Southwestern Pennsylvania seen as Potential Implementation Site for Wireless Broadband Social Innovation Model – Hill Group President and CEO, Chris Brussalis, Quoted in Support
10/2009
A model for workforce development and social innovation in rural communities through implementation of wireless broadband infrastructure and key applications has been at the forefront of recent stimulus discussions. A recent article by Michael Sotire on Government Technology’s Digital Communities News Page explains the model, similar success in other regions, and the growing interest to deploy a similar framework in areas such as southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA).
Sotire explains, “The model [. . .] positions rural technology deployment as a series of aligned products and transforms them into an efficient, socially-conscious, large-scale and sustainable broadband service and delivery system.” He continues, “The existing ‘system’ [. . .] provides traditional services, including triple-play, but is also capable of delivering social, civic and environmental solutions that can be easily mobilized to transform public service systems into massive agents of improved economic opportunity for underprivileged, underserved and unserved citizens, businesses and communities across rural America and throughout the nation.”
The model for social innovation through rural broadband access is gaining supporters and interest in SWPA; and stakeholders are beginning to form the strategic business alliances to launch this strategy in the region.
President and CEO of The Hill Group was quoted in support of the model and its adoption in southwestern Pennsylvania saying, “Pittsburgh’s culture of innovation, along with its leading healthcare and education institutions and nearby large rural communities make western Pennsylvania an ideal location for this type of endeavor.” The Hill Group is in the process of assembling suitable community anchor institutions and other public and private sector participants to facilitate successful model deployment and sustainability.
Click here to read the full article.
Government Technology: State Local Government News Articles, October 2009
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