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Rural Telecom

Murray's Starter Tips

I encourage all community members to take these five steps to begin getting connected:

1. Build a coalition. Bring together key local stakeholders to define the needs and to explore solutions.

Successful community coalitions might include: local/regional phone or telecom provider, public schools, the local Educational Service District, the chamber of commerce and economic development council, local energy supplier, PUD's and ports, tribes, local colleges & universities, local government (city council, commissions, mayor, etc.), local hospitals and emergency responders, etc. The bigger and broader your coalition, the better.

2. Develop an action plan. Reach out to other communities and ask for their ideas. Your action plan should:

  • Identify the needs of the community. Do you need a, b, or c?
  • Identify the tangible benefits of increased telecom services. How will it specifically benefit economic development, students, patients, commerce, etc.?
  • Identify possible service providers. Look for partnerships. Document how providing advanced telecom service is in the interest of possible providers (new customers, etc.). You need to "sell" them on providing the service.

3. As you are developing your plan, feel free to contact my office so we can informally advise you or put you in touch with experts. I send out weekly legislative updates and invite you to join my mailing list. Sign up here.

4. Get official backing for your plan from your local government. Let the media know about your efforts.

5. Present your plan to possible service providers.


Advice from the Experts in Murray's Working Group

Tami's Tip

"When seeking to bring the latest in telecom infrastructure to your community, be sure to Tami Garrowpractice the "big tent" strategy - include all who may be able to help, most importantly your local telecom providers, such as phone companies, ISPs, regional carriers, cable companies, power companies or public utility districts, etc. as well as your elected officials, local state and federal, your school districts, perhaps your local hospital and E-911 providers.

They all need to be a part of the vision from the very beginning. They are all part of the solution, and will help formulate the plan that will work for your individual community based on the tools that are presently available. The Forks model is the best I have ever seen, forging a concensus from the very beginning and working towards a common goal where everyone wins."

--Tami Garrow, President & CEO of Satsop Development Park.

Rod's Tip

Rod Fleck"Communities working on telecommunications issues need to rely upon two things: Real teams working together in tandem when possible and cooperatively when in tandem is too difficult to continue; and True partnerships - and not the current cliché used in grant writing circles. If you build them with the community, you will be amazed at how much it will help you."

--Rod Fleck, City Attorney/Planner
Forks, WA

Terry's Tip

Terry Lawhead"Telecommunications is an avenue for youth to become engaged in civic activities. Work with them. They bring the future to the meeting."


-- Terry Lawhead, Project Manager
Eastern Washington Regional Office
Washington State Office of Trade &
Economic Development