Back to basics; Single portal for business, broadband access for poorer areas are state's priorities.(Technology)

Crain's Detroit Business, October, 2003

Byline: Amy Lane With state budget crunches consuming both time and money, the Granholm administration is focusing on basic-but-needed improvements to the state's telecommunications backbone rather than glitz. In the works: A single state government Internet portal where businesses may be able to handle all their project-permitting needs, and new ways to expand high-speed Internet access to underserved areas.

A $238 million contract consolidating the data, voice and video needs of all state agencies also is moving forward, bolstering the state network. The contract, awarded in December to SBC Communications Inc., is expected to save the state about $4 million annually. It's all part of a drive to improve and expand telecommunications and technology, both...

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