Video: Providing broadband across the state

More and more households have home computers and use the Internet. 72.5 percent of the U.S. surfs the web from home. Those who don’t have home access can turn to local libraries for help.

Birmingham’s downtown public library is packed with people taking advantage of free computer time, like Jill Bean and her five-year-old daughter Jade.

Bean said, “I myself come to do job searches, send my resume out, check my e-mail for any replies. She comes to play different games. She likes dress-up games.“

With no access at home, these computers are Bean’s lifeline as she continues her job hunt.

Bean said, “A lot of companies now are doing it online. You have to do the application online, they want you to e-mail your resumes instead of coming in, so it’s just made it a lot easier for me.“

Patrons like Bean will be happy to know the library is working on an upgrade.

IT Coordinator Phil Teague said, “These faster connections that we’re going to be offering, offer ten megabits per second, six times the speed, that will make a difference.“

And the rest of Alabama will be pleased to know that Gov. Bob Riley has hired a company to provide broadband access all across the state.

Riley said, “But that is what this advisory committee is all about, making sure that we provide a foundation that all of the service providers in this state can not only functionally expand but cover the whole state.“

That’s to make sure, small towns and rural communities don’t get left behind. The framework for faster high speed has already been laid - it could be in place for Jefferson County users by the end of the year.