> Internet speed test is a short and simple online survey coupled with a speed test measuring the overall quality and performance of your Internet connection. Upon completion of the speed test, users will receive performance details regarding their Internet connection as well as a comparison summary based on other speed test results within the community.<br /><br />To participate in the Appomattox County Internet speed testing campaign, all residents with Internet access are asked to visit <a target="_new" href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and take the two-minute speed test from their home computers. <span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span> also encourages business owners to take the speed test from their business locations. Everyone is asked to spread the word and encourage friends and neighbors to participate.<br /><br />Residents without high speed Internet service are asked to register their broadband dead zone at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/">http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/</a>.<br /><br />Because numerous, often temporary, factors affect connection speed, you may want to take the speed test more than once, and do so at different dates and times. The average of those readings will present the most reliable overall measure of your connection capabilities. When you connect to the Internet, the speeds you experience will vary based on a variety of factors, including:<br /><br />• the configuration of the computer from which you are testing;<br />• your home networking configuration;<br />• the number of computers and other networked equipment using the available bandwidth at the same time a speed test is being run – for the best results, do not download/upload movies, music, photos etc while running any Internet speed test;<br />• network or Internet congestion - different times of the day are busier than others;<br />• server and router speeds of the websites you access;<br />• and the condition of the wiring at your location.<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span> campaign’s goal is to collect 300-500 speed tests per county. The data will provide county officials with a more accurate understanding of broadband availability, as well as identify areas of potential need for improved services. The more participation we have, the better the broadband assessment will be for Appomattox County.<br /><br />Often referred to as high-speed Internet service, broadband makes possible videoconferencing, and Internet phone (VoIP), streaming media, interactivity, and real-time online consultation. Broadband allows faster and richer interactions between citizens and government, businesses and customers, educators and students, libraries and patrons, and families and friends. Broadband empowers Appomattox County residents to launch businesses, work from home, expand their studies, pay bills, conduct research, complete homework, play games and be entertained, exchange e-mails or photos, even stay connected through social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.<br /><br />By improving communication and the flow of information, broadband creates jobs, decreases health care costs, reduces miles driven and fossil fuels consumed, expands consumer choices, improves competition, and entertains more people for less cost. Broadband is the backbone of a high skill, high tech economy, and can lead to a better life for everyone in Virginia.<br /><br />William T. Craft, Chairman of the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors, is strongly encouraging every resident and business owner in Appomattox to participate in this broadband speed test initiative. According to Mr. Craft, “Maximum broadband availability is extremely important to the economic development efforts of the County. Appomattox is blessed with the Mid-Atlantic Broadband fiber backbone, but now it is important to improve “last-mile” coverage to areas not currently served with high-speed internet. This will allow more County residents to telecommute to work, to take distance-learning classes from colleges and universities across the country, and to submit job applications and resumes online in the attempt to increase their economic well being.”<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span> was launched in 2010 as an extension of the Virginia Tech eCorridors program and is responsible for the collection of consumer broadband availability data for Virginia’s broadband mapping initiative. By participating in the Appomattox County Internet speed testing campaign you will be getting real-time information about the quality of your Internet connection, a comparison summary of what others in your community are reporting, including provider names, connection types, speed averages and satisfaction ratings, and better awareness about the speed you need to access content and services you want. You will also be contributing information that will support Virginia’s effort to accurately map current broadband availability across the state as well as help drive future policy decisions which strategically direct future funding to areas of need.<br /><br />For more information on <span style="font-style: italic;">Accelerate Virginia</span> and the Appomattox County speed test initiative, please visit the <a target="_new" href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/index.php">Accelerate Virginia</a> website or contact Jean Plymale, <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a> at (540) 231-2270.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.appomattox.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={94CBD813-E3EA-4412-B691-0897281EDBD8}&DE={08661AA1-9345-4D4E-8265-0BE82A93E266}">Appomattox County, Virginia</a><br /><span class="subtextitalics">Thursday, October 27, 2011</span><br /></h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-77825785509033362042011-10-27T14:20:00.000-04:002011-10-31T11:25:44.509-04:00Elkton Leader: No High-Speed Internet Access Is A Big DisadvantageIn towns like Elkton, local leaders are trying to get high-speed internet up and running to attract more businesses to the area.<br /><br />Rockingham County leaders want to know if residents have fast internet connection at their homes.<br /><br />The area is teaming up with counties across the state to map out broadband internet availability.<br /><br />Officials are asking all residents who have internet access to take the Accelerate Virginia Speed test.<br /><br />The test will help identify areas in the county that need better access to high-speed internet services.<br /><br />The news comes as many areas all over the Valley don't have any access to high-speed internet.<br /><br />In towns like Elkton, local leaders are trying to get it up and running to attract more businesses to the area.<br /><br />They say not having high-speed internet can be a big disadvantage, especially with businesses.<br /><br />Jim Berg, who's the volunteer Director of Economic Development in Elkton, said businesses expect high-speed internet nowadays.<br /><br />By being able to offer it in buildings, it's easier to attract entrepreneurs to the town.<br /><br />That's not the case right now, and as he explained, until the town gets faster internet it will be tough convincing a company to go there.<br /><br />"In today's world, speed is absolutely critical. That's what is expected today," Berg said. "You've got to be connected. High-speed internet is a tool. Some communities provide it, and then there are others that don't. That puts Elkton at a disadvantage."<br /><br />Berg says time and money stand in the way of bringing high-speed internet to Elkton.<br /><br />The Accelerate Virginia Speed study will highlight areas that need to be faster and possibly bring some change.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Elkton_Leader_No_High-Speed_Internet_Access_Is_A_Big_Disadvantage_132712378.html">WHSV.com</a><br />Oct 27, 2011<br />Reporter: <a href="mailto:tdempsey@whsv.com">Tom Dempsey</a><br /></h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-74458145843651662432011-10-20T14:45:00.003-04:002011-10-20T15:28:35.033-04:00Rockingham County residents asked to help identify areas in need of broadband<p><strong></strong><strong><a href="http://www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/%5Cwebimages%5Caccelerateva.pdf" target="_self">Accelerate Virginia Informational Flyer</a></strong></p>BLACKSBURG, VA- Rockingham County is joining with other Virginia counties to map broadband availability by starting their own local Internet speed testing campaign. Residents with Internet access are asked to take the Accelerate Virginia speed test to help identify areas in the county in need of better access to high-speed Internet services.<br /><p>The Accelerate Virginia Internet speed test is a short and simple online survey and speed test that measures the overall quality and performance of your Internet connection. Upon completion of the speed test users will receive performance details regarding their Internet connection, as well as a comparison summary based on other speed test results in your community.<br /><br /> To participate in the Rockingham County Internet speed testing campaign, all residents with Internet access are asked to visit <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and take the two-minute speed test from their home computers. Accelerate Virginia also encourages business owners to take the speed test from their business locations. Everyone is asked to spread the word and encourage friends and neighbors to participate.<br /><br /> Because numerous, often temporary factors affect connection speed, you may want to take the speed test more than once, at different dates and times. The average of those readings will present the most reliable overall measure of your connection capabilities. When you connect to the Internet, the speeds that you will experience will vary based on a variety of factors, including:<br /></p><ul><li> the configuration of the computer you are testing from,</li><li>your home networking configuration,</li><li>the number of computers and other networked equipment using the available bandwidth at the same time a speed test is being run – for the best results do not download/upload movies, music, photos etc while running any Internet speed test, </li><li>network or Internet congestion - different times of the day are busier than others, </li><li>server and router speeds of the websites you access,</li><li>the condition of the wiring at your location.<br /></li></ul><p>The Accelerate Virginia campaign’s goal is to collect 300-500 speed tests per county. The data will provide county officials with a more accurate understanding of broadband availability, as well as identify areas of potential need for improved services. The more participation we have the better the assessment will be for Rockingham County.<br /><br /> Often referred to as high-speed Internet service, broadband makes possible videoconferencing, Internet phone (VoIP), streaming media, interactivity, and real-time online consultation. Broadband allows faster and richer interactions between citizens and government, businesses and customers, educators and students, libraries and patrons, and families and friends. Broadband empowers Rockingham County residents to launch businesses, work from home, expand their studies, pay bills, conduct research, complete homework, play games and be entertained, exchange e-mails or photos, even stay connected through social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.<br /><br /> By improving communication and the flow of information, broadband creates jobs, decreases health care costs, reduces miles driven and fossil fuels consumed, expands consumer choices, improves competition, and entertains more people for less cost. Broadband is the backbone of a high skill, high tech economy, and can lead to a better life for everyone in Virginia.<br /><br /> Accelerate Virginia was launched in 2010 as an extension of the Virginia Tech eCorridors program and is responsible for the collection of consumer broadband availability data for Virginia’s broadband mapping initiative.<br /><br /> By participating in the Rockingham County Internet speed testing campaign you will be getting real-time information about the quality of your Internet connection, a comparison summary of what others in your community are reporting, including provider names, connection types, speed averages and satisfaction ratings, and better awareness about the speed you need to access content and services you want. You will also be contributing information that will support Virginia’s effort to accurately map current broadband availability across the state and to help drive future policy decisions and strategically direct future funding to areas of need.<br /><br /> If you cannot receive high speed Internet services at your address, please register your broadband dead zone at: http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/. If you have questions or want more Information about Accelerate Virginia, please contact Jean Plymale, <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a> at (540) 231-2270.<br /></p><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/NewsItem.aspx?NewsID=49">Rockingham County</a><br />10/19/2011<br />By Author</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-67165595019826257732011-10-19T15:48:00.005-04:002011-10-20T14:01:57.975-04:00Goochland County and Accelerate Virginia ask residents to help identify areas in need of broadband<p>Goochland County is joining with many other Virginia counties to map broadband availability through Accelerate Virginia, an award winning Internet speed testing campaign. The County and Accelerate Virginia are partnering to promote local participation by residents and businesses which will help identify areas in the county that are in need of better access to high-speed Internet services. Accelerate Virginia was launched in 2010 as an extension of the Virginia Tech eCorridors program and is responsible for the collection of consumer broadband availability data for Virginia’s broadband mapping initiative. Additionally it aims to engage and educate the public and raise awareness about broadband availability in Virginia.<br /> </p>The Accelerate Virginia Internet speed test is a short and simple online survey and speed test that measures the overall quality and performance of your Internet connection. For the first time, users (not just providers) are being asked to provide information about Internet accessibility in their communities. Upon completion users will receive performance details regarding their Internet connection, as well as a comparison summary based on other speed test results in the community.<br /> <p>To participate in the Accelerate Virginia campaign, all residents with Internet access are asked to visit <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and take the two-minute speed test from their home computers. Accelerate Virginia also encourages business owners to take the speed test from their business locations. Everyone is asked to spread the word and encourage friends and neighbors to participate. </p>Participants will receive real-time information about the quality of their Internet connection; a comparison summary of what others in the community are reporting, including provider names, connection types, speed averages and satisfaction ratings; and better awareness about the speed you need to access content and services you want. Participants will also be contributing information that will support Virginia’s effort to accurately map current broadband availability across the state and to help drive future policy decisions and strategically direct future funding to areas of need.<br /><br />Because numerous, often temporary factors affect connection speed, you may want to take the speed test more than once, at different dates and times. The average of those readings will present the most reliable overall measure of your connection capabilities. When you connect to the Internet, the speeds that you will experience will vary based on a variety of factors, including:<br /> <ul><li>the configuration of the computer you are testing from;</li><li>your home networking configuration; </li><li>the number of computers and other networked equipment using the available bandwidth at the same time a speed test is being run – for the best results do not download/upload movies, music, photos etc while running any Internet speed test;</li><li>network or Internet congestion - different times of the day are busier than others;</li><li>server and router speeds of the websites you access; and</li><li>the condition of the wiring at your location.<br /> </li></ul>The Accelerate Virginia campaign’s goal is to collect 300-500 speed tests per county. The data will provide Accelerate Virginia and county officials with a more accurate understanding of broadband availability, as well as identify areas of potential need for improved services. The more participation we have the better the assessment will be for Goochland County.<br /><p>Often referred to as high-speed internet service, broadband makes possible videoconferencing, Internet phone (VoIP), streaming media, interactivity, and real-time online consultation. Broadband allows faster and richer interactions between citizens and government; businesses and customers; educators and students; libraries and patrons; and families and friends. Broadband empowers Goochland County residents to launch businesses, work from home, expand their studies, pay bills, conduct research, complete homework, and exchange e-mails or photos.<br /><br /> If you cannot receive high speed Internet services at your address, please register your broadband dead zone at: <a href="http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/">http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/</a>. If you have questions or want more information about Accelerate Virginia, please contact Jean Plymale, <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a> at (540) 231-2270.</p><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.co.goochland.va.us/Home/GoochlandCountyandAccelerateVirginia.aspx">Goochland County</a><br />October 2011</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-55861053345215507902011-10-04T09:30:00.009-04:002011-10-04T11:58:34.594-04:00Award-winning Accelerate VirginiaAccelerate Virginia has won a Governor’s Technology Award for IT as Economic Development Driver. The award recognizes the innovative use of technology to promote economic development in the area served. This category seeks the most innovative strategies which leverage information technology to further economic development initiatives.<br /><div id="small_image-02"><br /> <div><br /> <a href="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/images/AV-Team-COVITS-2011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/images/AV-Team-COVITS-2011-thumbnail.jpg" alt="Accelerate Virginia Team at COVITS 2011" width="269" height="193" class="img" title="Accelerate Virginia Team at COVITS 2011"/></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="text">Secretary of Technology James Duffey, Seth Peery, Jarrod Rife, Jean Plymale, Patrick Fay, and Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth Sam Nixon<br /><br /> <h6>Photo by Charlie Reilly, VITA</h6><br /> </div><br /></div><br />AccelerateVirginia is a statewide initiative of eCorridors that seeks to engage and educate the public regarding broadband availability in Virginia. Targeted campaigns collect consumer Internet service details, and the electronic marketing campaign leverages GIS tools for collecting information volunteered from end users through an enhanced version of the eCorridors speed test application. See <a href="http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/" target="_blank">www.acceleratevirginia.org</a><br /><br />eCorridors produces value-added mapping products and <a href="http://www.ecorridors.vt.edu/maps/broadbandmap/includes/printableresults.php?id=6138" target="_blank">report generation tools</a>. As an economic development tool, Accelerate Virginia can be used to assess availability, affordability, and quality of Internet services in regions and communities wishing to attract clean industry businesses, and the associated creative workforce.<br /><br />The award was presented at COVITS on Sept. 26. Winners are posted on <a href="http://www.covits.org/governor%27s_technology_awards/winners.cfm" target="_blank">www.covits.org</a>.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.it.vt.edu/itell/itnewsletter_8_11.pdf">Virginia Tech - Office of the Vice President for Information Technology</a><br />October 2011</h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-12039757098043318802011-09-05T15:45:00.002-04:002011-09-08T15:55:32.266-04:00Bland urges residents to take part in Internet broadband speed testBLAND, Va. — The Bland County administration is working with the <a href="http://www.ecorridors.vt.edu/" target="_blank">eCorridors</a> group of <a href="http://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank">Virginia Tech</a> to develop a broadband map of the county and help develop a greater understanding of the present broadband access in the county, while also providing county and regional officials with the data they need to bring more and better high-speed Internet access into the region.<br /><br />“This is not just for Bland County,” Eric Workman, Bland County administrator said. “It’s for every county in Virginia. Bland County and the Bland County Wireless Authority are working with other counties in Virginia to determine the present level of broadband access in the area and work for improvements.<br /><br />“Internet availability is important for every aspect of life from commerce, to paying bills, for entertainment and to communicate with family and friends,” Workman said. “Once we know where the needs are, we can lobby for improvements in service.”<br /><br />Bland County is partnering with the eCorridor Virginia Tech program to distribute information about the “Accelerate Virginia speed test,” an online test that takes roughly two minutes to perform, but provides Tech with vital information about broadband availability. The online speed test measures overall quality and performance of Internet connections and provides data that can be compared to other speed tests in the area.<br /><br />Workman said that Bland County residents who would like to participate in the speed test can visit <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest" target="_parent">http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest</a> and take the speed test from their home computer. Accelerate Virginia also encourages business owners to take the speed test from their business locations.<br /><br />“We’re asking everyone to spread the work and to encourage their families, neighbors and friends to take the speed test,” Workman said. “Accelerate Virginia’s goal is to collect 300 to 350 speed tests per county. If we get a good response in the county, we’ll get a better assessment of our broadband access.<br /><br />“If you don’t have service at all, Accelerate Virginia wants to hear from you too,” Workman said. He said that if someone wants to register a broadband dead zone, they can go to a place with Internet access including the public library in Bland, the Learning Center in Mechanicsburg or any other of the county’s “hot spots,” and visit this site <a href="http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/" target="_blank">http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/</a>. “It’s very important for people to do that, so Accelerate Virginia knows where the dead zones are,” Workman said.<br /><br />Because there are several factors that can influence the quality of the test, Workman said that speed test participants should consider taking the test several times on different days and at different times. “It only takes about two minutes to take the test,” he said.<br /><br />Workman said that anyone who needs more information or wants to report a dead zone can contact Jean Plymale at <a href="mailto:vplymale@vt.edu">vplymale@vt.edu</a> or call her at 540-231-2270.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://bdtonline.com/local/x1095936600/Bland-urges-residents-to-take-part-in-Internet-broadband-speed-test/print/">Bluefield Daily Telegraph</a><br />September 5, 2011<br />By <a href="mailto:barcher@bdtonline.com">Bill Archer</a></h6>Jarrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220995340830932877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-65705600068320430012011-06-09T14:35:00.006-04:002011-06-13T09:09:59.686-04:00'Net test coming to MC<span class="title">County officials seek help to map broadband access</span><br /><p>Calling all <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/provinceorstate/tags/madison-county/" title="Topic - Madison County">Madison County</a> residents with a computer and <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/industryterm/tags/internet-access/" title="Topic - Internet Access">Internet access</a>. Help the county breeze into the future and study Madison County’s <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/industryterm/tags/high-speed-internet-access-availability/" title="Topic - High Speed Internet Access Availability">high speed Internet access availability</a>.<br /></p>Madison County officials are urging residents to be part of a study that maps out <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> or <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/industryterm/tags/high-speed-internet-access/" title="Topic - High Speed Internet Access">high speed Internet access</a>.<br /><p>The Virginia Tech campaign called Accelerate Virginia rests on citizens’ input in volunteering to take a two-minute “speed test” on their computers. The speed test will determine how fast your computer’s connection is and what type of service you have.<br /></p>Log on to www.acceleratevirginia.org and take a two-minute test. There is no date as to when you have to take the test by but the sooner the better, said officials.<br /><p>Any type of computer, including those with a dial-up connection, will work for the test.<br /></p>“One type of service that I don’t believe is included in the service is <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/cellular-telephone/" title="Topic - Cellular Telephone">cell phone</a> signals. What they want is for you to be working on is a computer coming through a telephone or cable line or some other access and not with an air card that you plug into the computer,” Madison County <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/position/tags/administrator/" title="Topic - Administrator">Administrator</a> Lisa Robertson said at the supervisors workshop last week.<br /><p>The data collected will help provide a look at Madison County’s <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> availability and any <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> “dead zones.” (<a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">Broadband</a> is just another name for <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/industryterm/tags/high-speed-internet/" title="Topic - High Speed Internet">high speed Internet</a> that can be clocked at a certain speed.)<br /></p>“There will be a ready map available that shows people which regions have the greatest need or lack of <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> service,” Robertson said.<br /><p>The research group at Virginia Tech called E-corridors has been in existence since 2000. The purpose of the group is to promote <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> accessibility across <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/provinceorstate/tags/virginia/" title="Topic - Virginia">Virginia</a>. They are going to map areas in <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/provinceorstate/tags/virginia/" title="Topic - Virginia">Virginia</a> that have <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> service, areas that don’t have service available and dead zones where no <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/technology/tags/broadband/" title="Topic - Broadband">broadband</a> service is available.<br /></p>Robertson said this type of data they are collecting will be very helpful to the county.<br /><p>“For instance, when a provider is asking for approval of permits for a new tower you will be able to look on a map and verify what their existing areas of coverage are or whether they will be serving areas that don’t have coverage and then you won’t have to rely exclusively on the information the provider gives you as part of those applications,” Robertson said. </p>Fauquier County and <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/topics/types/provinceorstate/tags/stafford-county/" title="Topic - Stafford County">Stafford County</a> have already started its campaign, Robertson told supervisors at the May 26 workshop.<br /><p>County officials said they will put out flyers and information on their Web site about the program.</p>“If schools are willing, we could get flyers out in kids’ backpacks so families would know to take the speed test,” Robertson said.<br /><p>Supervisor Dave Allen said they probably would need to get authorization from the schools to use their computers for the study.</p>If all else fails, Supervisor Dave Allen suggested to get a message out through the Reverse 911 system. This is when the emergency system will make a call of a pre-recorded message to every house in Madison County. Usually, it is reserved for emergency purposes.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www2.madison-news.com/news/2011/jun/06/net-test-coming-mc-ar-1088884/">Madison County Eagle</a><br />By Marilyn Cox | Eagle Reporter<br />Published: June 06, 2011 </h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-14551321732526726402011-04-26T11:40:00.007-04:002011-04-29T14:49:40.511-04:00Stafford County Seeks Residents' Help in Mapping Local Broadband AccessStafford County is starting a high-speed Internet mapping campaign using the Accelerate Virginia speed test. Residents are asked to take a speed test, which will help identify areas in the county in need of broadband availability.<br /><br />The campaign’s goal is to get a minimum of 300-500 speed tests taken throughout the county. This data will help provide an accurate look at Stafford’s broadband availability as well as any broadband dead zones.<br /><br />“Broadband has become a “utility,” similar to gas, electric, and telephone service, and not just a convenience,” said Chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors Mark Dudenhefer. “With our award-winning schools, campuses for Germanna Community College and the University of Mary Washington, diverse business base, and growing military presence, Stafford County needs community-wide broadband coverage so that our residents, students, and business owners can get connected to the Internet no matter where they are – home, work, or school.”<br /><br />Getting countywide Broadband access has long been a goal of Stafford’s Telecommunications Commission, which is made up of seven volunteer citizens appointed to serve by the Board of Supervisors. "We hear from citizens all the time about the lack of broadband access in their neighborhoods," said Bob Thomas, Chairman of the Telecommunications Commission. "As more jobs move to the area, especially with BRAC and the businesses that will come here to support that effort, we are working toward ensuring that more Stafford residents and businesses can access the Internet from any location."<br /><br />The Board of Supervisors appointed a subcommittee of Board members to work with the Telecommunications Commission on expanding broadband in Stafford. Vice Chairman Paul Milde, Aquia District, and Supervisor Gary Snellings, Hartwood District, are working with the Commission to build a business case for providers to expand their Internet access services to citizens, especially those who live along the western and eastern boundaries of Stafford, such as in Hartwood and the Marlborough Point areas.<br /><br />To participate in this campaign, county residents, business owners, students, and others are asked to visit http://acceleratevirginia.org and take a two-minute speed test.<br /><br />Upon completion of the test, users will see the results of their Internet connections, compared with the connection reports from residences, businesses, etc., that surround that location. Users are also being asked to encourage their friends and family to do the same.<br /><br />For those who have little or no access to the Internet at their location, these individuals are encouraged to report their broadband dead zone by contacting Accelerate Virginia by phone (540) 231-2270 or email vplymale@vt.edu.<br /><br />Individuals, local businesses, church groups, and other community organizations are being asked to help spread the word throughout the county by sharing the news via their own communication networks.<br /><br />“Distributing flyers, making phone calls, sending emails, and sharing links on Facebook and Twitter are just a few easy ways that we can all be a part of something big that has a real impact on our future,” said Patrick Fay of Accelerate Virginia.<br /><br />Additional tips and resources are available on the Accelerate Virginia website at http://acceleratevirginia.org.<br /><br />By participating in this campaign and identifying areas in need of broadband, residents will help Stafford improve economic development as well as educational opportunities.<br /><br />With increased telework availability, more county residents will be able to maintain jobs from their homes. New virtual businesses can start in the county and telework instead of rent office space.<br /><br />Newcomers to Stafford will be looking for locations that offer access to high-speed Internet. As more and more county residents and business owners provide their connectivity data, the more likely these newcomers will be able to locate options for their new homes and businesses.<br /><br />The data collected from the speed tests will be used to create a broadband market map that could be used for economic development. This map will provide entrepreneurs, businesses and others moving to and from Stafford County with the information needed to see where Internet access is offered. It will also allow Internet providers to explore new markets.<br /><br />An additional benefit will be increased exposure to the Internet as a learning tool for students across the county and from all levels of learning, including workforce development, K-12, and higher education sectors.<br /><br />Accelerate Virginia was launched in 2010 as an extension of the Virginia Tech eCorridors program and aims to measure the broadband availability of the entire state with help from local campaigns and counties such as Stafford.<br /><br />All of the data collected from the Accelerate Virginia campaign will be used to help build the statewide broadband map, which in turn will identify areas in need of improvement, and ultimately provide faster and more affordable high-speed Internet for all of Virginia.<br /><br />For more information about Accelerate Virginia or to report a dead zone, please contact Jean Plymale at Accelerate Virginia at vplymale@vt.edu at (540) 231-2270.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://www.co.stafford.va.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=81">Stafford County Official Site</a><br />Posted April 22, 2011</h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-46060462882359236592011-04-22T12:54:00.004-04:002011-04-29T14:28:45.355-04:00Stafford Aims to ID Internet Dead ZonesStafford County, Va. –– Where can you find the best internet access in Stafford County? Well, that’s what county officials want to know, and they’re asking internet users to help them find out.<br /><br />Officials are beginning a high-speed Internet mapping campaign that will test broadband access in the county. A part of the Accelerate Virginia initiative, officials hope to get the results of at least 300 to 500 speed tests so they can determine the availability of broadband access in the county, as well identify any dead zones.<br /><br />Taking the test is as simple as clinking on <a href="http://acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/">Accelerate Virginia’s website</a>.<br /><br />One of the recent test results from a user in Aquia showed poor results, while other areas in the county showed moderate speeds.<br /><br />“Broadband has become a “utility,” similar to gas, electric, and telephone service, and not just a convenience,” said Chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors Mark Dudenhefer in a press release. “With our award-winning schools, campuses for Germanna Community College and the University of Mary Washington, diverse business base, and growing military presence, Stafford County needs community-wide broadband coverage so that our residents, students, and business owners can get connected to the Internet no matter where they are – home, work, or school.”<br /><br />After taking the test, users will see a comparison of their Internet speeds and those of neighboring homes and businesses.<br /><br />Officials have asked those who have already taken the test to use email and social networking services, like Twitter and Facebook, to encourage friends and family to take the test.<br /><br />The results of the tests will be compiled and used to create a map depicting where the best spots for broadband access in the county are. That map will be used for economic development purposes, to give potential business owners information on where the best internet access in the county is, officials say.<br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://potomaclocal.com/news/stafford/stafford-aims-to-id-internet-dead-zones/">Potomac Local News</a></h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7440249584751849353.post-80552900037955007702011-04-20T12:11:00.005-04:002011-04-29T15:28:17.312-04:00You'll be Crippled Without It<i>The article below explores the necessity of broadband in rural communities. The opinions in this article are those of the author, and may not reflect those of Accelerate Virginia, eCorridors or Virginia Tech. </i><br /><br />Broadband isn't something nice to have. It's not an amenity, like lake or a ski slope. Broadband is a necessity these days for rural communities. Without it, your future is pinched off.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.dailyyonder.com/files/imagecache/story_side/imagefield/strover.jpeg" id="media_thumbnail" /><br /><b><span style="font-size:x-small;">Sharon Strover teaches communications at the University of Texas and is one of the nation's authorities on rural broadband. </span></b><br /><br />Communications technologies have enormous consequences even though most of them go unrealized when those technologies are young.<br /><br />No one would have anticipated that Facebook or Twitter might one day figure in revolutions, just as no one could have anticipated that the telegraph would catalyze both the standardization of time keeping in the U.S. as well as the creation of national economic markets.<br /><br />We are now in the midst of a national debate — indeed, an international debate — around the impact of broadband networks. The current administration is intent on expanding access to broadband, especially in rural regions that have lacked fast access to the Internet. Broadband’s importance can be measured in the over $7 billion in federal stimulus funds dedicated to broadband programs in 2009-2010 as well as the high speed wireless initiative that promises to bring 4G services to most of the country.<br /><br />Critics of these measures ask exactly what broadband yields, and whether such jolts of investment found in the stimulus are justified. What does it provide to rural regions that justify such large-scale investments?<br /><br />The simple answer is that rural communities will be economically crippled without broadband access. That’s the long and the short of it.<br /><br />Broadband will not bring immediate economic transformation to rural America. But regions that lack broadband will be crippled. Having broadband may not necessarily mean a sharp increase in jobs; however, not having broadband will probably mean fewer jobs.<br /><br />This paradox exists because Internet connectivity increasingly is necessary for many political, economic and social transactions — in everything from contacting elected representatives to filing insurance papers to keeping up with classes offered at the local community center.<br /><br />Not having access to these mechanisms means being cut off from opportunities and from what is now defined as normal communication channels. Broadband is expected — by employers, job seekers and businesses looking to bring goods to markets. Having access to broadband, therefore, is simply treading water. Not having it means you sink. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.dailyyonder.com/files/imagecache/story_side/imagefield/USDAbroadband_0.jpg" /> <b><i> </i></b><br /><span style="font-size:x-small;"><b><i>USDA</i> A Pine Telephone Company broadband site in Oklahoma. USDA funds will help deliver broadband to portions of the Choctaw Nation. </b></span><br /><br />Rural is a single term that covers a lot of territory. Some rural communities are close to metro areas while others are way over yonder. Rural residents are miners, artists, farmers, factory workers and commuters. One-size-fits-all solutions — even on matters as seemingly straightforward as technology — won’t work.<br /><br />There may be some regions where broadband will nicely boost productivity, or create new opportunities. We know, for example, that tourist areas benefit from broadband because they can offer vacationers the opportunity to stay connected or to continue to work in those locations. <br /><br />But regional economies were shaped long before broadband existed and those factors that shape rural communities are already “in place,” and unlikely to change. West Virginia and Kentucky will continue to mine coal with or without broadband because that’s where coal is found.<br /><br />While broadband connectivity usually cannot fundamentally change those underlying regional economic factors, it can enhance them.<br /><br />The economic changes broadband will bring to areas won’t be easy to measure. It may, in fact, be impossible to show broadband’s effects at these micro levels. Broadband won’t have the impact of electricity, after all. But this technology does offer the prospect for profound changes in the future, changes we cannot begin to foresee. <br /><br />Rural communities are at a sharp disadvantage when compared to the cities. The most recently released statistics show that 68.2% of American households have broadband connections, but a 10% penetration urban-rural disparity still exists.<br /><br />Moreover, there’s little competition among service providers in rural America, and some data suggest that prices are higher in these regions as a result. Additional investment in broadband availability might increase competition and shift prices down, a potential boon to rural regions.<br /><br />Broadband in rural America isn’t about jobs being created next week. New technology won’t wipe out a community’s comparative disadvantages.<br /><br />Broadband, however, is fundamental to development in the most complete, long-term sense. For libraries, schools, health clinics, businesses and hospitals, broadband is a basic need. And that’s the way this technology needs to be treated, as something no community can be without.<br /><br /><i>Sharon Strover is the director of the Telecommunications and Information Policy Institute at the University of Texas.</i><br /><br /><h6>Taken from <a href="http://benton.org/outgoingframe/55517?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BentonsHeadlines">Benton Foundation</a><br />By <a href="http://www.dailyyonder.com/author/sharon-strover">Sharon Strover</a><br />Date published: April 08, 2011</h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0