Statement of Goals

Mission Statement:

The CANA mission is to serve as a regional resource for the deployment of high speed internet access networks in underserved rural communities throughout the Appalachian region and to provide technical, operational and educational support so that these communities can take full advantage of the opportunities for economic, educational and social progress.

The economic mission of CANA is to create individual, economic self-sufficient and self-operating networks. CANA will provide the network hardware and technical and managerial assistance; the communities will be responsible for operating and maintaining the system.

The vision of CANA is to create a network of similarly connected rural sites. This network of sites should create considerable economies and efficiencies of scale for the communities, states and region. This "network effect" will help create cooperation and coordination of efforts across geographic boundaries. We believe

1. that the individual sites communities will benefit from the installation of high speed access
2. that the individual sites working in concert with neighboring sites will benefit from regional development strategies and
3. that the entire community of CANA sites will benefit from cooperative purchase/sale agreements, best practice development and knowledge sharing.

Objectives:

Technical

• deliver wireless broadband connectivity to two pilot Appalachian communities
• enhance local capacity and ability to take advantage of this connectivity to support their unique needs

Economics

• develop an econometric model for other communities to use as a guide in their own similar efforts

Knowledge-base

• create a core resource to guide future projects and disseminate best practices

Services:

CANA provides support to Appalachian communities, such as Glenville, WV, to develop high speed internet access. CANA activities include providing

1. network hardware,
2. technology expertise and
3. community and economic development guidance.

The Organization:

The Center for Appalachian Network Access (CANA) is a philanthropic initiative based at the School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The CANA mission is to assist communities in the Appalachian Region develop and use modern telecommunication networks.

CANA is founded and managed by Carnegie Mellon University. The management team consists of faculty of the School of Computer Science, the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management, and the Graduate School of Industrial Administration. Students at these schools volunteer to serve on CANA projects.

Beginning July 2003, through matching grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Benedum Foundation, CANA initiated a pilot project to deliver wireless broadband connectivity to Glenville, WV. The objectives of the pilot project are to demonstrate the ability of high speed internet access to stimulate social,economic, and educational development in the rural community and to formulate key criteria for the replication of the project model. Upon completion of the pilot project, CANA expects to extend the project to other rural communities in West Virginia, Southwestern Pennsylvania, and ultimately the entire Appalachian region.

CANA requires active partnership with local community organizations. In Glenville, Glenville State College provides essential support for the planning and implementation of the project.