ReConnect Program Receives 53 Applications Worth $635M for Rural Broadband Loan/Grant Funding

Published by Telecompetitor on June 26, 2019 By Phil Britt U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development received 53 applications requesting more than $635 million in loan-grant combination funding in the first round of the USDA ReConnect Pilot Program, the USDA announced this week. The USDA made $200 million available for loan-grant combination projects in the first round of funding. …

InnovateOhio, ODOT Announce Steps to Expand Broadband Access

The following release was issued by the Ohio governor’s office  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 20, 2019 MEDIA CONTACTS: Brooke Ebersole: 614-995-1815 Erica Hawkins: 614-387-0834 (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—The DeWine-Husted Administration, through InnovateOhio, today announced the release of a Request for Information (RFI) in an exploratory effort to improve broadband access to people across the state. “Lack of access to high-speed internet can …

Broadband Trends and Impacts in Ohio

Columbus, OH. (July 2017) – Connect Ohio, a subsidiary of Connected Nation, just released its latest findings on broadband trends and their impact on the Buckeye State. The study finds that while more Ohioans have computers, many adults still lack the digital skills needed to be competitive. “Developing the digital workforce skills that employers require can be essential to finding …

From One Parent to Another: The Challenge of Protecting Kids While Online

Bowling Green, KY. (June 19, 2019) – It is often said that parenting is the toughest job. Every child has different tendencies, interests, temperaments, and personality characteristics. So, there is no set parenting playbook that will ensure kids make good decisions when we are watching—much less when we aren’t. Challenges evolve over time as there are changes in trends and …

An Increased Federal Focus on Ubiquitous Broadband

Washington, D.C. (June 14, 2019) –  This quarter has seen a flurry of broadband legislation and programs aimed at increasing high-speed internet access and adoption across the country. Our policy team tracks these developments closely as we work to get broadband deployed in even the most unserved of communities. Below are just a few of the items we are following: …

Eleven Years and Counting: The UN Goal to Connect Every Adult in the World by 2030

Yep…We Said “World” by Jessica Denson Director of Communications, Connected Nation (June 13, 2019) – The straightforward title of a new United Nations report, The Age of Digital Interdependence Report, perhaps says it all: People no longer just want access to a digital world, they need it. That is especially true for vulnerable populations that could benefit in immediate and …

Accelerating the Deployment of High-Speed Internet Access

FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee Meeting Held Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2019) – The Federal Communications Commission is taking steps to accelerate the deployment of broadband to more communities. Today, the re-chartered Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC) is meeting in Washington, D.C. Members of the committee include representatives from providers, nonprofits, and government associations. Connected Nation Chairman & CEO, Tom Ferree, …

CAPITO, KLOBUCHAR LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY PASSES SENATE

The following press release was issued on Sen. Shelley Moore Capito’s website on June 6, 2019  Update: As of June 10, 2019, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  Click here to the follow the latest on this bill. Bipartisan bill would call for a study of the effects of broadband deployment, adoption on the U.S. …