Broadband Internet in Rural Areas Is Essential

By Suzanne Bopp (August 5, 2018) Published by Syngenta As farming moves rapidly into the digital age, the need for faster, more reliable broadband access in rural areas grows. Today, broadband is truly a necessity, not a luxury. Defined by Congress as the capability that allows users to “originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics and video” services, it’s essential …

Governor’s Office Receives Grant for Statewide Broadband Mapping Project

TOPEKA (August 1, 2018)—The Information Network of Kansas (“INK”) Board of Directors has approved a $300,000 grant request by Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. to complete a Statewide Broadband Mapping project. The project, which will be undertaken by non-profit Connected Nation in partnership with the Governor’s Office, will prepare a statewide broadband map of wireline and wireless coverage. This map will …

Broadband Expansion Gains Momentum Across U.S.

Christine Book, August 01, 2018 Published by: Smart & Resilient Cities A host of states and municipalities have recently made progress on the broadband scene, moving toward increased access to high-speed internet. Surveying the country, Smart & Resilient Citiescompiled a round-up of related news stories, featuring public private partnerships from state capitals to rural counties. Virginia News from the State Capital …

Pilot Program Launched in Fort Knox Area Provides Digital Job Training for Military Spouses and Veterans

  For Immediate Release August 1, 2018   Elizabethtown, Ky. (August 1, 2018) – Connected Nation is launching its Digital Works℠ (DW) program in the Fort Knox area with a focus on helping military spouses and veterans. This one-of-a-kind job-creation program was developed specifically to meet the growing demand for online and digitally trained workers. More than 850 graduates have …

HOMETOWN USA: IS THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL ALIVE IN RURAL AMERICA?

By Gil Gullickson Published by Successful Farming on 7/20/2018 Broadband Boost is Needed: Lack of rural broadband costs rural areas big bucks. Darrington Seward, who’s a manager for the Seward & Son Planting Company in Louise, Mississippi, noted in 2016 U.S. Senate testimony that broadband disruptions during planting can lead to improper seeding prescriptions or missed planting windows. In 2016, …

Lack of high-speed internet leaves rural communities behind

Twin Lake, MI. (June 28, 2018) – A lack of reliable, speedy internet can impact several aspects of a community’s success, including access to educational and economic development opportunities, said Eric Frederick, executive director of Connect Michigan. Connect Michigan is a nonprofit that works with the Michigan Public Service Commission to track broadband access in the state. Getting people access to that infrastructure and educating them on …

Working Together to Strengthen the Lives of Rural Americans

American Farm Bureau President Joins Connected Nation Board of Directors   Bowling Green, Ky. (June 26, 2018) – American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall may lead one of the nation’s largest and most prominent nonprofits, but at heart he’s a third-generation farmer from Georgia. Duvall is someone who advocates for and understands well the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, …

State Lawmakers are in No Hurry to Bridge Ohio’s Digital Divide

(June 20, 2018) – Key to advanced tech Stu Johnson, executive director of the technology non-profit Connect Ohio, says both bills are needed. And he says the entire state needs broadband in order to take advantage of more advanced technologies. “The fact is that all of these things that we look at, whether it’s precision agriculture or autonomous vehicles or sensors …

Digital Works: Providing Hope and Economic Stability through Technology Training

Columbus, OH (June 21, 2018): On Friday, May 25, seven students graduated from Connected Nation’s Digital Works Program in Columbus, OH. Digital Works is a nationwide program that seeks to provide training in computer literacy and customer service. Once students graduate from the training, they are provided with support to find job placements with one of the 70+ employer partners …