Missouri was hit hard by the Great Recession of 2008, and has adopted Broadband expansion as an integral part of it’s’ recovery plan. In 2009, the Governor established MoBroadbandNow, a public-private initiative to expand broadband ac¬cessibility and facilitate the integration of broadband and information technology into state and local economies, including directing the state’s stimulus funding and projects. The initiative’s main objec¬tive is to deliver broadband to 95% of residents by the end of 2014.

Though Ohio currently ranks 39th on the state index, strong stakeholder leadership and investment have the state poised to improve its standing on all indicators—broadband adop¬tion, network deployment and strength of digital economy. Governor John Kasich announcing plans to have the state spend $8.1 million to upgrade Ohio’s existing fiber optic network, connecting schools, govern¬ments, and other anchor institutions. The plan calls for a ten-fold increase in download speeds, expand¬ing the network’s capacity to 100 Gbps. In addition to these state initiatives, Ohio has a long history of non-profit groups promoting and expanding the use of broadband by its citizens.

Despite difficult terrain and some very remote communities Utah has done very well in the Broadband Index rating, with 9th place overall ranking. Utah had the highest Broadband adoption rating in the country in 2010 and continues to be a leader in adoption growth. Furthermore, Utah has a high average of fiber-to-home and high peak average connectivity speed.

In 2005 Maine had a low Broadband Index, as a result of low to average rating across all three categories; adoption, network quality, and economic structure. That same year Governor John Baldacci created the state’s Broadband Access Infrastructure Board (BAIB) in 2005 by executive order. The order set a goal that 95–98% of Maine communities would have access to broadband by 2010. The state also took advantage of the 2009 stimulus package in which Maine received a $25 million dollar grant to expand in areas that would enhance its’ broadband index.

In January 2008 California created the California Advanced Services Fun (CASF), a state-run organization focused on expanding high-level broadband connectivity to all Californians. The fund has a $225 million through 2018. Through the CASF California has been come a leader in Broadband expansion.

Indiana’s economic structure and large rural spaces are disadvantageous to the establishment of a solid broadband network. However, the state has made strides in advancing its’ broadband network. With the help of Verizon, Indiana was able to do well in Network quality ratings. Verizon has deployed FiOS fiber-to-home in many parts of the state.

Certain states like Nevada, West Virginia, or Oklahoma have inherent disadvantages in establishing a strong Broadband network. These disadvantages can include difficult terrain, wide open rural spaces, and economies not structured around technological advancement.

Delaware’s saturation of corporate headquarters gave it a very balanced broadband index score.. Despite Delaware’s small size and population it scored well, because these corporations require widespread adoption, a high network quality, and foster a stable economic structure.

Massachusetts ranked second nationally in broadband index, a rating that accounts for adoption, network quality, and economic structure. The high concentration of University’s and College’s in the Boston area, and their demand for high quality networks drove the state’s ranking,

Washington leads all state in broadband index, a rating that accounts for adoption, network quality, and economic structure. Washington’s economic structure led by Amazon and Microsoft propelled it to the top of the rankings. The high tech economic structure of the state demands high speed connectivity.