Lexington, Ky. and Nashville, Tenn. (June 8, 2022) – The pandemic raised awareness about the millions of Americans still without adequate access to broadband (high-speed internet). As a result, federal lawmakers approved an unprecedented amount of funding to expand the nation’s current internet infrastructure particularly in rural areas. Brent Legg, who serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for …
How NTIA can best leverage its infrastructure bill programs to close the Digital Divide
Connected Nation makes recommendations to NTIA to maximize unprecedented federal investment in broadband expansion Washington, DC (February 9, 2022) – With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—also known as the “Infrastructure Bill”—last November, Congress charged the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with playing the leading role in closing America’s “Digital Divide” through partnerships with the …
USDA Invests $5.2 Billion to Build and Improve Critical Rural Infrastructure in 46 States and Puerto Rico
The following press release was published by the USDA: Funding Will Expand Access to High-Speed Internet, Clean Water and Dependable Electric Power in People’s Homes and Businesses in Rural America WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $5.2 billion to build and improve critical rural infrastructure in 46 states and …
From billions of dollars in new funding to mandatory minimum speeds, why NOW is an unprecedented time for broadband expansion in America
By Eric Frederick, Vice President, Community AffairsConnected Nation I recently looked up “how much is a billion?” It’s a difficult number to comprehend. The most common answer is that it’s a thousand million. Another answer is that a billion seconds is equivalent to 31 and a half years. It’s quite the sum. Now, try to imagine a billion times 365 …
POLICY BRIEF: The FCC Releases Report and Order for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Washington, DC (March 4, 2021) – Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to adopt a Report and Order that establishes and implements a $3.2 billion federal digital inclusion program that provides qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer or tablet. The temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) …
VIDEO: Navigating and Applying for Funding Earmarked for Rural Broadband Expansion
Athens, OH (February 25, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking applications for the second round of funding for rural broadband expansion through its $550 million ReConnect Program. Ohio University and Connected Nation Ohio hosted a webinar yesterday to help you understand how this program can help connect more residents, businesses, and communities in your area. It features a …
POLICY BRIEF: An Update to Broadband Funding in Michigan
Lansing, MI. (September 24,2019) – This month, Connected Nation’s Michigan team and Policy staff worked to summarize federal funding for the State of Michigan by looking at the various programs impacting broadband deployment over the next decade. The FCC’s Connect America Fund subsidy programs, as well as USDA’s ReConnect Program will invest millions of dollars to expand access for unserved …
FCC Authorizes Second Wave of Funding for Rural Broadband From Connect America Fund Auction
The following press release was issued on the Federal Communications Commission’s website on June 10, 2019 Media Contact: Chelsea Fallon, (202) 418-7991 chelsea.fallon@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC AUTHORIZES SECOND WAVE OF FUNDING FOR RURAL BROADBAND FROM CONNECT AMERICA FUND AUCTION Another Round of Funding Starts This Month for Broadband Buildout in Rural Communities in 22 States — WASHINGTON, June 10, …
Nancy Hoffman: Rural Minnesota needs full broadband funding
Published by Winona Daily News on May 1st, 2019 When it comes to broadband funding, Minnesota elected leaders deserve credit for recognizing that access to opportunity is not universal — even if talent in our state is. Since 2014, the state has appropriated $85 million to local internet providers through the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, to speed the pace toward …
Minnesota Representative Advocates for Broadband
The following was published in the Echo Journal on March 25, 2019 by Rep. Sandy Layman This session, I’m privileged to serve on the Greater Minnesota Jobs and Economic Development Finance Division. This assignment provides me the opportunity to advocate for infrastructure and other improvements to continue developing the economies in our area and other rural parts of the state. One …