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 …
Texas should adopt a statewide comprehensive approach to tackling the Digital Divide
By Heather Gate, Vice President, Digital InclusionConnected Nation and CN Texas For most Texans, life without internet access is unimaginable. The internet has become embedded in every aspect of our daily lives—from streaming movies, working, running small businesses, attending virtual classrooms, and taking part in telehealth visits. It has become impossible to efficiently access economic opportunity and basic resources without …
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 …
Jones County reaches 85% of internet surveys targeted goal, more input needed to develop technology action plan
Local committee asks residents, public-private organizations to weigh in on internet access and speeds across Jones County Jones County, Texas (April 12, 2021) – The Jones County Broadband Committee launched its work to develop a county Technology Action Plan just two weeks ago and is already seeing a huge response—signaling that area residents and businesses want and need better broadband …
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 …
Connected Nation Texas’ State Program Director testifies before state lawmakers on bill to expand broadband services
State-level broadband best practices identified, shared with state House and Senate members Austin, Texas (March 24, 2021) – State Senators are considering a bipartisan bill “relating to the expansion of broadband services to certain areas.” Senate Bill 5 was joint-authored by Senators Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills), Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), and Royce West (D-Dallas). Members of 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 …
Texas lawmakers fight to bring broadband to rural areas
The following press release was issued by the office of Rep. Roger Williams on March 23, 2021. Media should contact Halee Dobbins at Halee.Dobbins@mail.house.gov. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Roger Williams (TX-25) today introduced the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act to help bring critical access to broadband to rural and low-income communities. The bill would create a $10 billion State Broadband Program …
Walker County Broadband Committee releases findings and recommendations for improving internet access, speeds
Interactive map provides residents, businesses, farmers with key data points about broadband access in their area Walker County, Texas (March 17, 2021) – The Walker County Broadband Committee just announced its findings and recommendations for improving broadband (high-speed internet) access and speeds across the county. “I’m very excited to see the process of bringing broadband internet to the rural areas …
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) …
