Honoring Black History Month By Jessica Denson, Communications DirectorConnected Nation 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 mission as a national nonprofit is …
Local committees work to expand broadband access, improve internet speeds across three area counties
Residents, businesses, community organizations input needed to develop regional technology action plans (December 3, 2020) – Lapeer, Sanilac, and St. Clair Counties are right now working to develop county-specific Technology Action Plans. Broadband committees made up of local stakeholders from each county are focused on finding solutions for improving internet connectivity across the region. But they need help from local …
Michigan receives $10.3 million for rural broadband
The following was published in the Michigan Farmer on November 9, 2020 In the second round of funding through USDA’s ReConnect Program, Michigan has been awarded $10.3 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in southwest and northeast Michigan. “The need for rural broadband has never been more apparent than it is now — as our …
Sanilac County Broadband Committee Seeks Your Input to Improve Internet Access and Speeds Across County Access
Sanilac County, MI (October 26, 2020) – The Sanilac County Broadband Committee just launched a new initiative to help expand and improve high-speed internet access for all county residents, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. “For the last year, the Sanilac Board of Commissioners have discussed a county-driven initiative for reliable internet in Sanilac,” said Joel Wyatt, Vice Chairman …
How’s Your Internet Connection? Lapeer County Launches New Effort to Expand Broadband Access
Lapeer County, MI (October 9, 2020) – The Lapeer County Broadband Committee launched a new initiative today to help expand and improve high-speed internet access for all county residents, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. “We must take immediate action to provide more families and businesses with access to the critical resources and information they need,” said Quentin Bishop, …
Healthcare From Anywhere
The coronavirus pandemic took the need for telehealth from a “luxury” to a necessity. But, for many, there are challenges and untapped opportunities for accessing this important technology. Connected Nation Michigan (CN Michigan) released a comprehensive telehealth study just days before COVID-19 closures. As part of this work, Connected Nation is hosting a five-part webinar series examining the transformative impact …
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 …
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 …
FCC Chairman Launches the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, Here’s What He’s Asking Providers to Do
The following press release was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 13, 2020 Pai Calls on Broadband and Telephone Service Providers to Promote Connectivity for Americans Impacted by the Disruptions Caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic WASHINGTON, March 13, 2020—Yesterday, in multiple phone calls with broadband and telephone service providers and trade associations, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit …
USDA Extends ReConnect Application Deadline to March 31
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2020 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand announced USDA has extended the deadline (PDF, 245 KB) for ReConnect Pilot Program applications to March 31. “By extending the ReConnect Program application deadline, we are helping even more qualified organizations access the essential funding to make high-speed broadband connectivity a …
