Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative: Annual Evaluation Report

The purpose of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative evaluation is to examine the impact and added value of broadband connectivity on North Carolina communities, businesses, and citizens, particularly as facilitated by the capital investment made by Golden LEAF. The identification and assessment of the changes stimulated by broadband connectivity will provide evidence about whether broadband is a worthwhile investment. This initial annual report serves as a baseline document to provide both context and data related to both pre-Golden LEAF RBI efforts, as well as to demonstrate the change that has occurred in anticipation of the efforts undertaken by Golden LEAF and MCNC. Additionally, the report offers detailed insight into the perceived importance of broadband access, coupled with quantitative evaluation of said importance. The evaluation seeks to map the infrastructure investments made in broadband connectivity with critical outputs and outcomes in the areas of market impact, economic impact, educational impact, and societal impact.