Businesses, Government and Providers to Gather at NH Telecom Summit

Imagine a day without e-mail, 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 e-mail 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 NH, "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 the Science & Technology Division, Computer Information Systems program, who will speak on "New Hampshire's Newest Broadband Initiative." A panel discussion by NH 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 2 p.m. Register online at www.nhtelecom.org/Summit2011. For more information, call NHTA at 1-800-400-NHTA (6482) or e-mail Summit@nhtelecom.org.

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.