Getting Nevadans connected topic of summit

CARSON CITY -- Getting Nevada -- and Nevadans -- on board and up to speed on connecting to a fast-paced world through high-speed Internet will be the focus of a one-day summit being held in Dayton.

"Wired for Success" is being hosted Monday by nonprofit Connect Nevada and the governor's Nevada Broadband Task Force.

The goal is to bring state and local leaders and broadband providers together to discuss how to expand high-speed Internet access and why the technology is critical to Nevada's economic future.

"Whether you live in a rural or urban area, high-speed Internet enables access to quality jobs, information and vital services ranging from interactive telemedicine to higher education," said Daphne DeLeon, state librarian and chairwoman of the task force. "Broadband gives you the opportunity to work from home, take online classes and market your products, all of which have a positive impact on the local economy."

In a wired world and global economy, speedy connections are essential to transfer large amounts of data, such as medical records.

President Barack Obama has identified universal broadband as critical to driving economic development and producing jobs. About $50 million in federal stimulus money is being spent in Nevada for various broadband projects, including:

■ $19.6 million to build and operate a statewide telemedicine network.

■ $4.6 million to expand computing centers in public housing developments and senior centers in Clark County.

■ $806,000 to expand computer training and computer access at public libraries.

■ $10.1 million to bring broadband and digital phone service to rural communities.