OLYMPIA — The creation of a statewide Broadband Office and an initial investment of $25 million into getting broadband into “every nook and cranny” was announced by Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday.
“We know the reality on the ground is that there are just too many places that do not have access,” said Inslee. “So we know that fundamentally the digital divide should not and will not be able to divide those haves and have-nots when it comes to digital and broadband access.”
Inslee’s proposal targets extending the reach of broadband through a variety of programs, including partnerships with public and private providers.
Increased economic opportunity, access to telemedicine, and educational resources are among other issues mentioned by Inslee as key reasons access to broadband improves rural communities.
