With the Governor's signing of Executive Order S-23-06 Expanding Broadband Access and Usage in California, the State embarked on a significant initiative to promote widespread access to broadband and advanced communication services.  

The Department of General Services (DGS) is excited to be part of the Governor's vision to enable continued improvements in healthcare, public safety, education, and the economy through expanded broadband access.  As defined by the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency's Cabinet Work Group's Best Practices there are many opportunities the State can leverage through this initiative that includes, but is not limited to:   

• Provides more consumer choices and lower prices by removing barriers to broadband deployments.
  
• Provides wireless broadband access on various State properties to increase Internet access and usage by the public, including citizens, businesses, and tourists.
  
• Improves worker productivity, which in turn improves the State's gross domestic product and the economy as a whole.
  
• Offers an effective conduit for advanced communications between businesses, including those operating in global markets.
  
• Increases the use of  Webcasting to broadcast public safety, health, and other emergency alerts.
  
• Promotes the use of telemedicine to effectively provide services to individuals in underserved areas, such as those residing in rural counties.
  
• Allows the pervasive use of videoconferencing technologies for meetings to reduce the time and expenses associated with traveling, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  

With the rapid pace of technology innovation, future capabilities of this communication medium will undoubtedly improve government, business and citizen interactions.  It is the State's role to further this broadband build-out so that we can bring the Governor's vision to fruition.

In support of the Governor's Broadband Initiative, DGS and Department of Technology Services established statewide agreements with broadband and advanced communication providers to simplify the procurement process and reduce costs. 

Further details regarding this initiative are available on this Website and on the Governor's Broadband Initiative Website at http://www.calink.ca.gov/.

DGS will use this website or email broadcasts to disseminate additional information related to DGS activities supporting the Governor's Broadband Initiative.
  
Thank you for your interest in advancing broadband access and usage in California.  

Will Bush
Interim Director
Department of General Services