Coronavirus Response and Resources
Connected Nation has worked for two decades to find solutions for connecting all communities to high-speed internet. Now, thanks to the pandemic, the need for better internet access has gone from an important issue to a critical one.
On this page, you’ll find resources and tips that Connected Nation's staff and partners put together to help YOU navigate a more digital world. That includes step-by-step Covid-19 Response Plans for community and state leaders. (See buttons to left).
If you have questions or are looking for additional information, please email us at info@connectednation.org.
Critical Resources
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), overseen by the FCC , provides funds for broadband service and devices for eligible households. Learn more here.
From protecting your privacy to improving your diagnosis, get the facts about telehealth here
The USDA is taking immediate measures to help rural communities. This is a list of the resources the agency is providing.
If you or someone you know does not have internet access or needs devices, there is more help available. You can find a list of resources by clicking here.
Click here for a list of federal resources for small businesses.
Latest News
Broadband access, telehealth, and the challenge of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine
Acting FCC Chairwoman says ISPs are flocking to 'historic' broadband subsidy effort
PODCAST: report on Digital Isolation among older Americans released
Emergency Broadband Benefit provides funds for services and devices for eligible households
Telemedicine shines in Northern Michigan healthcare
PODCAST: Gov. Jeb Bush on How We Can Finally Close the Digital Divide
During coronavirus, high-speed internet is a lifesaver—that millions lack. Our CEO on why millions of Americans are struggling and what's being done about it
TELEHEALTH
The White House announced new telehealth initiatives including expanding Medicare immediately to cover telemedicine. Click here to download a fact sheet with commonly asked question. Call your doctor's office if you have additional questions.
Get the facts about telehealth: https://connectednation.org/telehealth/
Latest telehealth news:
- The FCC Approves More Telehealth Funding for COVID in 45 States
- Senate Committee Weighs the Benefits of Ongoing Telehealth Support
- Why the Challenges of Telehealth Are Not Just About Access
- This is Who Qualifies for Telehealth Program Funding
- Federal Telemedicine News shares key findings from CN Michigan rural telehealth study to expand telehealth to more people
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Telemedicine from AARP
- Spectrum Health Offers Free Coronavirus Virtual Screenings; here's how the phone screenings work.
TELEWORK (WORKING-FROM-HOME)
Report: Why Working From Home May Be a Keeper
PODCAST: Helping People Get Legitimate Online Jobs During COVID-19
Working from Home: 10 Apps to Keep You Productive!
Got slow speeds or no internet connection at all? These tips can help you improve your connection.
WHO LACKS BROADBAND?
18.3 million Americans
45% of low income families
17.2% of rural residents
16.9 million school-aged children
FREE ONLINE TRAINING, RESOURCES, AND APPLICATIONS
Connected Nation (CN) recognizes that not everyone is “savvy” when it comes to online communication. That’s why CN is providing some FREE resources for online training to help senior citizens and others in need of assistance as they navigate a world that's rapidly becoming almost completely digital.
Tips for improving your internet speeds:
- Check out this easy-to-follow guide from Broadband Savvy
- Additional tips from Connected Nation's experts
You can find these resources on our Drive website at https://www.driveyourlearning.org/. Below are some of the most-commonly used training resources from the website:
- Introduction to Email - https://www.driveyourlearning.org/courses/introductiontoemail.html
- Introduction to the Internet - https://www.driveyourlearning.org/courses/introductiontotheinternet.html
- Internet Safety - https://www.driveyourlearning.org/courses/internetsafety.html
Other Resources and Applications:
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Emergency Broadband Benefit, overseen by the FCC , provides funds for broadband service and devices for eligible households. Learn more here.
USTelecom, the Broadband Association, shared these 5 tips for staying connected
The Federal Communications Commission asked ISP's to take the Keep America Connected pledge. Click here to see a summary page detailing the responses from carriers.
- Charter Communications Pledges to Keep Americans Connected
- What these telecom companies are doing to insure connectivity during COVID-19 pandemic
- Comcast announces comprehensive COVID-19 response to keep Americans connected at home
- More carriers suspend internet data caps during coronavirus
- AT&T updates COVID-19 response, this is what customers should know
- AT&T is suspending broadband data caps during the coronavirus crisis
- Verizon’s networks stand ready for increases in data traffic
Got slow speeds or no internet connection at all? These tips can help you improve your connection.
SCHOOL AND PARENT RESOURCES
Some 15% of U.S. households with school-age children do not have a high-speed internet connection at home, according to a previously published Pew Research Center analysis. Connected Nation has long recognized the need to connect every student and classroom in the United States.
PROGRAM ALERT: AT&T is partnering with Connected Nation to help more students and teachers connect for remote learning. This is a $10 million commitment.
Internet Options:
- Mobile internet offers
- Home internet offers
- Internet options for students on low income
- Find Low Cost Internet Service
Resources:
- "Bridge to Broadband" Low-cost Services
- Digital Bridge K-12 Home Access Needs Assessment Playbook
- AT&T creates $10 million fund to support parents, teachers, and students during school closures
- Scholastic releases free daily courses for kids stuck home amid coronavirus school closures
- Teaching remotely – based on grade level
CONNECTING ALL AMERICANS
Some federal agencies are tasked with expanding broadband (high-speed internet) access to all Americans, especially in rural areas which are disproportionately disconnected. This is some of the latest news impacting that effort:
- FCC Chairman extends Keep Americans Connected Pledge Through June 30
- Texas providers respond to COVID-19, here's what they've agreed to do
- Michigan providers take action following the FCC pledge
- FCC Chairman launches the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Here’s what he’s asking providers to do
- USDA extends ReConnect application deadline to March 31
- Connected Nation Praises Final Passage of the Broadband DATA Act
TRACKING AND UNDERSTANDING THE SPREAD
USA Today answered tons of questions from the public about coronavirus. These are the answers.
Johns Hopkins University is tracking the spread of the coronavirus around the world, including in the U.S. See the below map for the very latest.(link)