Bills signed by Gov. Abbott provide new approach to closing the Digital Divide across Texas

An estimated 877,000 Texans do not have access to broadband at home Austin, Texas (June 22, 2021) – Gov. Greg Abbott last week signed HB 5 and SB 507, along with several other broadband-related bills. Each measure establishes new approaches to expanding broadband (high-speed internet) access, adoption, and use across Texas. “Each piece of legislation tackles the need for better …

FCC announces new outreach to collect consumer broadband availability experiences

The following is a press release issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 22, 2021 Learn more about the agency’s broadband data collection efforts here. Seeks Input from Consumers to Share Stories About Disparities in Access to Broadband to Inform Broadband Data Collection WASHINGTON, March 22, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today announced it will begin collecting first-hand accounts …

Wham! Connected Nation’s greatest hits of 2020

By Jessica Denson, Communications DirectorConnected Nation Bowling Green, KY (December 14, 2020) – Every year, during the holidays, my friends circulate this ridiculous challenge — try not to be “Whammed!” Basically, the person who goes the longest without hearing the original version of “Last Christmas” by Wham! wins. We’re not the only ones. The challenge is so popular that it …

URISA Leaders Recognized at GIS-Pro 2020

The following press release was published on October 12, 2020, by URISA Nearly 500 GIS professionals recently convened virtually for GIS-Pro 2020. A number of URISA leaders were recognized for their volunteer service during the conference. We also recognized Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Award winners who were announced in August. We congratulate and thank all honorees for their amazing contributions to the community! Leadership …

POLICY BRIEF: Aligning the FCC’s Digital Opportunity Data Collection with the Broadband DATA Act

In July, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) voted to adopt a Second Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sets in motion the rollout of Form 477 modernization and paves the way for better broadband mapping and data from the Commission. As reported in a previous Connected Nation Policy Brief, in 2019 the Commission approved a …

Lessons Learned in GIS Strategic Planning

Louisville, Ky (April 17, 2020) – While an organization can’t plan for everything, not planning for anything is a disservice to the organization and stakeholders. Strong organizations—especially ones that use an ever-evolving technology such as GIS (geographic information systems, or location intelligence)—continually plan for future developments and updates to their current product offerings. Furthermore, strategic planning like this is essential to …

FCC Chairman Launches the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, Here’s What He’s Asking Providers to Do

The following press release was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 13, 2020 Pai Calls on Broadband and Telephone Service Providers to Promote Connectivity for Americans Impacted by the Disruptions Caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic WASHINGTON, March 13, 2020—Yesterday, in multiple phone calls with broadband and telephone service providers and trade associations, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit …