States Launch Mapping Projects, Public-Private Initiatives To Expand Broadband Networks

A growing number of states across the nation are recognizing the wide range of benefits broadband can bring to both citizens and economies and are actively looking at a range of ways to stimulate deployment and adoption. State initiatives include broadband mapping efforts, the creation of public-private task forces to evaluate and identify potential policy changes, and the provisioning of tax incentives or dedicated funding to spur investment.

According to a study released in late July by CostQuest Associates, although 39 states have some kind of broadband initiative in place, only 10 have undertaken a definitive mapping effort. Seventeen additional states said they plan to conduct broadband mapping, while 23 indicate that they have no current plan for mapping. Fifteen states plan to conduct mapping of broadband availability at or below the census-block level, according to the study.

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Kansas Regulators Adopt 'Equal Credit' Lifeline Approach

The Kansas Corporation Commission released an order adopting its staff's proposal to implement an "equal credit" approach in place of the current "hold harmless" approach used in addressing basic local rate increases for the state Lifeline Service Program (KLSP).

As part of an order issued last June, the commission called for comments on whether it should continue the "hold harmless" approach, revisit an "equal payment" approach, or adopt a new method altogether. The most recent decision sets the monthly Lifeline credit at $7.77.

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