San Augustine County, TX (July 9, 2020) – The San Augustine County Broadband Committee, in partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas), this morning launched a local Connected Community Engagement Program. This program will help identify the challenges and opportunities for connecting more families, businesses, farmers, schools, libraries, and other community organizations to better access broadband (high-speed internet). As part …
Ohio Senators Back Legislation To Expand Broadband Internet Access
The following was published by WOSU Radio on July 7, 2020 Ohio’s U.S. Senators are calling on Congress to expand broadband around the country, noting the growing importance the internet has played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) are backing a piece of legislation that would build-up internet access in underserved areas like …
$20.4 Billion Available for Rural Broadband Expansion, First Deadline Approaching for Providers to Apply
Lansing, MI. (July 6, 2020) – Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have less than two weeks to complete a short form application to qualify for Phase 1 of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its call for short form applications on July 1; the deadline for those applications is Wednesday, July 15. “Up to …
USDA Highlights Accomplishments in Rural High-Speed Broadband Deployment Under American Broadband Initiative
The following was a press release issued by the USDA on June 25, 2020. Click here for the original release. June Progress Report Shows USDA Played Key Role in Connecting 430,000 Rural Americans, Improving Investment Data, and Cutting Red-Tape WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture joined its government partners to release a Progress Report (PDF, 337 KB) detailing …
USDA Invests $86 Million in Rural Broadband Service in Eight States
The following was a press release issued by the USDA on June 24, 2020 WASHINGTON, June 24, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $86 million in rural broadband service(PDF, 110 KB) for 17,000 people and businesses in eight states. “Access to high-speed broadband internet, or e-Connectivity, is a cornerstone of prosperity anywhere, …
ADTRAN Partners with NRTC to Equip United Cooperative Services with Next-Generation 10G for Northern Texas
The following is a press release issued by ADTRAN on May 28, 2020 Rural electric cooperative’s 10G symmetric service deployment provides leading-edge model for community broadband enablement HUNTSVILLE, AL–(May 28, 2020) ADTRAN®, Inc., (NASDAQ:ADTN), a leading provider of next-generation innovative fiber and fiber extension broadband access solutions, today announced that, through its Enabling Communities, Connecting Lives program, it is empowering United Cooperative …
How The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Today’s College Students
Bowling Green, Ky (May 8, 2020) – Communities, organizations, and businesses around the world have had to change the way they operate due to the coronavirus outbreak. One system that has changed drastically is higher education. Colleges and universities across the U.S. have closed their doors and switched to remote learning to stop the spread of COVID-19. According to CNBC, over …
Director at Michigan Public Service Commission Honored with National Broadband Visionary Award
Lansing, MI (April 28, 2020) – Connected Nation (CN) honored Robin Ancona, Director, Telecommunications Division, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today with the 2020 Broadband Visionary Award. This prestigious national award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional and innovative leadership in the application of broadband and related technologies. “Robin has worked tirelessly to find innovative solutions for connecting more families and …
USDA Reviewing Applications From 41 States to Expand Rural Broadband in Second Round of ReConnect Pilot Program
The following was a stakeholder announcement issued by the USDA on April 22, 2020 WASHINGTON, April 22, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA has received 172 applications requesting $1.57 billion in the second round of the ReConnect Pilot Program. The applications seek funding to provide or upgrade rural broadband serviceacross 41 …
Virus Highlights Gap in Michigan’s Broadband Internet Access
The following was published in Westport News on April 18, 2020 from an Associated Press article LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Stay-at-home orders adopted to slow down the coronavirus are highlighting the lack of broadband internet access faced by thousands of Michigan residents. When Wesley Clark needed a new wheelchair, his doctor spoke on the phone to explain the set-up because …