"It is important that we help expand access to high-speed Internet to all parts of Missouri ensuring that no Missourian is left out of today's technology-based economy," Blunt said. "Unfortunately, many communities in rural Missouri lack access to the infrastructure necessary for high-speed Internet, and this problem is inhibiting job growth and economic expansion. I have tasked Peter Kinder and others on the task force to find innovative solutions to help ensure that all Missourians have access to high-speed Internet access wherever they live."
"The development and success of high-speed Internet access for rural Missouri is critical for educational and economic success" said Kinder. "Rural schools need to connect to the world and Missouri farmers must access the Internet to compete in a global economy."
Blunt created the Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force earlier this year to address the technological needs of Missouri rural communities. The group submit a report to the governor by February 1, 2008.
Blunt directed the task force to:
- Assess the current level of high-speed Internet access available in Missouri
- Identify barriers to deployment to underserved areas including economic, geographic, regulatory, and market barriers
- Identify potential options to increase the deployment of high-speed Internet access in underserved communities
- Review best practices in other states to increase high-speed Internet access;
- Recommend statutory, regulatory, and policy changes needed to increase the availability of high-speed Internet services across the state.
