Gov. Robert Bentley has created a new Office of Broadband Development to push the spread of high-speed Internet across the state. The governor created the office by executive order Thursday.

"Broadband development is critical in Alabama's continued economic growth," Bentley said in a statement, "and I am confident that this newly created office will help us in reaching statewide goals in the areas of public safety, healthcare, education, e-Government, agriculture, tourism, economic development and more."

The Federal Communications Commission defines "broadband" as high-speed Internet access "that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access." It includes Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite and broadband over powerlines (BPL).