Comanche County, Oklahoma (February 16, 2023) – Comanche County has released the results of a comprehensive broadband survey and subsequent Technology Action Plan designed to increase high-speed internet access regardless of income level. The broadband engagement is part of the Connected Community Engagement Program administered through Connected Nation and funded by The Priddy Foundation. The program empowers local leaders and …
BEAD Pitfall: Overpaying and leaving money on the table
Bowling Green, Kentucky (February 9, 2023) – In my last post, I introduced a model BEAD grant scenario — a general way to envision what will happen when states begin making Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grants to internet service providers (ISPs) starting in 2024. That version had states doing a pretty good job of getting the work done without …
Kentucky’s Governor announces 14-stop Better Internet Initiative Listening Tour
Community input will help guide investments to expand high-speed internet across the state The following release was issued by the Kentucky governor’s office on Feb. 2, 2023. FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state will host a 14-stop listening tour beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Hopkinsville as part of the ongoing Better Internet Initiative. “Access to …
Ellis County releases results of broadband survey – recommendations include securing internet access for entire county
Ellis County, Texas (January 18, 2023) – Ellis County, in partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas), has released the results of a broadband assessment survey that demonstrate a community with higher-than-average internet speeds, adoption rates, device ownership, and digital literacy skills. The results were used to develop a Technology Action Plan for the county. Of the 67.3% of respondents …
A year of living on the edge: looking over the precipice of the Digital Divide and seeing great change ahead
by Jessica Denson, Communications DirectorConnected Nation Louisville, Ky (December 13, 2022) – It’s been a year of “living on the edge” for millions of Americans trying to bridge the Digital Divide. If you saw the emails I receive weekly, sometimes daily, as the Communications Director for Connected Nation, from moms and dads, teachers, ranchers, rural residents, and others, you’d understand …
Connected Nation applauds launch of National Broadband Map as a first step toward pinpointing where broadband is lacking
Washington, DC (November 18, 2022) – Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO of Connected Nation (CN), issued the following statement regarding today’s launch of the new National Broadband Map by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): “Today’s launch of the new National Broadband Map marks a significant leap forward in our nation’s efforts to close the Digital Divide once and for all. …
Connected Nation honored with national award for “A national conversation on the Digital Divide”
Bowling Green, Ky. (November 18, 2022) – Connected Nation (CN) won top honors this month in PR Daily’s Nonprofit Communications Awards for best virtual event. The national nonprofit was recognized for producing a three-city, live event titled “20 years of connecting the nation: a national conversation on the Digital Divide” that aired across the country on November 17, 2021. “Our …
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Timeline for National High-Speed Internet Deployment
The following press release was published on November 10, 2022 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (November 10, 2022) – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration expects to communicate Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment allocation levels to eligible entities by June 30, 2023. The Biden-Harris Administration is required by law to allocate Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funds according to a formula …
Low-earth orbit satellite broadband: The state of Starlink in 2022
Bowling Green, Kentucky (June 29, 2022) – Mid-Year LEO updates really come down to a discussion related to Starlink. Starlink’s competitors are estimated to be as much as 4-5 years behind. While there continue to be discussions about partnerships and launch dates, etc., we’re a long way from a commercial product. That said, let’s look at the state of Starlink …
Economics can help state broadband leaders rise to the challenge of universal internet access
by Nathan SmithBroadband Policy Specialist, Connected Nation Bowling Green, Kentucky (June 20, 2022) – Broadband leadership at the state level barely existed ten years ago. Now, states are in the hot seat, tasked with a crucial role in brightening the economic future, not only of the internet-deficient rural areas that will need state broadband grants to catch up with the …