Digital technologies impact all sectors of the economy including agriculture, small town main streets, and regional economic development.  Yet 31% of rural Americans still lack access to fixed terrestrial broadband speeds of 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up. Increased interest in broadband is creating new opportunities leading service providers and civic leaders to find new models to expand rural broadband.  We will explore three successful case studies and highlight best practices for successful rural broadband deployments.

Speakers:

• Debra Hansen, Director, Washington State University, Stevens County Extension
• Wes McCart, Commissioner, Stevens County, WA
• Bob Hance, President and CEO, Midwest Energy & Communications
• Gina Shuler, Marketing Director, Home Telecom
• Moderator: Karen Archer Perry, Senior Policy Analyst, BroadbandUSA