Report of theGovernor’sBroadbandAdvisory CouncilJuly 17, 2009

Enhancing Broadband in Washington

Effective Means to Improve Connectivity and Awareness

Leer from the Chair

July 17, 2009Dear Governor Gregoire,I am pleased to provide the enclosed report of the Governor’s Broadband Advisory Council providing background

informaon and recommendaons on funding of potenal broadband iniaves in Washington using federalsmulus monies. The report reects the consensus views of a diverse group of policy experts dedicated toensuring Washington’s posion in an increasingly online economy and society. It also takes into account thecomments, tesmony, and feedback received from a number of addional pares with interests in the state’sbroadband policies and its response to the federal program.I also wish to acknowledge the contribuons of sta, who spent considerable me and eort in draing thisreport; Brian Thomas, Senior Telecommunicaons Policy Advisor for the Washington Ulies and TransportaonCommission; Angela Wu, former sta to FCC Commissioner Chong, for her work on Appendix B; and theCommunicaons Division at the Department of Informaon Services, for providing the composion and relevantgraphics for the report.On behalf of the enre Council, I thank you for the opportunity to serve and to develop this report for the state.We hope you, your Cabinet and sta nd our insights and recommendaons useful and we look forward tofollowing your iniaves on this important issue.Sincerely,Sharon L. Nelson

Chair