OLYMPIA, Wash.
– A new study ranks Washington State as the highest state for its use of
broadband.
According to the study by TechNet, a group of business
executives that promotes the growth of technology-led innovation, Washington
leads other high tech states including California and Utah in having a
broadband-connected economy and better than average network speeds.
Will Saunders, program and policy director for the Washington
State Broadband Office, says the ranking reflects state broadband planning
going back to 2008 and more than $2.3 billion in public and private investment
in infrastructure and training during that period.
"The study also
confirms that we are ideally positioned for economic growth based on this
work," Saunders says.
He says the
number one status means it will be easier for the state to attract and grow
companies and increase jobs.
The State Broadband Office is part of the Washington
Department of Commerce.
