URBANA, Ill. – Broadband opens a world of opportunity to communities, broadening direct access to education, health care, and employment. The Benton Institute for Broadband and Society joins University of Illinois Extension is presenting a three-part online webinar series to enhance a community's ability to support broadband development efforts.
The first webinar discusses the need for broadband access begins at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. Technology experts will highlight the capabilities and characteristics of various technologies, with a focus on fiber optic and fixed wireless networks.
Featured presenters include Bill Coleman, Benton Institute consultant, and Kevin Kloehn, president of customer relations of Vantage Point Solutions.
Coleman supports community economic development and broadband initiatives through innovative training, planning and implementation programs. He was a lead staff with the Minnesota Star City Program before shifting his focus to technology-based economic development.
Kloehn has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications and broadband market space. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Telecommunications Association.
Register for the series at go.illinois.edu/EXTConnectedCommunities. If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please email Nancy Ouedraogo at esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are encouraged.
The Jan. 11 webinar will share tools for broadband adoption, including mapping tools from the Illinois Office of Broadband. Successful communities will share strategies for working effectively with broadband providers to reach the most residents using the most effective technology. Community leaders will learn to make the best provider and technology choices and maximize the value of public dollars.
Save March 8 for the final webinar in the series where experts will cover topics that maximize broadband use - to support anchor institutions and local capacity, telehealth initiatives, e-commerce, distance learning, employment, and quality of life.
SOURCE: Nancy Ouedraogo, Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Specialist
WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Illinois Extension Interim Director of Communications
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.