Bowling Green, Ky. (May  20, 2019) – Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, Connected Nation, was named to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) re-chartered Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC). The committee’s mission will be to make recommendations on how to accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet access. “I’m honored to be named among the distinguished professionals who are taking part in …
The Last Mile Solution
How two ranchers became the top internet providers of their small town by Jessica Denson Director of Communications, Connected Nation UPDATE (November 8, 2019):  HC Wireless recently connected its 500th customer. The company also is now installing two towers in Blanco, Texas so the McCulloughs can start taking care of that market. Johnson City, TX (May 16, 2019) – Ginger and …
From Georgia to Minnesota: State Lawmakers are Taking Bipartisan Action for Rural Broadband
by Jessica Denson Director of Communications, Connected Nation Bowling Green, KY (May 2, 2019) – Federal legislators have taken action in recent months to begin expansion of rural broadband across the U.S. But, many state lawmakers are not waiting for federal funding to come through before taking steps of their own. The number of states passing or introducing bills to …
Rural Broadband Funding: Applications Open, Planning for Investment
Bowling Green, KY (April 25, 2019) – The USDA recently extended the deadline for grant applications to its ReConnect Rural Broadband Pilot Program. Now, the agency is taking online applications. The program is focused on efforts that will expand broadband in rural America. The first round of applications are now due on May 31. In this first round of funding, USDA …
Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Unanimously Approved
Des Moines, IA (April 25, 2019) – The Iowa legislature this week passed the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative (HF 772). This important piece of legislation will, among other things, focus on expanding rural broadband across the state. According to the southernminn.com, it sets new standards for rural broadband and updates 2014 service maps to reflect new installations. Connected Nation applauds this …
Connected Nation Places Sixth Among Best Places to Work in Kentucky
Bowling Green, Ky. (April 24, 2019) – Connected Nation, Inc. (CN) has once again been named among the Best Places to Work in Kentucky—placing 6th in the small companies category. This is the 8th year the nonprofit has received the distinction which is awarded through the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “To be named in the top ten among the Best …
Speak Your Piece: Digital Parity Will Help Rural Turn the Corner Economically
Published by Daily Yonder on April 18th, 2019 By Roberto Gallardo I would like to share a different perspective of what seems to be a growing narrative on a decaying rural America and giving up on it. Not long ago, Eduardo Porter argued this view on his December 14th 2018 piece while Paul Krugman’s did the same on his March …
Digital Works Graduate Celebrates One Year Milestone
Columbus, OH. (April 16th, 2019) – Crystal Amesquita has come a long way since April of 2018. She just marked one year at her job – the longest she’s ever had a full-time position. “With this opportunity I have become the supportive mother I have always wanted to be,” said Amesquita. Last year Crystal was introduced to Connected Nation’s Digital …
FCC to hold big 5G auction, spend $20B for rural internet
Published by AP News on April 12th, 2019 By Tali Arbel NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. government will hold a massive auction to bolster 5G service , the next generation of mobile networks, and plans to spend $20 billion to expand broadband access in rural areas. 5G will mean faster wireless speeds and has implications for technologies like self-driving …
State allows electric co-ops to sell broadband
Published by The Union Recorder on March 3rd, 2019 By Jill Nolin CNHI State Reporter  ATLANTA – State lawmakers agreed to give electric cooperatives a shot at providing high-speed internet service in rural Georgia, signing off on a proposal Tuesday after three years of debate. The state’s 41 electric membership corporations will be given the authority to provide broadband service, …