TASK FORCE ON BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS DEPLOYMENT IN UNDERSERVED RURAL AREAS

Appointed by Governor: Denise L. Beaver; John General; David M. Jenkins; Stephen R. McHenry; Diana B. Nolte; John J. O'Neill, Jr.; Franklin W. Shap; Renee M. Winsky.

Appointed by Senate President: Thomas M. Middleton; Donald F. Munson; E. J. Pipkin.

Appointed by House Speaker: John P. Donoghue; Sally Y. Jameson; Mary Roe Walkup.

Appointed by Chairs, Southern Maryland, Western Maryland, & Eastern Shore Delegations: Jeff Blank; Billie Dodge; David Howard.

Ex officio: Ellis L. Kitchen, designee of Secretary of Budget & Management; Christopher C. Foster, designee of Secretary of Business & Economic Development; Kenneth D. Schisler, Chair, Public Service Commission.

c/o Maryland Technology Development Corp.
5575 Sterrett Place, Suite 240, Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 740-9442; 1-800-305-5556 (toll free)
e-mail: rwinsky@marylandtedco.org
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web: www.marylandtedco.org/broadbandinmd/ruralbroadbandtaskforce.cfm

5575 Sterrett Place, Columbia, Maryland, November 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

• Preliminary Report, 1 December 2003
• Interim Report, 15 March 2004
• Progress Report, 15 February 2005

The Task Force on Broadband Communications Deployment in Underserved Rural Areas was created in August 2003 (Chapter 320, Acts of 2003). The Task Force examined what works best in other regions of the country to expand broadband communications to rural communities. Next, the Task Force considered what resources, infrastructure, and cost structures Maryland has available in its rural regions to develop or access broadband communications. To establish and enhance broadband communications in the State's rural areas, the Task Force developed proposals and made recommendations to meet predetermined goals for deployment of effective broadband communications in unserved and underserved areas of the State. The Task Force recommended legislation, budget provisions or amendments, and changes in State procurement policy. To achieve its objectives, the Task Force was authorized to form subcommittees and convene a panel of advisors.

The Task Force's last meeting was in May 2006. Authorization for the Task Force extended through June 30, 2006 (Chapter 587, Acts of 2005). The Task Force's final report is to be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly in fall 2006.

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