02 Statewide Economic Development Infrastructure Plan

Goal 2: Affordable and fast internet for all

Implementation Strategy Bring high-speed broadband access to every South Dakota family. Conduct a comprehensive need assessment to visualize different future conditions for undeserved areas. This should include best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios over short, medium, and long-term durations. Measurable Outcomes Produce a comprehensive needs assessment report for underserved areas within a specified three to six month timeline post-initiation, incorporating stakeholder feedback into scenario planning and assessment to address education and telehealth concerns. Implementation Strategy Establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) to target underserved communities.

Timeline: Immediate Difficulty: Easy Infrastructure Affected:

Timeline: Emerging Difficulty: Moderate Infrastructure Affected

Measurable Outcome Engage local providers with the needs assessment and discuss how the needs can be met through developing and expanding infrastructure.

Timeline: Immediate Difficulty: Moderate Infrastructure Affected

Implementation Strategy Allocate infrastructure investment focused optic equipment.

Measurable Outcome Achieve 95% broadband coverage across the State within five years. Support broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps in urban areas within the next five years. Cover 70% of the State with fiber-optic infrastructure by 2029. Implementation Strategy Streamline permitting processes. Measurable Outcome Reduced permit fees for bridging the digital divide; connecting the last mile. Added capacity through augmentation of review staff via qualified engineering firm. This will be especially important in larger fiber builds. Promote and facilitate builds on roadway projects and sharing information with relocation purposes. Implementation Strategy Adopt a technology-neutral approach and digital inclusion programs for varied broadband solutions and affordability. Measurable Outcome Expand broadband access in underserved areas by 20% in three years. Diversify statewide broadband tech for reliable connectivity. Ensure 95% with quality access within 10 years.

Timeline: Immediate Difficulty: Easy Infrastructure Affected

Timeline: Emerging Difficulty: Moderate Infrastructure Affected

Infrastructure First Project

Broadband | 151

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