Aug 31, 2001 : Ameritech Proposes ?Broadband Summit?

📅 August 31, 2001 - Ameritech Michigan (ameritech.com)president Gail Torreano yesterday proposed a "MichiganBroadband Summit" to develop industry recommendationson opening the way for rapid, efficient and effectivedeployment of broadband capabilities throughoutMichigan.

In a letter to cable and telecommunications providersof high-speed Internet access, Torreano said, "AsGovernor John Engler highlighted in his 'State of theState' address, broadband access is critical to thestate's economy. I believe as broadband industryleaders in Michigan we have a responsibility tofacilitate the deployment of the most robust andadvanced telecommunications, cable, wireless andsatellite broadband infrastructure in America. It istime for our industry to step forward in support ofthe governor's initiative."
Torreano suggested a date of September 27 andidentified several of the most important issuesinhibiting broadband deployment in Michigan, includingthe thorny issue of "rights of way." She said"although there are many issues that separate theproviders of broadband, I believe we can come togetherto do what's best for Michigan by developing industrypositions on the following issues that we canrecommend to Governor Engler, the MEDC and to theLegislature."
The goal of the Michigan Broadband Summit, accordingto Torreano, is to develop a set of industryrecommendations to open the way for effective andefficient deployment of broadband capabilitiesthroughout Michigan. Providers will also tackle thetug-of-war between municipalities and providers overthe occupation of right-of-ways.
Torreano invited the Telecommunications Association ofMichigan, Cable Association of Michigan and theCompetitive Local Exchange Carriers Association.Torreano hopes these organizations will come togetheron industry positions and make recommendations toGovernor Engler, the Michigan Economic DevelopmentCorporation and the Legislature.