PORTLAND, Maine — What broadband initiatives have been successful in New England? And what should the region be doing to build critical 21st century broadband infrastructure?
Those are the topics under discussion today during a conference bringing together national, state and local policymakers as well as leaders in the nonprofit and private sectors.
The Digital New England summit was co-hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Next Century Cities, a coalition of 118 U.S. communities that are looking to provide next-generation broadband access for its residents.
"What we've learned today is that there are really interesting and exciting projects going on around the country," says Next Century Cities' Kyra Jennings. "Really we're seeing broadband; it's not a luxury but and essential component of insuring opportunity for every American and that's really what we're talking about."
Keynoting the conference was independent U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine, who said that right now in Maine, too many people are being denied economic and educational opportunities simply because they don't have adequate Internet access.
