Caucus Press Release: House Members Move to Create Statewide Wireless Broadband Network
Feb 21, 2007
Office of the Speaker
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House Members Move to Create Statewide Wireless Broadband Network
Rep. Dwight Loftis helps spearhead effort
COLUMBIA -- House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Rep. Dwight Loftis, R-Greenville, and others introduced a resolution today that creates the South Carolina Wireless Technology and Communications Commission for the purpose of implementing a statewide wireless broadband network. South Carolina would be the first state to have a ubiquitous wireless cloud.
"Creating a wireless cloud over our state would be a step in the right direction in continuing to move South Carolina toward a knowledge-based economy." Speaker Harrell said. "Being the first state in the nation to have a statewide wireless network would put our state on the leading edge of this new technology. I commend Rep. Dwight Loftis for his forward thinking ideas on how to move our state into tomorrow's economy."
The Technology Commission will evaluate the economic, financial and technology issues surrounding the feasibility of creating a statewide network and take the steps necessary to create such a network.
Rep. Loftis said, "With a statewide wireless broadband network, we have a unique opportunity to help the citizens of South Carolina take a leap forward in revolutionizing the prospects of an excellent education for all students, good jobs, quality healthcare and a greater level of prosperity."
A statewide wireless broadband network would bridge rural areas to broadband Internet. Schools, homes, public safety workers, municipalities, hospitals and businesses across the state could be connected to the Internet anywhere at anytime.
It also has huge economic development potential for our state by attracting new businesses and becoming a testing ground for emerging wireless technologies. In addition to aiding large businesses, a wireless cloud will also empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas.
Internet delivered courses would provide a level playing field of access to schools and homes. A wireless cloud could have the most immediate benefit or impact in the area of healthcare for rural communities. Coverage to homes in the healthcare industry could reap major benefits to improving the healthcare and economics of health care in South Carolina.
For More Information:
Greg Foster
(803) 734-3125
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