NTIA Updates State Leaders on National Broadband Availability Map Progress
Tue, October 27, 2020In mid-September, BroadbandUSA’s State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN) held its semiannual Summit to discuss broadband issues and policy at the state level. NTIA provided an update on its National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM) and introduced BroadbandUSA’s new State Broadband Mapping Cohort.
The NBAM is a powerful, flexible, and secure geographic information system (GIS) platform for the visualization and comparison of federal, state, and commercially available broadband data sets to better inform broadband projects and funding decisions. NBAM’s partners include 22 states as well as USDA, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. During the presentation, NTIA showcased the wide variety of available datasets and highlighted how NBAM users can harness this data. For example, comparing Ookla crowd sourced speed test data with the FCC Form 477 Broadband Deployment Data allows users to highlight potential gaps in broadband availability.
To further ensure that the views of the states are incorporated as NTIA’s broadband mapping platform evolves, the SBLN and NBAM teams introduced BroadbandUSA’s State Broadband Mapping Cohort. At monthly meetings of this cohort, NBAM users will be able to hone their knowledge of the platform through webinars with interactive training tutorials. The meetings will provide “hands-on” support with NBAM tools and data analysis that can be used for policymaking and funding decisions at the state level. These meetings also will offer opportunities to share best practices and resources related to broadband data and mapping.
To find out if your state is participating in the NBAM consult the updated NBAM section of the BroadbandUSA website. To learn how to participate in the NBAM effort or find information on the upcoming State Broadband Mapping Cohort, please email NBAM@ntia.gov.
Resources
BroadbandUSA Federal Interagency Work
Thu, September 10, 2020
NTIA is the Executive Branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. As part of this mission, the agency coordinates work across federal agencies to promote awareness of federal support for broadband investment and digital inclusion programs, regional cooperation among federal efforts on broadband, and collect and share information with communities about available federal resources for these efforts. To this end, the BroadbandUSA website serves as a one-stop shop for information regarding federal permitting and funding resources across agencies.
American Broadband Initiative (ABI)
NTIA serves on the Executive Leadership Team of the American Broadband Initiative (ABI). The Initiative expands on the work of the Broadband Interagency Working Group. The ABI drives change across federal agencies to better leverage public assets and resources to expand our nation's broadband capacity. This mission is built on three core principles:
- Government processes should be clear, transparent, and responsive to stakeholders.
- Federal assets should provide the greatest possible benefit to stakeholders and the public.
- The federal government should be a good steward of taxpayer funds.
More than 25 agencies participate in the Initiative. On February 13, 2019, the Initiative was launched with the release of a Milestones Report, outlining agency commitments. On June 25, 2020, the Initiative released a Progress Report detailing its progress, including accomplishments across government to remove regulatory barriers to broadband deployment, leverage federal assets for broadband expansion, and maximize the impact of federal broadband funding.
ABI Workstreams and Progress Report Resources:
- Streamline Federal Permitting
- Leverage Federal Assets for Broadband Deployment
- Maximize the Impact of Federal Funding
Federal Funding
NTIA helps connect local and state governments to federal funding opportunities. BroadbandUSA's "one-stop" funding site is updated annually and provides information on how to access federal funding to support broadband planning, public access, digital inclusion, and deployment projects.
Federal Permitting
NTIA updates its website with information about federal agency permitting processes to provide easier, "one-stop" access to the information. As of July 2020, updates included information about agency fees associated with permitting infrastructure on federal lands, information about Department of Energy permitting processes, and permitting process improvements made by the Department of Defense.
News
BroadbandUSA Newsletter September 2020
Tue, September 01, 2020Vol 5 | Issue 9 | August 2020
Download PDF version here.
To sign up for BroadbandUSA’s newsletter, email broadbandusa@ntia.gov.
Policy Corner: NTIA Seeks Input on Internet Use Survey
By Adam Candeub, Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
For a quarter century, NTIA has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to collect data on how Americans use the Internet. We reeased our most recent data from the Internet Use Survey in June. These data reflect a snapshot of Internet habits from November 2019, right before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Internet Use Survey is a powerful tool accessible to anyone passionate about Internet policy, digital inclusion, and closing the digital divide. To make this tool even better, NTIA is seeking your input. We all know how quickly the digital environment changes. Are there questions we ask in our survey that are no longer relevant? Are there are some new questions we need to be asking? To learn more about the survey data, and to add your comments, read our blog post. As always, everyone at NTIA appreciates your help and welcomes your expertise.
Broadband News and Updates
Federal News
FCC:Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) Extends Lifeline Program Waivers Due to COVID-19
USDA: USDA continues to make award announcements of its CARES Act ReConnect funds
HUD: HUD’s ConnectHomeUSA program opened the application for its last round of its community cohort
State News
How States Use Broadband Surveys to Fight for Better Funding
Alaska: Alaska Communications Broadband Expansion is State’s Largest, Thanks in Part to CAF II
Arizona: Arizona Transportation Officials Seek Guidance on Broadband
Hawaii: Hawaii Launches Four-Year, $6 Million Connected Vehicle Pilot Project
·Illinois:Illinois Addresses the Digital Divide
Indiana: High-Speed Internet to Come to Rural Indiana Via Blimp
Kansas: Kansas’ State Finance Council OKs $60M in Grants for Broadband Boost
Kentucky: As Remote Learning Continues, Leaders Say Kentucky Needs a 'New Deal' for Internet Access
Maine:Recent survey shows disparities in broadband access in Maine
Michigan: Michigan Self-Driving Vehicle Corridor Aims to Lead Nation
Minnesota: Walz appoints new broadband director; doubles down on state’s commitment
Mississippi: Mississippi, lagging in high speed internet, uses pandemic relief funds to expand access
New Mexico: New Mexico Lawmakers Examine Broadband Expansion Strategies
North Carolina: Pandemic highlights need to take state's broadband internet survey
Ohio: Ohio Drops 50% Match Requirement for School Districts to Access Broadband Funding
Pennsylvania: Broadband Access, Computer Use, and Labor Market Attachment in Philadelphia
South Carolina: South Carolina Works on Temporary Broadband for Families
Vermont: Vermont gets $4.4 million in northern border grants to 14 communities
Washington: WA State Broadband Office wants your help mapping statewide internet access
Wyoming: Gov. Gordon and Business Council Use CARES Act to Expand Broadband to Address COVID-19 Impacts
Digital Inclusion
San Antonio Will Leverage Traffic Lights to Expand Fiber Network for Students
Chattanooga Uses Smart City Network to Give Students Free Internet Access
California County Donates $7.1M to Close Tech, Digital Divide
Local
Cities Are Upgrading Their Council Meetings for Remote Participation
'Smart Cities for Dummies' Plots a Course to a Prosperous Future
Tucson Is Expanding Free, Public Wi-Fi to Areas Most Impacted By Pandemic
Four 'Georgia Smart' Challenge Winners Target Traffic, Social Equity
The Great Broadband Divide: Living Without High-Speed Internet Access
Public Safety/FirstNet
Alachua County Fire and Rescue Uses FirstNet in Everyday Operations
Airgain Targets Launch of New HPUE Antenna Platform for FirstNet by the End of Year
General News
Workshop: How Does E-rate Handle Remote Learning? (Virtual Workshop)
Research Report: Broadband and Job Productivity – What Matters?
Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives Proposed to Link Minority Communities
High-Speed Internet Offers Key Connection to Health, But Millions Lack It
NTIA Events
September 16, 2020
BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
Topic: Smart Agriculture: Driving Innovation in Rural America
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Farmers and ranchers use smart technologies to improve yields, reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and improve decision making. Join BroadbandUSA on September 16, 2020, to take a deep dive into the technologies being implemented to further theseprecision agriculture techniques. Speakers will also provide an update on the Precision Ag Connectivity Taskforce, co-chaired by USDA and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as an overview of the latest innovations from the Global Cities Team Challenge Smart Agriculture and Rural SuperCluster, which encourages collaboration on innovative agriculture tech and rural projects.
Speakers:
Chad Rupe, Administrator, Rural Utility Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dennis Buckmaster, Dean’s Fellow for Digital Agriculture, Professor of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, Purdue University; Co-Chair, GCTC Smart Agriculture Rural SuperCluster
Megan Nelson, Economic Analyst, American Farm Bureau Federation
Visit our Webinar Archives for past presentations, transcripts and audio recordings.
News
BroadbandUSA Newsletter August 2020
Mon, August 03, 2020Vol 5 | Issue 8 | August 2020
Download PDF version here.
To sign up for BroadbandUSA’s newsletter, email broadbandusa@ntia.gov.
Policy Corner: NTIA’s National Broadband Availability Map Hits New Milestones
By Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator performing the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
I am excited to report on the continued growth of our National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM). As it currently stands, 22 states are partnering with NTIA to bring extensive data visualization and analytics tools to bare in the fight to fill in the digital divide. Indiana, Georgia, Wyoming, and Washington State join the other 18 participating states that have announced since the launch of the NBAM. The NBAM combines federal, state, and private data to better inform broadband projects and funding decisions. To learn more about the project and to see if your state is among those participating, visit the NBAM page on our BroadbandUSA website.
Broadband News and Updates
Federal News
USDA: Trump Administration Invests $86 Million in Rural Broadband Service in Eight States
Interior: 2020 National Tribal Broadband Virtual Summit September 21-25 Pre-Registration is Now Open
Call For Presentations for Creative Connections Tribal Summit
Branch of Geospatial Support Update
State News
Alaska: Alaska Communications Broadband Expansion is State’s Largest, Thanks in Part to CAF II
Idaho:Idaho Commerce Announces Broadband Grant Review Committee
Iowa:Notice of Funding Availability #003 - Federally-Funded Opportunity
Maine:Mainers Vote Overwhelmingly Approve Broadband, Transportation Bonds
Missouri:Missouri Announces $50 Million Program for Broadband Expansion, Including Telehealth
New Jersey:Governor Murphy Unveils Plan to Address Digital Divide Ahead of 2020-2021 School Year
New York: Niagara, Orleans Counties Expanding Wi-Fi Hotspots
Ohio: Ohio Advances Plan for First State Broadband Grant Program
Pennsylvania:Rural Broadband Tops Pennsylvania Legislative Agenda
South Dakota:South Dakota Gains Ground on Better Broadband
Washington:$18 Million Available to Bring Broadband to Unserved Washington Communities
Wisconsin:Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force on Broadband Access
Digital Inclusion
Local
Pennsylvania County Uses Federal COVID Funding for Broadband
Schools Get $50 Million More in Emergency Funding to Help Close ‘Digital Divide’
Broadband Authority Announces Phased Countywide Connection Plan
Public Safety/FirstNet
The First Responder Network Authority Technology Domain: User Experience
How Peer-to-Peer Texting Could Play a Role in Disaster and Pandemic Response
The FirstNet Network Expands Across New Jersey, Advances Public Safety Communications Capabilities
General News
The Digital Divide and the Pandemic: Working from Home and Broadband and Internet Access
Senators Move to Boost State and Local Cybersecurity As Part of Annual Defense Bill
Facebook Built a New Fiber-Spinning Robot to Make Internet Service Cheaper
NASCIO Renews Call for IT and Cybersecurity Aid to States in Pandemic Relief Bill
NTIA Events
BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
BroadbandUSA will not be hosting a webinar in August. The next webinar will be on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 2 pm ET. Stay tuned for more information!
Visit our Webinar Archives for past presentations, transcripts and audio recordings.
Contact Us. If you are interested in receiving technical assistance, please email broadbandusa@ntia.gov or call 202-482-2048. For more information, visit our website at broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov.
Blog
National Broadband Availability Map Adds Indiana and Georgia
Thu, July 23, 2020NTIA’s National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM) has added Indiana and Georgia to its growing roster of participants. These additions closely follow the incorporation of Wyoming and Washington State to the broadband platform earlier this month. To date, NBAM includes 22 states.
The NBAM is a geographic information system platform which allows for the visualization and analysis of federal, state, and commercially available data sets. This includes data from the Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Census Bureau, Universal Service Administrative Company, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ookla, Measurement Lab, and the state governments. The mapping platform provides users, including administrators from the 22 participating states, with access to the NBAM and its data to better inform broadband projects and funding decisions in their states.
With more and more states joining, the NBAM is another step closer to creating a national platform that can help inform policymakers and expand Internet coverage across the United States.
For questions, please email:nbam@ntia.gov.
Blog
National Broadband Availability Map Reaches 20-State Milestone
Fri, July 10, 2020NTIA’s National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM) reached a 20 state milestone with the addition of Wyoming and Washington State.
The NBAM is a geographic information system platform which allows for the visualization and analysis of federal, state, and commercially available data sets. This includes data from the Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Census Bureau, Universal Service Administrative Company, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ookla, Measurement Lab, and the state governments. The mapping platform provides users, including administrators from the 20 participating states, with access to the NBAM and its data to better inform broadband projects and funding decisions in their states.
40 percent of the states now participate in the NBAM. This positive momentum will better equip policymakers as we work together to expand broadband Internet coverage across the United States.
For questions, please email:nbam@ntia.gov.
News
BroadbandUSA Newsletter July 2020
Wed, July 01, 2020Vol 5 | Issue 7 | July 2020
Download PDF version here.
To sign up for BroadbandUSA’s newsletter, email broadbandusa@ntia.gov.
Policy Corner: NTIA and Federal Partners Release American Broadband Initiative One-Year Progress Report
By Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator performing the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
Last week NTIA, along with our partners throughout the federal government, released the one-year progress report to the American Broadband Initiative (ABI) Milestones Report. The ABI was launched over a year ago as the Trump administration’s all-of-government initiative to stimulate broadband expansion through removing regulatory barriers and streamlining government processes. The progress report details accomplishments made by NTIA, USDA, and others. For example, NTIA completed 100% of its commitments in the ABI Milestones Report. This includes the establishment and expansion of our National Broadband Availability Map and the creation of a one-stop database for state and federal broadband resources. The progress report highlights many reasons to be excited, but there is still work to do. NTIA will continue to work with communities across the country to encourage the expansion and adoption of broadband Internet.
Broadband News and UpdatesFederal News
NTIA:NTIA Adds 5 States to National Broadband Availability Map
FCC:CAF II Auction Support for 480 Winning Bids Ready to be Authorized
USDA:Trump Administration Invests $1.6 Billion in Rural Electric Infrastructure in 21 States
ED: GEER Fund Applications are publicly posted on Department of Education website
NIST:Global City Teams Challenge Smart Agriculture and RuralSuperClusterWorkshop Report 2020
State News
District of Columbia:Budget Cuts Ahead, D.C. to Merge Connectivity, 'Smart City' Programs
Florida:Broadband expansion needed sooner than later, Suncoast toll-road task force members say
Georgia:Lawmakers Target Charges to String Lines in Broadband Push
Louisiana:Louisiana Senate Panel OKs Broadband Expansion to Rural Areas
Mississippi:Mississippi’s ‘Broadband Revolution’ Picks Up Speed
New Hampshire:First-of-Its-Kind Push Wants NH Electric Cooperative to Become a Broadband Cooperative, Too
Pennsylvania:Students Explore Solution to Create a Reliable Broadband in Rural Communities
Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands:FCC Awards $238 Million for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Wireless, Portions Target 5G
South Carolina:Editorial: Our Approach to Broadband Needs a Shakeup
Vermont:Vermont Emergency Broadband Action Plan Proposes Universal Access Road Map
Virginia:Broadband Pilot Program Will Provide Rural Communities with High-Speed Internet
Digital Inclusion
Efforts to Close Digital Divide Top States' Plans for Emergency Relief Funds
Seattle Distributes $345,000 to Digital Literacy Organizations
Federal government allows use of TANF, SNAP E&T, WIOA funds to support digital inclusion
Local
Dark Fiber Brings the Light: A Public-Private Partnership in Colorado
How San Rafael, Calif., Built a Wi-Fi Network During a Pandemic
Public Safety/FirstNet
FirstNet Board Gives Thumbs Up to 5G, Deployables Investment
FCC Pursuing New Spectrum Policy for Public-Safety Communications, Official Says
General News
Future of Broadband is Bright in Tennessee and Colorado, Say State Rural Development Reps
NARUC and FCC Partner to Increase Awareness of Federal Lifeline Broadband and Phone Program
Small ISP Cancels Data Caps Permanently After Reviewing Pandemic Usage
Here’s How Telecom Companies Are Rolling Out 5G During a Pandemic
Rural Connection: Increasing Broadband Infrastructure to Meet 21st Century Needs
New BroadbandUSA Team Members
Lindsey Hays, GIS Specialist
Lindsey comes to NTIA from the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG). While at the OIG she was responsible for migrating their on-premises GIS environment to Azure. Prior to the OIG Lindsey worked for Esri Professional Services for 10 years as a GIS consultant assisting federal customers in deploying and managing geographic systems. She holds a master's degree in Environmental Remote Sensing and GIS from Boston University and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. When she is able, Lindsey enjoys traveling and kayaking.
Ryan Wiegand, Broadband Program Specialist
Ryan joins NTIA as a Broadband Program Specialist after recently finishing his master’s program in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College. During his program, Ryan completed a fellowship with the National Governors Association's Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment division and served as a Broadband Policy Intern with BroadbandUSA last summer. Prior to his studies at Heinz, he lived in Indianapolis (near his hometown of Carmel, Indiana), working in former Senator Joe Donnelly's constituent services and outreach office. He maintains allegiance to the Indiana Pacers, as well as to the Cubs, Fulham and any Notre Dame team. Ryan is very excited to be rejoining the BroadbandUSA team and to work alongside and continue learning from a fantastic group of professionals dedicated to broadband expansion and digital equity!
Nicole Dan, Pathways Intern
Nicole Dan is a second year student at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy. She is from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2018 with degrees in political science and journalism. Prior to attending McCourt, she worked at a digital fundraising firm. Her policy interests are technology and politics.
NTIA Events
July 15, 2020
BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
Topic: Cyberinfrastructure: Moving Beyond Broadband at HBCUs and TCUs
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Cyberinfrastructure differs from traditional web and broadband access in its focus and magnitude. The high-performance computing and networking resources of cyberinfrastructure enables educators, scientists and studentsopportunities to create and collaborate in entirely new ways. Many institutions of higher education are engaged in this new kind of scholarly inquiry and education, empowering their communities to innovate and to revolutionize what they do, how they do it, and who participates.Cyberinfrastructure is vital for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to be competitive in the 21st Century.Please join BroadbandUSA’s webinar on July 17, 2020 to hear from panelists who will highlight the cyberinfrastructure at HBCUs and TCUs, as well as the importance of partnerships with national organizations such as Internet2 and EDUCAUSE in achieving the common goals of diversity and inclusion.
Speakers:
Jason Arviso, Director of IT, Navajo Technical University
Curtis Bradlee, Interim Director of University Computing and Information Technology Systems (UCITS), South Carolina State University
Deborah F. Dent, CIO, Division of Information Technology, Jackson State University
Al Kuslikis, American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC)
Visit our Webinar Archives for past presentations, transcripts and audio recordings.
NTIA's BroadbandUSA program promotes innovation and economic growth by supporting efforts to expand broadband connectivity and digital inclusion across America. In this role, BroadbandUSA serves state and local government, industry and non-profits that want to expand broadband infrastructure and promote digital inclusion.
Contact Us. If you are interested in receiving technical assistance, please email broadbandusa@ntia.gov or call 202-482-2048. For more information, visit our website at broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov.
News
BroadbandUSA Newsletter June 2020
Mon, June 01, 2020Vol 5 | Issue 6 | June 2020
Download PDF version here.
To sign up for BroadbandUSA’s newsletter, email broadbandusa@ntia.gov.
Policy Corner: BroadbandUSA Webinars Cover Digital Divide and Smart Tech
By Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator performing the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
NTIA’s BroadbandUSA team has been hard at work on our monthly webinar series. They continue to bring experts from across the country together to share their technical expertise. These webinars are valuable sources of information for local community leaders, business owners, and residents. They also serve as important avenues for state and federal officials to better serve the needs of their constituencies. BroadbandUSA’s April webinar engaged three different service providers on the challenge of connecting their rural customers to high-quality broadband. In May, our most recent webinar focused on how smart technology partnerships can be leveraged to transform entire regions. While the subject matter differs across these presentations, the central takeaways remain the same: community-level leadership is vital, and partnering with business and government can unlock additional potential for success. I look forward to even more webinars and hope that you will join us in participating. Visit the Events page on our BroadbandUSA site to sign up for future webinars.
Broadband News and Updates
Federal News
State News
The Pew Charitable Trusts Updates Its State Broadband Policy Explorer·
Alabama:Alabama Considers Potential Avenues of Broadband Expansion·
Arkansas:State to Start Taking Grant Applications for Rural Broadband
California:California City Outlines Wi-Fi Plan to Boost Connectivity
Georgia: 2020 Georgia Smart Communities Challenge·
Maine:Mainers Hope COVID-19 Pandemic Is Catalyst for Statewide Broadband Improvement
Minnesota:Senate Approves $8 Million Broadband Expansion Funding Bill for Distance Learning·
Mississippi:State Public Service Commission Asks Wicker to Speed Up Broadband Funding Program
Missouri:Piece by Piece: Missouri Rural Broadband Providers Work to Fill in Coverage
North Dakota:How Local Providers Built the Nation’s Best Internet Access in Rural North Dakota
Oklahoma: In Rural Oklahoma, a Wi-Fi Hot Spot Brings a Dash of Hope and Excitement
Pennsylvania: Co-op Schools Seniors on Internet as it Builds Out Broadband
South Carolina:New Maps Spotlight Where SC Residents Have No Way to Access InternetVermont:State Emergency Plan Would Expand Broadband to All Vermonters
Virginia:Appalachian Power Receives Approval to Deliver Broadband Technology in Grayson County
Washington:Crowdsourcing Our Broadband Access
Washington Counties Establish Free Public Wi-Fi Hot Spots
Digital Inclusion
School Districts DeployWiFi-Equipped Buses to Expand Broadband Access for Students
Spotty Broadband is Robbing Students of Their Education During COVID-19
Fourteen local governments featured as 2020 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers
50 Baltimore Orgs Are Joining Together to Close the Digital Divide
Public Safety/FirstNet
FirstNet & Public Works: Restoring Lifeline Services in an Efficient Manner
AT&T to Promote FirstNet with National Fraternal Order of Police
Post-9/11 Public Safety Network Tapped for COVID-19 Response
FirstNet Band 14 Coverage Serves About Half of U.S. Rural Population, FirstNet Authority Reports
General News
Under Social Distancing, Rural Regions Push For More Broadband
Call for Panels Open: Fall Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo
Lifeline Program Updates
The US Department of Health and Human Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program offers States flexibility to fund access to computers and the Internet, using current year TANF funds. “A State may use Federal TANF funds or State "maintenance of effort" (MOE) expenditures to purchase computers, provide training and cover the cost of Internet access for eligible, needy families.” Further information can be found in the answer to question 11 in this Q&A.
The US Department of Agriculture clarified that States may use Supplemental Nutrition Assiatnce Programs (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) Program funds for laptops and other associated equipment such as Wi-Fi hot spots that a participant would need to access distance learning content if the SNAP E&T program is providing services virtually. See question B5 in this Q&A for further information.
NTIA Events
June 17, 2020
BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
Topic: Utilizing Federal Data to Measure the Digital Divide
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Federal data can help state and local leaders and businesses understand what drives broadband adoption and utilization in their communities and target the digital divide. Join BroadbandUSA’s webinar on June 17, 2020 to learn about federal data sources, current trends, and where to access local information to inform your broadband efforts. NTIA will present the findings from their 2019 Computer and Internet Survey, the U.S. Census Bureau will highlight the broadband and connectivity data available in their American Communities Survey, and a representative from King County, Washington will showcase their data-driven dashboard developed using the available data.
Speakers:
Rafi Goldberg, Telecommunications Policy Analyst, Office of Policy Analysis and Development, NTIA
Tyson Weister, Program Analyst. Dissemination Outreach Branch, Center for Enterprise Dissemination (CED), U.S. Census Bureau
Nicole Franklin, Chief Equity Officer, King County (WA) Information Technology (KCIT)
Visit our Webinar Archives for past presentations, transcripts and audio recordings.
NTIA's BroadbandUSA program promotes innovation and economic growth by supporting efforts to expand broadband connectivity and digital inclusion across America. In this role, BroadbandUSA serves state and local government, industry and non-profits that want to expand broadband infrastructure and promote digital inclusion.
Contact Us. If you are interested in receiving technical assistance, please email broadbandusa@ntia.gov or call 202-482-2048. For more information, visit our website at broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov.
To be added or removed from the BroadbandUSA mailing list, please contact broadbandusa@ntia.gov
News
BroadbandUSA Newsletter May 2020
Fri, May 01, 2020Vol 5 | Issue 5 | May 2020
Download PDF version here.
To sign up for BroadbandUSA’s newsletter, email broadbandusa@ntia.gov.
Policy Corner: Our Commitment to Connectivity Needs
By Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator performing the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
I’m pleased to report that NTIA has been hard at work maintaining continuity of our operations while most of our employees have been teleworking during the unusual and difficult time for our country. On the spectrum front we have been working with businesses, federal stakeholders and the FCC to make sure our response to connectivity needs remains flexible. One way federal agencies can help during a time of increased demand is by enabling additional sharing of spectrum to provide short-term capacity for commercial services. NTIA has been working with agencies to accommodate these requests. Moving forward, NTIA will do all it can to help keep Americans connected to vital Internet services. Part of this work includes raising awareness of federal broadband resources, and I’m pleased to report that we’ve updated ourBroadbandUSA website database of 57 federal broadband programs, spanning 14 federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans, and other resources. And we’re continuing our multistakeholder work on building a more secure software supply chain through the Software Bill of Materials initiative.
Broadband News and Updates
Federal COVID-19 Broadband Resources
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): ARC Launches Page to Collect COVID-19 Related Updates and Resources
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): FCC Secures Pledges to Keep Americans Connected to Broadband, Telephone Services
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Resources and USDA Announces 2nd Grant Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine
U.S. Department of Commerce (Economic Development Administration): Opportunities for Broadband Funding Under EDA for Economic Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ConnectHomeUSA: Webinar Highlights Broadband and Digital Literacy Resources
Department of Education (ED): Waiver to Support Mobile Hotspots and Data Plans and Information Released for Broadband Purposes Within $30.75 Billion Education Stabilization Fund
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): Deadlines Extended to May 15 for Native American and Native Hawaiian Digital Literacy Grants and IMLS Awards $30 Million in Federal Funding to Address Digital Divide
State COVID-19 Broadband Resources
Arizona: State Commerce Authority Site Links to Free and Discounted Wi-Fi Resources
California: CA Department of Education Site Lists Available Internet Plans; CA Public Utilities Commission Links to Affordable Local Broadband
Colorado: CO Broadband Office Launches Page for Existing Broadband Services
Connecticut: Guidance for Remote Learning
Illinois: IL Citizens Utility Board Provides List of Private Internet Resources
Indiana: Governor Issues No Disconnect Order Including Broadband and Telecom
Maryland: No Disconnect and No Late Fee Order for Internet, Cable, and Telephone Services
Michigan: State COVID-19 Site Includes List of ISPs Signed onto FCC’s Connectivity Pledge
Minnesota: State Broadband Office Compiles List of Available Broadband Services
Missouri: DHSS Maintains Continuity of Service List for Missouri-Based Providers
Nebraska: Public Service Commission Order Allows Providers to be Reimbursed for Service to Low-Income Families
New Hampshire: No Disconnect Order Issued for Telephone and Internet Services
New Mexico: State Site Links to New Mexico-Based Internet Providers
Pennsylvania: State Prohibits Telecommunications Service Terminations
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Launches Page to Help Families, Students, Businesses Stay Connected
Tennessee: Tennessee Provides a List of Federal and Private Internet Connectivity Resources
Utah: Utah Provides Resources for Students and Telehealth Patients
Vermont: Vermont Launches Interactive Map
Virginia: State Providing Deadline Updates Related to Broadband Grants and Other Programs
Washington: Governor Inslee Issues No Disconnect Order for Utilities, Includes Telecommunications
Wisconsin: Wisconsin PSC Provides ISP Coverage Map
Wyoming: No Disconnect Executive Order Issued for Telecommunications Services
Federal News
Remarks of Associate Administrator Doug Kinkoph at CSMAC Meeting
NTIA Releases Spectrum Occupancy Data to Help Enable Successful Sharing in the Mid-Band
BLM Makes Electronic Version of Standard Permitting Form (SF-299)
USDA Forest Service Issues Final Rule to Streamline Permitting Process for Communications Uses
State News
California: California Legislator Introduces Fiber Broadband for All Bill
Colorado: 400-Mile Fiber-Optic Network Goes Online in Colorado
North Carolina: OneWestern North Carolina County’s Attempt to Bridge the Digital Divide and Charlotte, NC Alliance Focused on Reducing Urban Internet Connection Woes
Tennessee: Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce Nearly $20 Million in Broadband Accessibility Grants
Public Safety/FirstNet
General News
'Digital Town Squares' Boost Internet Speeds in Mid-Sized Communities
President Trump Signs Bipartisan Broadband Mapping Legislation
Next Century Cities Welcomes New Team Members and Announces New Staff Roles
Rural Towns are Leaning into Remote Work, and It Might Save Them
NTIA Events
May 20, 2020
BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
Topic: Using Smart Technologies to Drive Regional Transformation
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Local leaders are deploying smart technologies to address regional challenges, create economic efficiencies, improve sustainability, and enhance residential quality of life. Please join BroadbandUSA on May 20th to learn more about smart region efforts in Arizona, Colorado and the Great Lakes area. These initiatives focus on economic development, water quality, and the use of artificial intelligence to create stronger and more resilient communities.Speakers will also describe their work in the Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) Smart Regions Collaborative. The GCTC is a peer-to-peer learning and best practices development effort started in 2014 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In 2019, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) partnered with NIST for the Smart Regions Collaborative.
Speakers:
Dominic Papa, Vice President, Smart States Initiative, Arizona Commerce Authority
Eric H. Drummond, CEO and Founder, Innovation Corridor; Co-Founder and Chair GCTC- Supercomputer Modeling and AI Cluster
Mark Fisher, President and CEO, Council of the Great Lakes Region
Visit our Webinar Archives for past presentations, transcripts and audio recordings.
News
BroadbandUSA Newsletter April 2020
Wed, April 01, 2020Vol 5 | Issue4 |April2020
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Policy Corner: Broadband is More Important Than Ever
By Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator performing the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
Broadband is more important than ever, and NTIA has been working to expand access and increase connectivity for all Americans. We recently provided a one-year update to the American Broadband Initiative (ABI), the Trump Administration’s government-wide approach to connectivity challenges. Five new states – Nebraska, New Mexico, Michigan, Missouri, and Virginia – have joined the initial eight states participating in our National Broadband Availability Map. We have seen increased participation in our State Broadband Leader’s Network, and our BroadbandUSA website now has the most comprehensive information on state resources available. At NTIA, we have also worked with the FCC, businesses, and federal stakeholders to make sure our response to connectivity needs remains flexible. Most recently, NTIA supported Verizon’s application to the FCC for a Special Temporary Authority to access radio frequency spectrum due to increased commercial use. We plan to continue our hard work to meet the needs of the American people.
Broadband News and Updates
Federal News
Commerce Department’s NTIA Details Its New-Found Progress in Broadband Mapping Technology
Schools Can Get Direct Connectivity Help From Carriers After New FCC Ruling
USDA Final Rule; Request for Comment:Special Servicing of Telecommunications Programs Loans for Financially Distressed Borrowers
FCC Seeks Comment on Competition in the Communications Marketplace
FCC Proposes Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction Procedures
State News
California: Low-Income Californians To Get Free Internet For 5 Years Under T-Mobile Merger Settlement
Georgia: Georgia Activity Highlights Rise of Utility Company Broadband Initiatives
Massachusetts: Massachusetts Libraries Get Grant to Support Census Work
Missouri: Only 55 Percent of Missouri Has Low-Price Internet Available
New Hampshire: Alternatives to Municipal Bonding Discussed in Broadband Roundtable With Senator Hassan In Keene
North Dakota: 'As Essential As Roads': How One Of America's Most Rural States Became A Broadband Leader
Ohio: Governor Creates BroadbandOhio to Support Expansion of High-Speed Internet
Tennessee: Tennessee's Work To Expand Broadband In Rural Areas Highlighted
Vermont: More Than 40 Vermont Towns Consider Broadband Collaboratives
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Offers Tax Breaks for Rural Broadband Investments
Public Safety / FirstNet
NTIA Statement on FirstNet Board Naming Ed Parkinson as Executive Director
AT&T Updates Firstnet Numbers, Says It Has Closed Coverage Gap With Verizon
New FirstNet Cell Sites Launch in North Dakota to Support Public Safety
Edward Parkinson Named Executive Director of First Responder Network Authority
Small Town Fire Department Augments Radio Comms with FirstNet Devices
Digital Inclusion
With An Election On The Horizon, Older Adults Get Help Spotting Fake News
Rhode Island, North Dakota Work to Bridge Workforce Skills Gap
Report: Bridging Digital Divides Between Schools And Communities
This Newly Designed Space Encourages Women of Color to Learn Tech Fundamentals
San Jose Approves First Step To Connect 50,000 Unserved Residents To Broadband
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia:Toward Digital Inclusion Broadband Access in the Third Federal Reserve District
Digital Prosperity: How Broadband Can Deliver Health And Equity To All Communities
General News
This Startup Wants To Help Smart Cities. But They Don’t Know Where Its Data Comes From
Chattanooga Smart City Research Tops $110 Million; MIT Economist Praises Public Investment In City
For Small County Governments, Tackling Cybersecurity Basics Can Go a Long Way
Microsoft Airband: An Annual Update On Connecting Rural America
Report: Two-Thirds of Counties Average Internet Speeds Slower Than Broadband
NTIA Events
April 15, 2020
BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
Topic: Rural Broadband: Three Service Providers Discuss Business Models and Solutions
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Rural service providers continue to deploy broadband solutions and work to close the digital divide, developing strong local partnerships and sustainable business models. Please join BroadbandUSA for its April webinar on broadband topics of interest, which features three providers that utilize different technologies to bring broadband solutions to their rural communities. Panelists include an electric co-op from the Virginia Piedmont, an independent telephone company serving rural areas in the Southeast, and a regional cable provider, offering a triple play of video, Internet, and voice in the upper Midwest.
Speakers:
Renee Chapline, Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs, Prince George Electric Cooperative
James Garner, Vice President of Operations, Telephone Electronics Corporation
Justin Forde, Senior Director of Government Relations, Midco
Visit our Webinar Archives for past presentations, transcripts and audio recordings.