What are Connected
Communities?
www.ConnectingCommunities.info
Connected Communities
• Have IT
Access &
Infrastructure
• Use IT
• Create IT
Applications
& Education
Community
Content
Connected Communities
Have:
• Affordable broadband service
• High percent of
—Residents of all ages and income have access
to and use digital tools & broadband service
—Businesses use digital tools & broadband
service
—Public organizations use digital tools &
broadband service
• Engaged leaders that embrace change
Consumer Broadband
is Available
• Available to all homes
• Minimum 768Kps upstream/1.5 Mbps
downstream
• Affordable – $20-$50/month
• 2 or more broadband providers
Commercial Broadband
is Available
• Available to all businesses
• Min 1.5 Mbps upstream/1.5 Mbps
downstream
• Affordable – $400-$800/month
• DS3 (45 Mbps) service available a rates
comparable to urban areas
• 2 or more business broadband providers
Residents Use
Digital Tools
• Education and training
• eCommerce
• eGovernment services
• Recreation
• Telework
• Telemedicine
• Contact with family and friends
Businesses Use
Digital Tools
• eCommerce
• Telework
• Remote data back-up
• Receiving and submitting contracts
• Automating internal processes and
procedures
• Out sourcing non-core activities
• Employee training
Local Government Uses
Digital Tools
• Online services
• Communicate with residents
• Public safety
• Remote monitoring of utilities
• Video conferencing
• Reporting to or sharing information with
other government units
Rural Healthcare Uses
Digital Tools
• Remote diagnosis
• Access to specialists
• Continuing education
• Remote patient monitoring
• Store and access patient records
Benefits to the
Community
• Retain or attract knowledge economy jobs
“Homesourcing” - outsourcing work to
rural households
• Retain and attract young people
• Improved healthcare
• Retain or attract entrepreneurs
• Increased civic and volunteer involvement
Leadership is Engaged
• Community leaders understand
importance of technology access and
adoption
• Government policies support technology
access and adoption
• Knowledge economy based economic
development strategy
• Community and technology leaders
support activities that improve the
community’s digital capabilities
The Community
Embraces Change &
Values Tradition
• Track global economic and social trends
• Discussion about the impact of trends on
the community
• Know community values, assets, strengths
and weaknesses
• Implement projects to:
—Take advantage of change
—Minimize negative impacts of change
Steps to Becoming a
Connected Community
1. Find a team
2. Learn about broadband
3. Assess what you have
4. Design the future
5. Create an action plan
6. Implement and evaluate
7. Tell your story
Connecting Rural Communities
www.ConnectingCommunities.info
Connecting Rural Communities
Southern Rural Development Center