Broadband Policy

GOAL: To position Lafayette, Louisiana among the “Top 10" locations in the world to gather, store, publish, access, and use information to establish a conducive environment for creating better ways to do each.

Definition of Broadband:

A scalable network technology capable of simultaneously delivering multiple voice, data and video channels to end users.
True broadband must be defined in terms of a high-speed network, which is a type of communications technology platform that is always on" and is capable of supporting the aggregate bandwidth required for simultaneous high-speed bi-directional transfer of all forms of information. Included services can be provided by DSL, Cable, Satellite, Wireless, Fiber-To-The-Home and Business (FTTH/B), power-lines, and other technologies.

Desired Outcomes:

• Widespread and affordable high-speed Internet access and broadband services for consumers;
• Multiple providers, without exclusion, of advanced broadband services and technologies;
• New products, technologies, and services that enhance consumer choices and stimulate economic development;
• To bridge the Digital Divide by addressing availability, affordability, and accessibility of services and applications; and
• To establish Lafayette as a world leader providing new applications, services, and uses of broadband on or ahead of the timelines of major world markets

Action Items:

The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) believes the Lafayette community's position as a leader in technology and innovation depends upon the establishment of a clearly defined vision coupled with a commitment, both publicly and privately, to invest in future infrastructure and applications of broadband technologies. Specifically, the GLCC advocates:

Broadband Demand The GLCC recognizes that increased demand for bandwidth is critical to the development of new applications and services. To further local, state, and nationwide demand for broadband, we will educate our membership on the benefits affordable high-speed Internet access and broadband service holds for business. Together, government and business should make a concerted effort to promote awareness of broadband products, applications, and services.

Right-of-Way Procedures Access to public rights of way should encourage companies to invest in broadband infrastructure. The GLCC maintains right-of-way procedures should be streamlined at the federal, state, and local levels.

Spectrum Allocation and Management Businesses and consumers increasingly rely on wireless devices, such as cell phones, which require spectrum to deliver content. Yet the artificial scarcity of spectrum deters companies from deploying new wireless technologies. The federal government should develop a comprehensive, unified, national spectrum management strategy designed to reduce the artificial scarcity of spectrum.

Free Access The GLCC encourages free access to broadband at all public places.
Due to the fast pace of technological change, this policy should be reviewed on an annual basis.

Executive Summary:

Broadband applications and services have the power to transform the Lafayette economy by spurring investment and innovation in e-commerce, education, telecommuting, healthcare, entertainment, government, and almost every other activity of the Acadiana economy. Broadband infrastructure should be affordable and accessible to the community at large, thus encouraging business, social service, and e-government applications. Broadband will, along with needed improvement in other key economic development areas (i.e. education, transportation, tax structure, and access to capital) position Lafayette to be a more competitive community in the national and global economy and to help in bridging Digital Divide issues.