Earlier this year, Utah’s “Silicon Slopes” became a worldwide brand when Internet giant Google announced Google Fiber in Provo. Google is known throughout the world for its Internet search engine, business applications and many other products. However, the company’s decision to invest millions of dollars in Provo’s existing broadband network boiled down to one point: broadband and high-speed Internet are critical to the global competitiveness of any economy.
“From rivers and ports, to our modern freeway system or electricity, businesses have relied on a variety of infrastructures over time to stay competitive,” said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Broadband is today’s infrastructure to support globally competitive businesses.”
Before Google’s investment, companies such as CenturyLink, Comcast, Xmission and other providers in the state have pushed Utah into the upper-echelon of both access and speed for broadband.
“Utah has an extensive broadband network that, in addition to low energy prices and an educated workforce, is helping to attract businesses to the state,” said Kelleigh Cole, manager of the Utah Broadband Project. “The Utah Broadband Project works with communities, providers and users to leverage what is already the fastest Internet in the West to further grow Utah’s economy.”
This focus has led to an elaborate mapping effort by the Utah Broadband Project to act as clearinghouse for identifying challenges to further development of the state’s broadband infrastructure. The Utah Broadband Project is also developing a statewide broadband plan that will ensure Utah remains on the cutting edge of this vital technology infrastructure.
“Along the Wasatch Front, businesses have a variety of choices for their broadband services,” said Cole. “What most people don’t realize is that in Utah, many rural communities are highly connected, allowing businesses in all parts of the state the ability to compete in a global market place.”
As the Utah Broadband Project works to strengthen Utah’s economy and ensure businesses stay globally competitive, the project is planning the 2013 Utah Broadband Summit on October 24th in Provo. The Summit will feature workshops to help community planners, economic developers, government officials, business leaders, educators, and other stakeholders learn strategies to improve broadband access and technology usage.
For more information about the summit and to register visit: http://broadband.utah.gov/about/events/2013summit/
