High Cost Fund - how to repurpose?

The opportunity is now to repurpose some of the High Cost Fund directed by the PUC. Some of the dollars may be redirected to broadband purposes with legislation under review. I ask that we use the Local Technology Planning Teams initiated by the OIT to formulate local plans involving business, industry, consumers, local government leaders and providers. At this time OIT is encouraged by Governor Hickenlooper to work with DOLA, OEDIT and other state agencies to address the lack of broadband infrastructure and services in Colorado. Those services are needed to improve our economic development. The opportunity is now for communities to band together - consumers, local government, providers alike - and use their collective wisdom of a local solution. Our state legislators are taking note of the interest in developing local solutions that help local and regional efforts to succeed. Be informed and understand the benefits of broadband infrastructure and services for our communities addressing their own issues. My concern is this: will we as consumers, local government leaders and business owners be willing to address our providers and offer our local solution with the community at the center of the discussion?

Audrey Danner, Craig Moffat Economic Development Partnership and Club 20 Telecom Committee Advisory Member