DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad wants residents in every part of Iowa to have better access to broadband internet technology.  Branstad on Tuesday announced a new effort designed to improve broadband access and adoption across the state. Branstad says enhanced access will spur economic development, through business creation and by giving rural residents the ability to telecommute.

State officials note that Iowa ranks 11th out of 12 Midwestern states in the TechNet State Broadband Index. The index ranks states looking at household broadband adoption rates, network speeds available and the number of jobs that benefit from broadband technology. Branstad has asked a committee that works on broadband access to provide him with recommendations on how to build out broadband infrastructure and also to create a long-term plan for the state.