LinkAMERICA Alliance Offers States a Transparent and Comprehensive Choice for Broadband Mapping

New Alliance of Broadband Mapping Experts to Present Its Perspective,
Methodology at Upcoming NASCIO Conference
BALTIMORE--(Business Wire)--
The LinkAMERICA Alliance, a coalition of leading telecommunications consulting
organizations, will outline broadband mapping best practices built upon
transparency and comprehensive solutions in a presentation on Tuesday, April 28,
from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. ET. The presentation, offered in conjunction with the
National Association of State Chief Information Officers` mid-year conference at
the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore, Md., will arm states with the knowledge
needed to conduct assessments of broadband availability and establish effective
tools to implement broadband plans.

"The LinkAMERICA Alliance offers a partnership approach with states to generate
an effective broadband mapping assessment that not only provides an accurate
evaluation of current availability, but also serves as a tool to help states
develop and implement a broadband plan that meets the unique concerns of each
state," said Gregory L. Rohde, former NTIA administrator and now president of
the government affairs firm, e-Copernicus, a member of LinkAMERICA. "As NTIA and
RUS determine the best way to distribute broadband mapping funds, LinkAMERICA is
working closely with states to make sure they`re prepared to take full advantage
of stimulus grants."

The newly formed LinkAMERICA Alliance brings together leading authorities in
broadband mapping and assessment, community planning, policy analysis, network
development and strategic planning under the common goal of mapping America`s
path to universal broadband. Formed by CostQuest Associates, e-Copernicus,
EFRsource and Kimball Corp, the alliance includes former heads of both NTIA and
RUS, and draws experience from successful mapping projects across the country.

"LinkAMERICA understands that there is no `one-size-fits-all` approach and that
each state faces unique barriers on both the supply and demand side of broadband
deployment," said Jim Stegeman, president of CostQuest Associates. "Our emphasis
on cost-effective, independent solutions has already yielded results in Alabama
where we are analyzing exactly where and how to deploy broadband."

LinkAMERICA believes that successful, shovel-ready broadband initiatives depend
on the accurate and independent collection of data, a thorough analysis of
deployment costs, and a focus on both the supply- and demand-side barriers to
deployment. This holistic approach is made possible by the alliance`s roster of
specialized member organizations and existing relationships with
telecommunications carriers, which provides a greater level of data
transparency.

More information on LinkAMERICA, its approach to broadband mapping and its
presence at the upcoming NASCIO conference can be found at
www.LinkAMERICAalliance.com

About LinkAMERICA

The LinkAMERICA Alliance brings together the top, independent experts in
broadband mapping and assessment, community planning, policy analysis, network
development, strategic planning, financing and marketing. Our team helps states
map and assess broadband availability, with a focus on both the supply- and
demand-side barriers to deployment. We work with diverse stakeholders to deliver
consensus-based, technology-neutral and high-quality results that meet local
needs. For more information, please visit www.LinkAMERICAalliance.com.

For The LinkAMERICA Alliance
Jason Maier, 206-268-2235 (Media Inquires)
jason.maier@edelman.com
Mike Wilson, 425-772-2261 (Business Inquires)
mwilson@costquest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009