As practitioners working to support community based technology inititiatives, we have articulated three areas of interest which we feel warrent investigation and public policy/action:

1. Infrastructure/Connectivity
2. Access within shared (public access) facilities, institutions
3. Effectiveness of information portals and other “ technology application” projects

Under these main categories, here are some questions we think need to be addressed. These questions are intended to provoke conversation and discussion on this topic...

Infrastructure/Connectivity
1. What are indicators that identify “connected communities”?
2. How do current telecom regulations either support the build-out of broadband networks (statewide), or create barriers to infrastructure investment by private telcos?
3. Are there underserved communities that are active in trying to improve their telecommunication infrastructure—examples?
4. What motivates civic and community involvement around telecom issues such as broadband access?
5. Is there state legislation under consideration that addresses infrastructure issues as it relates to broadband connectivity, in both urban and rural communities? What is its focus?
6. Have previous federal funding programs (TOP grants, e-rate, etc.), state funding, and foundation initiatives impacted the distribution of telecom services across the state? Examples?
7. How does MN compare to other states in this area of investment? (public and private)Public Access & Community

Technology Resources
Access within shared (public access) facilities, institutions
1. What role do public access computer facilities have on the communities in which they are located, what main purpose do they serve?
2. Who benefits, how? Are there any follow up studies that track constituents/users of such facilities, or show the impact on communities that have active networks of CTC-type facilities and technology literacy programs in place?
3. What public and private investments have been made in this area?
4. Are there evaluation studies that track the outcomes of these investments (Federal DOE CTC grants, Gates Foundation Grants to libraries, e-rate program in schools, etc.)
5. Who is still funding these initiatives?
6. What kinds of NPOs or community institutions support publicly accessible technology, why?
7. How does MN compare to other states in this area of investment?
8. Are there different roles these intermediary institutions (i.e. CTCs, Libraries, etc.) play in rural and urban areas? How do they differ?

Content: Effectiveness of information portals and other “ technology application” projects
1. What has the (federal, state, foundation) investment been in developing website applications and online content that meet the needs of underserved communities in MN?
2. Who are the “sponsors” or developers of these projects, how do they evaluate their effectiveness?
3. Do community residents know about these websites and portals? How do they find out about them?
4. Do community residents have the bandwidth and technology skills necessary to make best use of these online resources? How do we know?
5. How do community residents/ prospective users participate in the development of online content or applications?
6. Are there examples of content or applications that have driven the development/expansion of supportive infrastructure? i.e. online tax filing, distance education, health care networks, and other applications that require broadband connectivity.Other

Additional Questions
1. Where are the technology advocates that represent underserved communities??
2. Any public or NPO agencies that have technology access/equity in their mission?
3. Any foundations have this as a main area of interest/investment?
4. Which government agencies address the “digital divide” issue, from what perspective? Who are at those tables?
5. What role does MNSCU or the University of MN play in this discussion, are they interested, engaged?
6. In other Midwest states, what is driving telecom investment (public and private)?

Commentary:

Strong Public-Private Partnership Will Ensure an Equitable Community Network

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Questions/ issues and agenda for community technology advocates
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Website Accessiblity Presentation
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Recommended reading:
Nine Questions for Community Networks
presented by
Andrew Michael Cohill, Ph.D.
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