Reviving upstate New York includes broadband boost: Outside of metro NYC, there's a paucity of broadband availability and relatively low uptake. Governor Spitzer wants to change that, following plans that already bore some fruit during the Pataki administration. The state will try to use its physical resources to help gives incentives to broadband providers. Spitzer wants "near universal" coverage by 2010. A related article rounds up some wireless options on the way in the Ithaca area. [links via Muniwireless.com]
Long Island issues RFP for network: The counties of Suffolk and Nassau are looking for responses by March 19, 2007. Muniwireless.com notes that 2.7m residents would be passed across a 750-square-mile area. Requirements include universal wireless broadband access. The counties hope to boost economic growth, improve government services, add to educational efforts, make Long Island better for tourists and business travelers, increase competition for broadband, and be ready to extend access to transit. (Plan details here, although the leading statement that Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity is like saying Pink stands for insulation.)
Rhode Island issues plans for statewide rollout: The Business Innovation Factory that's driving the state-wide network has set its plans after eight months of testing. They expect the network to cost $28m for buildout and thre years of operations, at which point their projections show the network to be self-sustaining. The group is looking for the state to back guarantees to use private debt to fund the project. It will take 12 to 18 months to build out.