Overview
The Department of Public Servicet, in coordination with the Department of Innovation and Information, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Agency of Transportation, produces a ten-year plan that serves as the basis for state telecommunications policy. The plan is updated every three years in accordance with 30 V.S.A. § 202d.
2014 Telecommunications Plan
The Department of Public Service, in conjunction with the Department of Information and Innovation and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, released the 2014 Telecommunications Plan. The Plan addressed the major ongoing developments in the telecommunications industry, including broadband infrastructure development, regulatory policy and recommendations for future action.The Department held nine public hearings during the months of August and September 2014, including one statutorily mandated hearing at the General Assembly. During this time, the Department received numerous comments.
2014 Telecommunications Plan Public Comments Draft
The Department of Public Service, in conjunction with the Department of Information and Innovation and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, released the public comments draft of the 2014 Telecommunications Plan.
The Department held public hearings on the public comments draft of the Plan prior to adopting the final Plan. Transcripts of the hearings are posted below:
- Transcript of Burlington hearing. Holiday Inn, Oak Room, 1068 Williston Road, Burlington, Vermont on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
- Transcript of Brattleboro hearing. Hampton Inn, 1378 Putney Road, Brattleboro, Vermont, on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at 7:00 p.m.
- Transcript of Barre hearing. Alumni Hall, 16 Auditorium Hill Road, Barre, Vermont on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at 7:00 p.m
- Transcript of the Montpelier hearing. Legislative Hearing, Montpelier, Vermont on Thursday August 28, 2014
- Transcript of Rutland hearing. Hampton Inn, 47 Farrell Road, Rutland, Vermont on Thursday August 28, 2014, at 7:00 p.m.
- Transcript of St. Johnsbury hearing. Catamount Arts Center, 115 Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury, Vermont, September 4, 2014, at 7:00 p.m.
- Transcript of the Bethel hearing. Middle Branch Grange, 78 Store Hill Road, East Bethel, Vermont, September 18, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
- Transcript of the Strafford hearing. Barrett Hall, Justin Morrill Memorial Highway, Strafford, Vermont, September 18, 2014, at 6:00 p.m.
2014 Telecommunications Survey
In June and July 2014, the Castleton Polling Institute conducted a telecommunications survey on behalf of the Department of Public Service. The survey, with responses from a statistically significant sample of both residential and non-residential Vermonters, measured Vermonters' telecommunications needs, as well as related behaviors, knowledge, awareness, and perceptions. All public, private, non-profit, and educational organizations were eligible for the survey.
Telecommunications Plan Hearing (February 2014)
The Department of Public Service instituted proceedings to review and revise the state's Telecommunications Plan as required by law. On February 21, 2014, the Department held a public hearing to gain input from members of the public on telecommunications issues facing the state. The transcript and video of the public hearing can be found here: Video Transcript
Vermont Telecommunications Plan: Broadband (May 2011)
In 2011, the Department of Public Service, in coordination with the Department of Innovation and Information and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, released a plan specifically addressing broadband: Vermont Telecommunications Plan: Broadband (May 2011).
Telecommunications Survey
From July through September 2012, ICF International conducted the 2012 Vermont Telecommunications Survey on behalf of the Department of Public Service. The survey, with responses from 400 Vermont residents and 521 non-residential organizations, measured Vermonters' telecommunications needs, as well as related behaviors, knowledge, awareness, and perceptions. All public, private, non-profit, and educational organizations were eligible to participate in the survey.