Posts Tagged ‘Carol Miller’
Thursday, March 24th, 2016
We’re well enough into the 21st century that once futuristic terms, such as broadband, connectivity, bits and bytes, are now part of our daily lives. Think of it: A generation has now lived in the era of technology – computers, cell phones, email, apps.
Today’s 5 Questions go to our own Carol Miller, who makes sure New Hampshire is on the forefront of technology.
 Carol Miller ~ Director, Broadband Technology 1. It’s nice to introduce you this morning. As the director of broadband technology, can you tell us what your role is?
My role at the Division of Economic Development is very diverse. My first responsibility is to support our recruitment and retention personnel and their clients with information on broadband availability, capacity and provider options within the scope of location selection, connectivity challenges, and technology. My other duties include tracking broadband statewide, and its effects on state economic development initiatives, and advocacy for the availability and utilization of high capacity broadband to the citizens of New Hampshire. I run a help desk for communities and citizens in need of broadband for the state, with referrals coming from the Governor’s Office, the Public Utilities Commission, legislators and economic development agencies. I manage the Governor’s Telecommunication Planning and Development Advisory Committee with the division, through a sub-committee structure that covers tele-health, education, adoption, deployment and agency goals and objectives. In addition, I represent the Department of Resources and Economic Development on FirstNet (public safety nationwide interoperable radio network)at the Department of Safety, school connectivity at the Department of Education and use of tele-health at the Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Broadband is one of those things we’ve come to expect in the 21st century. How does New Hampshire compare with the rest of the country?
New Hampshire, for the most part, is fairly well-connected compared to the rest of the country. Despite our status, there are many pockets in rural areas that need investment in infrastructure to support high speed capacity. Many areas only have access to one provider limiting service options and falling short of delivering the promise of innovation that broadband brings to a community. New Hampshire is considered a high tech state. Business and residents embraced technology early on. With some major federal investments nationwide, many states have improved their broadband availability and some of the playing field has leveled off considerably. New Hampshire is still at the forefront of the technology, typically scoring within the top 15 states for access.
3. Why is broadband so important for a state like New Hampshire?
The benefits of broadband can be correlated to jobs, economic growth, and cost avoidance for our residents and businesses. About 34 percent of new jobs is the result of broadband; about 1.2 million jobs have been created by the development of the internet over the last decade.
Broadband creates direct jobs with the deployment of infrastructure, indirect and induced jobs from the activity, and additional jobs as a result of network availability and spillovers.
4. What are the economic development benefits of broadband?
Broadband improves efficiency and productivity of business, increases community competitiveness by attracting knowledge-based businesses, and sparks new and innovative technologies, services, applications and business models. On the residential side access to broadband improves educational opportunities, access to tele-health services and increases opportunity for employment and household income.
Having access to broadband can impact household income by as much as $2,100 annually. Startups can save an estimated $16,500 by using broadband services. The Fiber to the Home Council found that companies with fiber connectivity saved about 20 percent on operating expenses. Electronic health records and remote access will save over $700 billion nationally over the next 10 to 15 years. Adequate broadband increases real estate values $5,000 to $6,000 and lack of it decrease real estate value up to 20 percent.
5. What’s ahead?
I will continue to provide support, advocacy, and consulting in the legislature and for communities in need of broadband working with public and private partners throughout the state to remove barriers. Broadband is essential and the availability, adoption, affordability and high speed capacity will be challenges for many years to come.
Tags: 5 Questions, broadband, Broadband Technology, Carol Miller, technology
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on 5 Questions with Carol Miller, NH Economic Development
Wednesday, July 24th, 2013
When we switch on our computer every morning and settle into our day’s work, we don’t think about what’s happening to supply the data we seek with a click of the mouse. We expect the information is going to show up at the speed of byte, but when it doesn’t, we really notice it.
Compared to the rest of the country, the Granite State gets high marks for its broadband connections, according to the latest State of the Internet Report, issued this week by Akamai*, which found:
– New England made a strong showing in average broadband connection speeds, with Vermont (#1), New Hampshire (#2, with an average connection speed of 12Mbps and 4th for peak connection speeds of 47.1Mbps), Massachusetts and Connecticut in the top 10;
– “Surprisingly high rates of quarterly growth were seen” in broadband adoption … ranging from 25 percent in New York to 42 percent in New Hampshire;
– “In New Hampshire, nearly half of the connections to Akamai were at speeds above 10 Mbps,” which places the Granite State in first place for high broadband adoption (above 10Mbps) and first place for broadband adoption (above 4 Mbps), which represents a change of 65 percent and 6.5 percent respectively.
“Although there is still more work to be done, New Hampshire has made tremendous progress in broadband deployment,” said Carol Miller, director of Broadband Technologies at the Division of Economic Development. “It is testament to New Hampshire’s high-tech industry and provider investments in infrastructure. Broadband expansion and increases in capacity are the result of the innovative market place responding to the needs of a knowledge base economy. New Hampshire has increased broadband availability from 73 percent in 2010 to 88 percent in the first quarter of this year.”
The challenge remains, she said, in getting broadband to the rural areas of New Hampshire, where geography is a factor.
Broadband is an important tool in economic development and businesses and service providers expect what we all expect: Fast and reliable internet connection.
“It improves our ability to recruit and retain business and helps businesses to increase their profitability,” Miller said. “It enhances our quality of life because no matter where we live, we can use to the web to attend college and increase our education and that is attractive to skilled workers.”
Broadband also helps with healthcare monitoring, no matter where you are, and is another to help keep us safe.
“Simply put, broadband brings opportunities to New Hampshire’s economy that might otherwise be missed,” Miller said.
*Akamai’s State of the Internet Report is based on data gathered on its network of more than 250,000 servers. Akamai is a distributed cloud computing platform that’s distributed worldwide.
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development
Tags: broadband and economic development, Broadband in New Hampshire, Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technolgies NH, New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Broadband in New Hampshire: It’s got Byte
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
According to a new report by the Economics and Statistics Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, New Hampshire ranks second in broadband usage in the country at 78 percent, trailing only Utah at 80 percent.
 In response to that report, State Broadband Director Carol Miller has issued the following statement:
“Although there is still work to be done to bring connectivity to rural unserved and underserved areas, this report speaks well for NH as a tech savvy state and our embracing of new technologies.
NH has had the reputation of a high tech state in past years. The notion that we were slipping began as more competition for the status materialized. NH is indeed a hotbed for technologies and our universities and state incentives for business have had a major influence on that designation.
NH is a great place for technology businesses. Our biggest assets are qualify of life, lower cost of living, and a dedicated team at the Division of Economic Development under the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. We have it all right here in NH.”
To see a copy of the report, visit esa.doc.gov/Reports/exploring-digital-nation-computer-and-internet-use-home.
Tags: Carol Miller, Economics and Statistics Administration, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, NH Division of Economic Development
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on NH 2nd in Broadband Usage
Friday, May 13th, 2011
This post was provided by State Broadband Director Carol Miller who was one of the driving forces behind the Telecom Summit – great job by all associated with this event!
The 2011 NH Telecommunication Summit on May 11 at the Radisson in Manchester NH was an exciting gathering of service providers, technology companies, state agencies, regional planning commissions, municipalities and business. Sponsored by NH Business Review, the NH Division of Economic Development, the New Hampshire Telecommunications Association, Head Networks and G4 Communications.
 Roy Duddy, Interim Director, Division of Economic Development welcomed a crowd of close to 150 participants. He thanked everyone for their support and interest in the discussion surrounding expansion of broadband to unserved and underserved communities in the State of NH.
Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technologies at the Division assumed the role of master of ceremonies keeping attendees on track for the keynote, breakout sessions, and a service provider panel as Industry Leaders share their insight.
“This represents the first time in several years that providers, municipalities, and businesses have gathered to share information and resources about telecommunications,” she said.
The keynote was delivered by Scott Valcourt, UNH on the Network NH Now, and other initiatives that build upon the federally funded assets in construction that will build middle mile fiber to all 10 counties of NH. The Public Safety Microwave Project encompasses a planned upgrade of state agency facilities to a multi-user platform to free up space on state owned mountain tops for wireless broadband providers. The New Hampshire Fastroads LLC will bring that fiber to the customer premise in two last mile projects in Rindge and Enfield. In addition, Valcourt talked about the impact to economic development and the way it will change and enhance telemedicine, education, and job growth opportunities for the people of NH.
Breakout sessions included “Wireless/Cellular Technology Today” by AT&T’s Brian Krause, “Where’s My Broadband?” by Michael Blair of the NH Mapping and Planning Program at UNH, “Telecom 101 for Businesses and Municipalities” by Cisco’s Paul Gasparro and “Who Needs Broadband?” hosted by Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technologies for the State of NH.
The Service Provider Panel was moderated by Matt Cookson, Executive Director of NH High Tech Council. The Panelists were Brad Scofield, Regional Director of Product Management for Comcast, Jeremy Katz, CEO of segTEL, Gunnar Berg, CEO of Cyperpine Wireless and Bill Meehan Director of Segment Marketing of FairPoint Communications.
Each panelist described their company products and footprint. They answered questions about expansion to rural areas, and business incentives to enhance investments in infrastructure.
Allen Voivod of Epiphanies Inc., provided the social media blitz for the Summit thanks to the generous sponsorship of G4 Communications. Video from the event can be seen online at the following location: http://www.youtube.com/NHEconomy, and photos can be seen at http://on.fb.me/2011TelecomSummit. Read the event’s comments on Twitter by following the hashtag #NHTelecom.
Tags: Allen Voivod, AT&T, Bill Meehan, Brad Scofield, Brian Krause, Carol Miller, Cisco, Comcast, Cyperpine Wireless, Epiphanies Inc., FairPoint Communications, G4 Communications, Gunnar Berg, Head Networks, Jeremy Katz, Matt Cookson, Michael Blair, Network NH Now, New Hampshire Fast Roads LLC, NH Business Review, NH Division of Economic Development, NH High Technology Council, NH Mapping and Planning Program, NH Telecommunications Association, Radisson, Roy Duddy, Scott Valcourt, segTEL, UNH
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on #NHTelecom Summit a Great Success
Monday, April 18th, 2011
Imagine a day without email, teleconferencing, online videos, Google or cell phone access. In today’s world, broadband access is critical—especially to business growth, economic development, education and telemedicine—as we become more reliant on digital communication, from email to teleconferencing and social media.
 How State government, municipalities, businesses and providers can work together to expand and improve broadband access throughout New Hampshire will be the focus of the 2011 New Hampshire Telecommunication Summit, which will be held on Wednesday, May 11 at the Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown. Sponsored by the NH Division of Economic Development, the NH Telecommunication Association (NHTA), HEADNetworks and NH Business Review, the summit will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn from leaders in the industry and see the latest in voice and data technology.
According to Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technology for the State of New Hampshire, “This represents the first time in several years that providers, municipalities and businesses will gather to share information and resources about telecommunications. While we’re justifiably proud that New Hampshire ranks second in the nation for households with broadband access, we still have a lot of work to do to expand broadband to rural areas. Businesses tend to locate where broadband is, so making broadband, including wireless, available in rural areas is important to our economy.”
On the agenda will be an address by Scott Valcourt, UNH Adjunct Faculty Member in
Science & Technology Division, Computer Information Systems Program, who will speak on “New Hampshire’s Newest Broadband Initiative.” A panel discussion by New Hampshire service providers on “Statewide Broadband and Business Expansion Incentives” will be moderated by Matt Cookson, executive director of the New Hampshire High Technology Council.
Three breakout sessions—“Wireless/Cellular Technology Today,” “Where’s My Broadband?” and “Telecom 101 for Businesses and Municipalities”— will be offered, as well as lunch and ample time to meet with exhibitors.
Cost to attend the summit is $75 per person, which includes lunch. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., with the program running from 8:45 a.m. to approximately 2pm. Register online at www.nhtelecom.org/Summit2011. For more information, call NHTA at 1-800-400-NHTA (6482) or email Summit@nhtelecom.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Lodging is available at the Radisson, which is located at 700 Elm Street in Manchester. Call (603) 625-1000 and use “NHTA” to receive the attendee discount.
Tags: Carol Miller, HEADNetworks, Matt Cookson, New Hampshire High Technology Council, New Hampshire Telecommunications Summit, NH Business Review, NH Division of Economic Development, NH Telecommunication Association, Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown, Scott Valcourt
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Businesses, Government and Providers to Gather at Telecommunications Summit
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded the University of New Hampshire’s Geographically Referenced Analysis and Information Transfer (NH GRANIT) project approximately $1.7 million to manage a program that will inventory and map current and planned broadband coverage available to the state’s businesses, educators, and citizens.
 The New Hampshire Broadband Mapping Program (NHBMP) is a coordinated, multi-agency initiative funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and is part of a national effort to expand high-speed Internet access and adoption through improved data collection and broadband planning.
GRANIT, which is housed at the UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space (EOS), serves as the statewide geographic information system (GIS) clearinghouse.
“The results of the mapping activity will be an important determinant in future broadband access across the state, which is important for all citizens in terms of economic development, education, health care, public health and safety, and quality of life issues,” says GRANIT director Fay Rubin of the Complex Systems Research Center at EOS.
The state’s nine regional planning commissions will collaborate with GRANIT on data collection and verification activities, as well as conduct regional broadband planning activities. Additional support will be provided by a variety of state agencies, including the Division of Economic Development, the Office of Energy and Planning, and the Public Utilities Commission.
 Carol Miller “We are pleased to set this project in motion. It’s a great example of how collaboration between public and private agencies works for the betterment of all,” says Carol Miller, director of broadband technology at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development. She adds, “In addition, we will be providing information that will help to develop and track the national broadband plan.”
The Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) based in Keene is taking the lead role among the regional planning commissions for the project. “This initiative comes at a time of challenge and represents a significant opportunity to address the infrastructure needs of our communities and our state so vital in maintaining a vibrant economy,” says Tim Murphy, executive director of SWRPC.
The project is comprised of two components: a two-year broadband availability inventory and mapping effort, and a four-year planning initiative.
The inventory will use service-area data collected from the 60-plus public and commercial entities, both landline and wireless, that provide broadband services in the state. These data, describing service availability, type, and technology, will help to identify areas of the state that are unserved or underserved by the current broadband infrastructure. Data will also be collected on broadband availability at individual community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, medical/healthcare locations, public safety offices, and state, county, and municipal buildings.
The planning component of the NHBMP will incorporate the information collected and the momentum generated by the mapping activities into regional broadband plans throughout New Hampshire. It will involve establishing regional broadband stakeholder groups to identify barriers to broadband deployment, promote collaboration with service providers, facilitate information sharing regarding the use of and demand for broadband services, and develop broadband plans for each region of the state.
NTIA has now awarded 41 grants to states and U.S. territories totaling approximately $78 million under the program. In addition to NH, the most recent round of awards went to Iowa, Montana, Utah, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The agency expects to finish announcing awards under the program in early 2010.
The data collected and compiled under the national program will be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.
According to Rubin, the NHBMP is scheduled to deliver a preliminary assessment of areas of the state that are unserved or underserved by broadband to NTIA by this spring.
“We will be contacting agencies, organizations, businesses, and residents in the state and we hope that there will be a high degree of interest in and support for this effort. Collecting accurate and comprehensive data will be critical for the project’s success,” Rubin says.
The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state’s flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.
Tags: Carol Miller, Fay Rubin, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, New Hampshire Broadband Mapping Program, NH GRANIT, Office of Energy and Planning, Public Utilities Commission, Southwest Region Planning Commission, Tim Murphy, U.S. Department of Commerce, UNH Institute for the Study of Earth Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on UNH Awarded $1.7M For Broadband Internet Mapping Project
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development has announced the hiring of Carol Miller as Director of Broadband Technology.
 In her new position, Miller will direct and coordinate state telecommunications policy planning initiatives as well as encourage and facilitate collaboration between public and private research development efforts. She will develop a high technology plan and act as an agent in helping the State’s business recruitment team to attract and retain high tech companies in New Hampshire. Miller will also serve as a resource for state policy makers and seek resources from government and non-profit entities to promote the State’s technology development and telecommunications planning initiatives.
“With a wide breadth of experience and fantastic industry knowledge, Carol is a tremendous addition to our team,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Carol has been a respected voice in terms of broadband issues facing our state and we’re excited that she will be putting her considerable talents to use in helping us to increase our state’s access to and adoption of the newest and most innovative technologies.”
Miller, a native of northern New Hampshire, previously served as Vice President, Fiscal Director and co-founder of NCIA, an entrepreneurial Internet company for 16 years. She has served as President of the New Hampshire Internet Service Providers and Chair of the Androscoggin Valley Economic Recovery Corp. in addition to being a board member of the State of NH Telecommunications Advisory Board. Miller is also an adjunct faculty member of the Community College System of New Hampshire teaching Financial Software.
Tags: Androscoggin Valley Economic Recovery Corp., Carol Miller, Community College System of NH, NCIA, NH Division of Economic Development, NH Telecommunications Advisory Board, Roy Duddy
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Miller New Director of Broadband Technology
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