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Front Row, L to R: Brad Tritle, Susan Patrick, Craig Stender (State CIO), Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull, Jim Ryan, Jane Furr. Back Row, L to R: Steve Jones, Michael Keeling
The State of Arizona's Government Information Technology Agency (GITA) Telecommunications Open Partnerships for Arizona (TOPAZ) project began in October 2000 and has successfully improved access and connectivity to high-speed telecommunications at more competitive costs. The purpose of the TOPAZ project is to improve broadband telecommunications offerings for citizens, governments and businesses in Arizona by lowering costs, increasing competition, offering new and improved services and increasing accessibility to quality telecommunications services statewide.
The TOPAZ program resulted in three key positive outcomes: improved services, reduced costs, and a more rapid deployment of high-speed bandwidth for telecommunications. The benefits are measurable: broadband offerings have increased from 60 cities to 209 cities in Arizona, while costs were reduced an unbelievable 1/6th of pre-TOPAZ pricing -- from an average of $3,000 to $500 per month for a T-1 line.
Previously, in the 1990s the telecommunications services across the state were riddled with problems in reliability and connectivity. Agencies needed better service, lower costs and more options for telecommunications. Only 29% of communities were able to utilize broadband access.
In 2000, GITA identified these key problems as a major strategic deficiency in statewide technology and underwent a complete re-engineering of the business process to procure telecommunications. In October of 2000, Arizona contracted with nine telecommunications providers. These providers, selected under state contract, are positioned to bring increased bandwidth and telecommunication services to government-funded organizations. Providers are encouraged to form partnerships among themselves as needed to put forth the most advantageous offers to the state. GITA, in partnership with the State Procurement Office, currently estimates state and local entities purchase approximately 30 million dollars per year of telecommunication services through the state carrier services contract.
GITA is continuing efforts to encourage carriers awarded under the statewide carrier services contracts to commit to building a communication infrastructure in rural communities. The carriers have responded favorably in support of this initiative with aggressive plans for building broadband communications throughout the state. To meet the needs for individuals in these communities, cable operators have formed an alliance under the name of "First Mile Arizona" to further the reach of services to homes and small businesses. Schools and government offices in rural communities now have a choice for broadband services at competitive pricing.
By reallocating existing monies, the TOPAZ project has accomplished key goals with no new appropriations. TOPAZ is expanding universal access to telecommunications in Arizona while lowering costs and providing better service to the public.
Contact Information: Craig Stender, State Chief Information Officer/Director, Government Information Technology Agency, 100 North 15th Avenue, Suite 440, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, (602) 364-4482, Fax: (602) 364-4799, cstender@gita.state.az.us SECOND PLACE: Florida Corrections Distance Learning Center THIRD PLACE: Illinois Illinois Century Network
OTHER NOMINATIONS: Click on the link to download program submission. Colorado Colorado Multi-Use (MNT) Network
Hawaii Next Generation Network (NGN)
Idaho IDANET, Idaho's Broadband Digital Telecommunications Initiative
Missouri Missouri Court Automation Project - Cooperative Network
Nevada All Kids Count Project
North Carolina Rural Internet Access Authority: Connecting North Carolina to a Better Future
Texas The Quality System: Online Student Evaluation of Faculty and Courses at the University of North Texas Health Science at Fort Worth
Virginia My Virginia: Live Help
Washington Access Washington
Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Safety Website
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