The following was published in Federal Telemedicine News on April 20, 2020 by Carolyn Bloch Connected Nation Michigan https://connectednation.org/Michigan recently released a 6 month study in partnership with AARP and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund examining the use and perception of telehealth in 5 counties in rural Michigan. The study “Healthcare from Anywhere: Telehealth Use & Perceptions in Rural Michigan” concentrated on …
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 …
Why is Rural Broadband Essential?
Published by BLINQ Networks on April 16, 2020. Day after day, broadband internet access is proving indispensable for day-to-day activities. As we continue to practice social distancing, our internet access is shaping our reality and defining our access to essential services, products, and even income. It is undeniable that the urban areas were more prepared for this abrupt shift to …
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 …
Cut off: Coronavirus pandemic worsens hardship for thousands of Lansing area residents without internet
“It’s not a want to have. It’s a need to have. It’s sad that it took a virus to make people see that.” ~Eric Frederick, Executive Director, Connected Nation Michigan The following story was published in the Lansing State Journal on April 14, 2020 by Sarah Lehr Wesley Clark, 84, needed a new wheelchair. His doctor wanted to explain via …
Take Basic Steps to Protect Yourself Online
This is the first of a series of guest blogs Connected Nation will be posting from CN alumni Dr. Michael Ramage. This series will focus on various facets of cybersecurity and things you can do to help protect your information in a connected world. Bowing Green, Ky (April 15, 2020) – All internet users face security risks. For some, those risks …
Resources and Solutions to Providing Connectivity for Those Stuck in the Digital Divide
Virtual (April 8, 2020) – Coronavirus has changed how Americans work and learn—but for millions of families and individuals, that change means being unable to access the critical resources they desperately need. Connected Nation (CN) is a national nonprofit based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, that has advocated for improving access to broadband (high-speed internet) for nearly two decades—and it has …
Policy Brief: FCC Extends E-Rate Deadlines Due to COVID-19
Washington, DC (April 2, 2020) – Yesterday, the FCC voted to adopt an Order extending E-Rate Program deadlines in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on schools and libraries across the country. The FCC stated that “to provide relief to E-Rate program participants affected by this unprecedented national pandemic, we temporarily waive and extend several E-Rate filing and …
USDA Extends ReConnect Application Deadline to April 15
The following press release is from the USDA on March 30, 2020. WASHINGTON, March 30, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has extended the deadline for ReConnect Pilot Program applications to April 15. “In light of the COVID-19 National Emergency, USDA is extending the application deadline for …
Connecting America during the Coronavirus: Stimulus Bill Provides Some Funding to Expand Access
Washington, DC (March 26, 2020) – The Senate unanimously passed late last night a $2 trillion stimulus bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The House is set to vote on the bill Friday, March 27. This historic legislation provides funding for individuals, couples, and families. It also provides some relief for those who are working and learning from home …
