DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire's Broadband Mapping and Planning Program and its partners will host a daylong conference Friday, May 16, 2014, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord focused on expanding broadband access, adoption, and use throughout the Granite State.   

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) will open the conference with a look at why expanded broadband in New Hampshire is important. This will be followed by an overview of broadband initiatives already underway in the state by Scott Valcourt, UNH IT's director of strategic technology.

Breakout sessions with a focus on broadband for government services, economic development and business, health information exchange and telemedicine, public safety/FirstNet, and education including K-12 and higher education needs and resources, will be held. A panel of Internet service providers (ISPs) will talk about their efforts in the state to enhance broadband availability and Carol Miller, director of broadband technologies for the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, will involve state legislators in a session focusing on recent legislative efforts regarding broadband policy in New Hampshire.

The day will end with a look at the long-range vision for broadband from Rouzbeh Yassini, executive director of the UNH Broadband Center of Excellence, as well as a session on building on what has already been learned and where we go from here. 

Municipal officials, legislators, community leaders, internet service providers, representatives from business, health/medical, education, and public safety, and state residents are encouraged to attend. The cost to attend is $60 if you register by May 5, $80 after; includes lunch. For additional information and to register http://www.iwantbroadbandnh.org/.

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