Alabama Gov creates broadband office to spread high-speed Internet in Alabama

Gov Robert Bentley (R-AL) has created a new Office of Broadband Development to push the spread of high-speed Internet across Alabama. The governor created the office by executive order on July 16. "Broadband development is critical in Alabama's continued economic growth," Gov Bentley said, "and I am confident that this newly created office will help us in reaching statewide goals in the areas of public safety, healthcare, education, e-Government, agriculture, tourism, economic development and more."

Gov Bentley will appoint 19 members to a board to advise broadband Director Kathy Johnson. Other non-voting members may be added as needed. Broadband has gone from luxury to "critical to everything from economic development to public safety," Johnson said. Broadband is available in most of the state, Gov Bentley's order said, but there are still areas without it. There were no details regarding funding for the office, but the governor's office said it will seek grants to develop broadband in areas where it isn't available and share information about it.