The Western States Broadband Alliance (WSBA) is a long-standing coalition of non-profit and public sector broadband experts and stakeholders drawn from seven western States – California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington State – and several Tribes. The WSBA convenes on a regular basis to discuss matters of broadband infrastructure, access, and digital equity and to explore emerging opportunities for regional collaboration. The WSBA has an eclectic and experienced group of members drawn from state research and education networks, state broadband offices, state libraries, and research universities in addition to Tribal liaisons.
Through regular collaboration and information sharing, the WSBA serves as a platform for coordinating efforts and pooling resources to bridge the digital divide and to ensure that all communities have access to reliable high-speed internet services. The WSBA has engaged in advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels to support policies that promote equitable and sustainable broadband expansion and adoption.
Background:
The Western States Broadband Alliance was created in April 2020 following the signing of the Western States Pact, in which the Governors from California, Oregon, and Washington agreed to work together to coordinate the rollback of economic restrictions implemented by their respective state governments during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governors of Colorado and Nevada joined the Western States Pact soon thereafter, and the WSBA expanded similarly. In subsequent years, broadband leaders in Idaho and Utah have joined to share their expertise and experience.
On April 30, 2020, Research & Education Networks (https://www.thequilt.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Quilt-REN-FactsF.pdf) from the five states involved, including the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s Front Range GigaPop, Nevada System of Higher Education’s NevadaNet, Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (“CENIC”), Link Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest Gigapop, announced they would be joining the shared approach under the Western States Pact. Additional states subsequently joined the coalition, and the WSBA was launched.