Nacogdoches County, Texas (July 20, 2021) – The Nacogdoches County Broadband Committee has officially launched work to develop a technology action plan to expand and improve broadband (high-speed internet) access across the county. The kickoff celebration was held last night at the Nacogdoches Civic Center. The committee, working in partnership with Connected Nation Texas, is asking every resident, business, community …
Nacogdoches County set to develop Technology Action Plan for expanding internet access, improving speeds
Nacogdoches County, Texas (July 1, 2021) – The Nacogdoches County Broadband Committee invites local stakeholders and media to attend a special kickoff event on Monday, July 19, for a countywide broadband expansion effort. This work is being done in partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) and with funding from seven public and private community organizations throughout Nacogdoches County. The …
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 …
Mapping Michigan’s Digital Divide: Students research Internet access and need in rural Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI (June 9, 2021) – For the last several years, broadband access in rural areas has become a growing problem. It has been brought to the attention of many national organizations and to our state and federal governments. But how do you solve an issue of this size? You can start by raising awareness and educating the general …
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 …
Jack County committee seeks input for countywide plan to improve internet access and speeds for all
Residents, businesses, health care organizations, schools, and others asked to share details about internet access in their area Jack County, Texas (May 11, 2021) – The Jack County Broadband Committee just launched its work to develop a Technology Action Plan for the entire county. The Committee, which is made up of local stakeholders, is a working partnership with Connected Nation …
Texas should adopt a statewide comprehensive approach to tackling the Digital Divide
By Heather Gate, Vice President, Digital InclusionConnected Nation and CN Texas For most Texans, life without internet access is unimaginable. The internet has become embedded in every aspect of our daily lives—from streaming movies, working, running small businesses, attending virtual classrooms, and taking part in telehealth visits. It has become impossible to efficiently access economic opportunity and basic resources without …
How mobile technology affected the broadband industry
Bowling Green, KY (May 6, 2021) – Just when you thought nothing new could be invented in the decade of 2000, along came the iPhone in 2007. Steve Jobs knew early on that the public would prefer one device to play music, work as a camera, as well as function as a phone. By 2007 his vision was reality. The …
Statement from Connected Nation Chairman & CEO Thomas W. Ferree on President Biden’s Address to Congress
Washington, DC. (April 29, 2021) – Thomas W. Ferree, Chairman & CEO of Connected Nation, released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress last night: “We were heartened to hear President Biden reiterate his commitment to seeking $100 billion in his infrastructure plan to ensure that every American has access to robust broadband, …
Jones County reaches 85% of internet surveys targeted goal, more input needed to develop technology action plan
Local committee asks residents, public-private organizations to weigh in on internet access and speeds across Jones County Jones County, Texas (April 12, 2021) – The Jones County Broadband Committee launched its work to develop a county Technology Action Plan just two weeks ago and is already seeing a huge response—signaling that area residents and businesses want and need better broadband …