A little more than three years ago, I received a call from a friend asking me for help. My friend Bruce Maitland said his daughter had disappeared.

Since then, I have marched in memory of Brianna Maitland’s disappearance on the remote stretch of road where her car was found. I often think, if we had activated the Amber Alert system earlier, we might have found Brianna within hours or days. Because she disappeared within 7 miles of the Canadian border, I also think, if only law enforcement had been able to communicate and coordinate in real time with all of the search assets and personnel -- local, state, provincial, and federal, on both sides of the border -- maybe we would have found Brianna long ago.

New technology could now make that possible.

Just last week, we announced an exciting initiative that could ensure virtually instantaneous wireless mobile communications -- via cell phone and internet alike -- using ordinary cell phones and other wireless devices -- and using the same cell phone and internet service providers we use now. We hope to launch the pilot in the Newport and Derby Line area.

Our announcement focused on a new research and development agreement with TerreStar Networks Inc., establishing a pilot project for the deployment and testing of TerreStar’s wireless broadband and telecommunications services to rural and underserved areas in Vermont.

Vermont’s Commissioner of Information & Innovation and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Thomas Murray will spearhead the pilot.

Last week the TerreStar team and I briefed Gov. Jim Douglas on what the pilot project will mean for our state and how it will enhance the Governor’s E-State Initiative, which aims to provide universal cellular and broadband coverage everywhere and anywhere within Vermont’s borders. We discussed strategies to quantify costs, identify obstacles and measure the effectiveness of TerreStar’s next generation communications network.

The pilot project will not use state funds. Once in place, the network will be available for all voice and data service providers currently operating in Vermont, as well as new providers.

Pilot projects that test new and emerging technologies, like this one with TerreStar, are crucial to overcoming the challenges Vermont has encountered bringing wireless and broadband service to rural Vermont. We’re fortunate that TerreStar has chosen to conduct this important project in Vermont, and is making an investment to explore the feasibility of deploying their unique telecommunications network here.

Vermont’s pilot project could have implications for bridging the wireless divide all over rural North America.

TerreStar (www.terrestar.com) is an emerging mobile network operator that plans to build, own and operate North America's first 4G (4th Generation Communications System) integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network that will provide universal access and tailored applications throughout North America over conventional wireless devices. The company is licensed to operate in both the US and Canada. TerreStar expects to be the first to offer customer-designed products and applications over a fully optimized 4G IP network.

The solution involves terrestrial infrastructure – in other words, towers on the ground – plus a powerful new satellite that will fill in the voids. Neither towers nor satellites can do this job alone. We’ll be looking for local partners such as schools, senior centers, or public safety providers to act as service users for the pilot. We’re also looking for sites for a handful of transmission towers in and around Newport and Derby Line.

Some people are drawn to new technology because they like technology.

Others pursue technology because it might solve a human problem or open a new opportunity.

Solving human communications problems is what this pilot and the Governor’s E-State Initiative are all about, not only for emergency response or search and rescue, but for anyone living in Vermont (or just visiting) to stay connected to family or the workplace, to learn new things and find new answers, from our friends and neighbors down the street or around the world.

Brian Dubie is Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor. E-mail his office a martha.hanson@state.vt.us, or visit www.ltgov.state.vt.us