Washington, DC (May 14, 2021) – In response to the at-home connectivity inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously adopted rules for the distribution of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) on May 10. In accordance with the rules, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will administrate the ECF Program separately from the E-rate program, yet …

“This is the biggest opportunity to expand access to the internet since the internet was invented.” Virtual event (May 5, 2021) – Experts and industry insiders recently came together to discuss the ways the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the future of telehealth—and how it’s highlighted the need to expand and improve rural broadband. “Those companies that didn’t necessarily see themselves …

“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 …

If you’re a leader in your community, you’ve probably heard it all when it comes to internet problems. “My internet is too slow.” “Why do I only have one choice of internet providers.” “I’m tired of going to the fast-food place to help my kids do homework.” “Can you play this cat video for me?” Okay, that last one was …

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 …

Bowling Green, Kentucky (March 22, 2021) – A trend emerges every year when Connected Nation’s staff marks Women’s History Month—stories emerge of women who have had a huge impact on technology that we use in our everyday lives.  From the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace, to the current CEO at YouTube and one of Google’s first employees, Susan Wojcicki, women have …

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) …

House members hear expert testimony, discuss the use of telehealth in America Washington, DC (March 2, 2021) – Lawmakers today are tackling how best to leverage telehealth as part of America’s health care system post-pandemic. “This is a bipartisan issue,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA). “Expanding telehealth has been a long-standing issue that we’ve needed to address.  I think it’s …

“Providers and patients like telehealth, so let’s do our best not to mess this up.” Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2021) – U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), perhaps, understands better than anyone in Congress the positive impact last year’s expansion of telehealth services can have on a family. “Sorry, I’m a little later to the discussion, I was just on the …

House members hear expert testimony, discuss the use of telehealth in America Washington, DC (March 2, 2021) – Lawmakers today are tackling how best to leverage telehealth as part of America’s health care system post-pandemic. “This is a bipartisan issue,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA). “Expanding telehealth has been a long-standing issue that we’ve needed to address.  I think it’s …