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21st Century Operations Using 21st Century Technologies

Rural Interstate Corridor Communications Study

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Abstract

Executive Summary

Introduction

Defining the Corridors

Benefits of Broadband to Rural Communities

Preliminary Alignment Approach

Findings and Conclusions

Section 1 Introduction and Background

1.A. Purpose of the Study

1.B. Common Terms

1.C. The Broadband Revolution and Rural Access

1.D. Federal Policy and Regulatory Context

1.E. State Departments of Transportation and Broadband Telecommunications

1.F. Process for Delivering Study

Section 2 Corridor Definitions and Profiles

2.A. Corridor Locations and Study Areas

2.B. Data Collection and Management

2.C. I-20 Corridor

2.D. I-90 Corridor

2.E. I-91 Corridor

2.F. Existing Telecommunications Backbone in Corridors

Section 3 Potential Benefits of High-Speed Telecommunications in Rural Areas and Study Corridors

3.A. Quality of Life

3.B. Economic Development

3.C. Public Safety and Homeland Security

3.D. Health Care and Telemedicine

3.E. Education and Access to Knowledge

3.F. Rural Telecommunications and Transportation

3.G. Economic Value of Potential Benefits

Section 4 Building a Telecommunications Backbone in Interstate Highway Rights-of-Way (ROW)

4.A. Advantages of Using Interstate Highway ROW

4.B. Disadvantages and Risks of Using Interstate Highway ROW

4.C. Technology

4.D. Implementation Issues

4.E. Preliminary Alignment Approach

4.F. Operational Issues Associated with Installation and Maintenance

4.G. Case Studies of Successful Practices

Section 5 Findings and Conclusions

Appendix A. Corridor Impacts Analysis - SWOT Analysis (by Corridor)

Appendix B. Acronyms

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