Don’t get mad about bad internet access in your community, get even.
If you’re a leader in your community, you’ve probably heard it all when it comes to internet problems.
“My internet is too slow.”
“Why do I only have one choice of internet providers.”
“I’m tired of going to the fast-food place to help my kids do homework.”
“Can you play this cat video for me?”
Okay, that last one was just us guessing. But, in the immortal words of one internet-phenom—"ain’t nobody got time for that!”
You already know you’ve got problems but what can you do about it? After all, being elected or hired for a role in leadership did not automatically make you an internet expert.
Getting angry might feel good momentarily, but it’s not the answer. Instead, try “getting even” by creating real change.
Connected Nation is empowering local and state leaders across the country to expand internet access and improve digital equity through its Connected Community Engagement program—and the national broadband leader is now inviting others to do the same.
“Many communities have struggled to connect more families, businesses, and community and government organizations—a need that became even more overwhelming and challenging during the pandemic,” said Chris Pedersen, EVP of Planning and Development, Connected Nation. “Our Connected program is a one-stop-shop that empowers leaders with the local data and actionable steps they need to make positive changes both immediately and in the long term.”
The Connected program leverages local data sets, stakeholder input, and Internet Service Provider information to develop Technology Action Plans that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of a particular area. The program is made to be customizable and scalable to meet the needs and budgets of small towns or large urban populations.
“The Connected program is the real-world application of that mission,” said Eric Frederick, VP of Community Affairs, Connected Nation. “We have helped nearly 650 communities, big and small, and we understand that, although there may be some similarities, there are no two communities that have the exact same needs. For that reason, we work with local stakeholders directly to create data-driven technology planning which informs intelligent, digital development. We listen to the community’s needs and then open up our tool kit of solutions to see how we can help.”
Improving or expanding connectivity is not something you should wait on for even one more day. For those in your community who are struggling with no or slow internet access, lack of digital skills, or affordability, it impacts everything they do from teleworking to telehealth to remote learning for kids.
Not to mention missing one of the best viral videos so far this year with the quote that will live in infamy—"I’m here live. I’m not a cat.”
Contact us and let’s talk about improving internet access and speeds for your community, town, or state.
(For the record, we aren’t cats either. But then, that’s exactly the kind of thing a cat would say.)
How we engage communities
The Connected program leverages local data sets, stakeholder input, and Internet Service Provider information to develop Technology Action Plans that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of a particular area. The program is made to be customizable and scalable to meet the needs and budgets of small towns or large urban populations.
For more information on how the Connected program can help your community or state, visit https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/.