Eaton County, Michigan (September 1, 2021) – The Eaton County Broadband Communication Council just launched a new effort to expand and improve high-speed internet access across Eaton County. A kickoff summit was held today in the Board of Commissioners Room at the Eaton County Courthouse, with attendees representing a wide range of local government, economic development, business, education, and other …
It’s time for a full-color approach to solving the nation’s broadband problem
As the pandemic recedes, we’ve learned that universal access to the online world, through broadband service, is essential for participation in modern American life. The urgency to create full broadband coverage echoes past programs to develop nationwide networks for electricity, telephone, and interstate highways. Each of those ushered in major changes and improvements in communities across the country. Broadband is …
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 …
Connected Nation applauds Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as it officially opens to US families, individuals
The FCC-administered program provides discounts on internet service and related equipment to eligible households Bowling Green, Ky. (May 12, 2021) – Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially opened enrollment for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to qualifying applicants. “Millions of Americans are still struggling with everything from remote work to distance learning to telehealth simply because they …
Building a bridge to broadband for K-12 students
“Closing the homework gap depends on good data. This program is the first step in that effort.” San Francisco, California (April 13, 2021) – Early in the pandemic, as teachers struggled to move all instruction online, school districts were scrambling to figure out just how many kids were not connected to broadband (high-speed internet) at home. That challenge led to …
The pandemic’s impact on health care, broadband access and what it means for the future of telehealth
The April event is free to the public and will include an opportunity for Q&A with industry insiders and decision makers #CNtelehealth Virtual Event – (April 5, 2021) – The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sudden and unexpected surge in telehealth usage across the country. This forced both patients, providers, and policymakers to rethink when and how to use the …
Policy Brief: The American Rescue Plan and its impact on broadband
On March 11, Congress passed the latest COVID-relief package, called the American Rescue Plan, to the tune of $1.9 trillion. In it, broadband is propped up as a major player, with schools, rural communities, and other entities positioned to see major upgrades to their connectivity and technology needs. Since the pandemic began a year ago, the increased need for connectivity …
Tuscola County is asking for your input on where internet connectivity, speeds need improvement in the county
Make sure your area is part of the plan. Fill out the broadband survey being used to develop internet plans for the entire county Tuscola County, Michigan (March 17, 2021) – The Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation is urging county residents, businesses, and other organizations to participate in an important survey intended to help expand and improve high-speed internet access …
POLICY BRIEF: The FCC Releases Report and Order for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Washington, DC (March 4, 2021) – Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to adopt a Report and Order that establishes and implements a $3.2 billion federal digital inclusion program that provides qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer or tablet. The temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) …
DATA: African Americans are less likely to have broadband at home
Honoring Black History Month By Jessica Denson, Communications DirectorConnected Nation Bowling Green, (February 15, 2021) – This month, Connected Nation, like many groups and individuals around the country, is taking time to mark Black History Month. It is a time to not only celebrate Black history makers but also to examine critical issues that impact African American communities. Connected Nation’s …
