Data is crucial to understanding where broadband connectivity gaps exist and what barriers there are to Internet adoption. It also helps to develop effective broadband policies and programs. June’s BroadbandUSA webinar, “Utilizing Federal Data to Measure the Digital Divide,” provided an overview of federal datasets that are publically available to help communities and policymakers understand the digital divide at the local level.

Each presenter in BroadbandUSA’s May webinar would agree: the deployment of smart technology is transforming regional economies, creating resilient communities, and making government more efficient. The presenters stressed that successful smart communities ensure coordination between governments, create public-private partnerships, and foster community-level support. The webinar speakers discussed the importance of policy goal alignment and coordination to achieve smart region benchmarks.

Rural communities face a complex set of challenges when it comes to closing the digital divide, according to three broadband providers who participated in BroadbandUSA’s April webinar. To serve the needs of rural customers, providers must develop innovative business models, partnership strategies, and technological solutions to serve their customers. In the webinar, the three providers discussed how their differing business models have all built strong local relationships and allowed them to meet community needs. 

NTIA has updated its BroadbandUSA website database of 57 federal broadband programs, spanning 14 federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans, and other resources.

Federal agencies have made significant progress across government to improve broadband access for Americans in the year following the launch of the American Broadband Initiative (ABI), said speakers in a recent NTIA BroadbandUSA webinar.