Steps You Can Take if You Want Better Broadband Service

Sept. 29, 2016

1. Talk to your current provider to see if you can upgrade your service.
2. Go to the Nebraska Broadband Map (broadbandmap.nebraska.gov) to see if there are other providers in your area who may be better able to provide service.
3. If a telecommunications company is providing broadband service in an adjacent local exchange area, an individual may file an application with the Nebraska Public Service Commission (www.psc.nebraska.gov, 402-471-3101 or toll free 1-800-526-0017) to obtain broadband service from the telecommunications company serving the adjacent exchange area. See Nebraska Revised Statutes 86-135 to 86-138 for more information on the process.
4. Find allies. Identify others in your area who are also interested in obtaining better broadband service. Working as a group can be more effective than working alone.
5. Work with other interested community leaders, individuals and businesses in your area to form a community broadband committee. Ideally, the committee should include representatives from local government, economic development, businesses (including agricultural producers), schools and libraries, health care providers, and local telecommunications providers. Here is a list of activities committees may wish to undertake:
1. Invite representatives of local government, health care systems, and schools to meet periodically to discuss any planned improvements in telecommunications infrastructure and ways in which costs could be shared.
2. Hold a forum to discuss the broadband needs of the community and involve interested stakeholders. Extend invitations to local telecommunications providers and officials. Develop a broadband plan to address issues identified during the community forum and by the broadband committee.
3. Help community members stay up to date on new technology by hosting classes, lunch and learn sessions, etc. These kinds of activities help build demand for broadband service.
4. Invite representatives of local government, health care systems, and schools to meet periodically to discuss any planned improvements in telecommunications infrastructure and ways in which costs could be shared.
5. Identify businesses, community anchor institutions (i.e., local government, schools, health care facilities) and residences interested in better broadband service and the level of service needed through a survey or other method. Use this information to present a business case for investing in your community to telecommunications providers.

From the September/October 2016 issue of Nebraska Broadband