State of Florida Broadband Data Development funded Broadband project Abstract Briefing

1. “Broadband Florida”
Grant Initiative Brief
Contents
1. Background that led to Florida’s broadband grant application
a. DMS/Divtel mission and role relationship to broadband
b. Federal Legislation establishing program
c. Florida Legislation authorizing activities
d. Federal National Broadband Plan and implications
2. Broadband Grant Information:
a. Objectives and their alignment with DMS/Divtel, Florida and Federal legislative directives,
Florida economic development
b. Funded Projects, expected outcomes, execution plan; positions and contracts
c. Partners and Stakeholders; private industry, communities, public sector
DMS/Divtel: DMS/Divtel for over four decades has managed telecommunications and technology services
for state and local government increasing the adoption of broadband technology and services from the
private sector. Through DMS/Divtel SUNCOM contracts, Florida is one of the top customers of US major
telecommunications and technology firms such as; ATT, Verizon, CenturyLink, Harris and others, impacting
their investments in infrastructure, services and jobs in Florida.
Federal Legislation 2008: Congress passed Broadband Data Improvement Act;
1) Finds broadband service deployment and adoption as critical to the US economy and improvement is
vital to the economy.
2) Finds that the Federal government should encourage and support State initiatives and public private
partnerships in the continued growth of broadband services and information technology for the
residents and businesses of the Nation.
3) Establishes State Broadband Data and Development Program (SBDD) competitive grant program
4) Congress funds SBDD in 2009.
Florida Legislature 2009: Passes F.S. 364.0135
1) Finds that broadband Internet service is critical to the economic development of the
State and is beneficial for libraries, schools, colleges and universities, health care providers, and
community organizations.
www.dms.MyFlorida.com

2. 2) Designates DMS as lead Agency authorized to work collaboratively with, and to receive staffing support
and other resources from, Enterprise Florida, state agencies, local governments, private businesses, and
community organizations to:
a. Conduct a needs assessment of broadband Internet service in collaboration with communications
service providers…..
b. Create a strategic plan that has goals and strategies for increasing the use of broadband Internet
service in the state….
c. Build and facilitate local technology planning teams or partnerships with members representing
cross-sections of the community…
d. Encourage the use of broadband Internet service, especially in the rural, un-served, and
underserved communities of the state through grant programs having effective strategies to
facilitate the statewide deployment of broadband Internet service.
3) The Department may apply for and accept federal funds for purposes of this section, as well as gifts and
donations from individuals, foundations, and private organizations.
FCC releases National Broadband Plan 2010: The Plan contains proposals for private sector and
governmental initiatives that would touch nearly every aspect of American life and would have significant
implications for several key industry sectors: Life Sciences; including Health IT, Pharma, and Medical
Devices, Energy — including Smart Grid and Clean Tech, Technology and the Internet, Device Manufacturers,
Transportation, Education, Public Safety, Telecommunications and Network Infrastructure, Wireless
Communications, Satellite Communications and Television Broadcasting.
Implications to Florida’s public and private sector in affected market sectors: Sweeping Federal program
reforms, creation of new programs, broadband asset and funding resource allocation changes and Internet
regulations among others which will have to be understood and adapted to.
Florida Broadband Grant Supplemental award: $6.3M in Federal funds through 2014
1. Establishes a Florida “Broadband Florida” Initiative managed by DMS Broadband Program Office housed
within DITVTEL. The strategies of the initiative and funded projects are;
a. Develop and publish information useful to increase public and private sector development and
use (adoption) of broadband technologies and services.
b. Increase investment and funding in broadband technologies and services to grow Florida
participation in the Digital Economy, grow Florida’s technology industry investment and
employment.
c. Identify and maximize existing resources, assets and services to reduce public sector waste
2. Grant funds 5 projects to;
a. Research, analyze and report on broadband supply and demand opportunities and issues in
Florida that can be used by public and private sectors in developing broadband services,
investment decisions, program funding development, funding applications and economic
development efforts.

3. b. Develop and provide technical assistance resources to the public and private sector for
broadband coordination, public/private partnership development that will increase Florida’s
participation and funding from Federal and private foundational program opportunities:
1. Which increase the adoption and use of broadband technologies and services
2. Which increase private sector investment in infrastructure, services and employment
3. Grant Funded Broadband Projects:
a. Establish Broadband Program Office for oversight, management and provide technical assistance
resources: $2,416,227, 1 OPS director 3.5 years and Technical Assistance projects:
1. E-Rate support Team: 4 OPS resources for 3.5 years.
This is a state wide technical support team to schools and libraries to increase and
optimize Florida’s participation and funding from the Federal E-Rate program. Florida has
been a consistent “donor” state receiving less funding than Florida citizens contribute
through phone bills. Comparably the State of New York receives 2 to 3 times Florida’s E-
Rate funding.
2. Grant support Team: 1 OPS and graduate student resources for 3 years.
This is a state wide grant technical support team to Community Anchor Institutions to
increase and optimize Florida’s participation and funding from various Federal and private
foundation programs for broadband technology and services. In 2009 Florida ranked 48th
in Federal program grant funds per capita.
b. Library technology assessment: $560,000 for 1 year, 180 libraries.
This is a partnership with Department of State, Contract with vendor. Results will be used by
libraries and others to increase funding from Federal E-Rate and LSTA grants and private
foundations for the increased purchase of broadband technology and services from the private
sector.
c. Broadband data and mapping: $2,342,344 with 1 OPS resource for 3.5 years.
This is a contract with vendor for state wide research, inventory and database development of
broadband service availability, Florida Community Anchor Institution broadband use (adoption),
private sector and citizen use of broadband. Results will be used by public and private sectors in
targeting investments and funding applications.
d. Local/Regional Broadband Planning: $990,000 for 2 years.
This is a partnership and contract with Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, contract with
consultants. Project will develop and publish broadband planning process, toolkit, and provide
training to local communities and regions who wish to develop broadband plans as part of their
economic development efforts.