Broadband is a key driver of regional job creation and economic prosperity. Recognizing this, many communities are taking a cooperative approach to develop a comprehensive regional economic strategy emphasizing broadband deployment and use. Join BroadbandUSA’s Practical Broadband Conversations webinar to learn how regional economic development agencies are leveraging broadband to spur collaboration, innovation and growth.

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Cross-posted with National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

By David J. Redl, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator

Effective digital inclusion programs are essential for communities, supporting efforts such as workforce development, educational attainment, financial literacy, and better access to health care. Finding financial support for such programs requires creative partnerships, coordination with civic leaders, and messaging that articulates the benefits of such programs to communities. Join BroadbandUSA's webinar to learn how communities have funded digital inclusion programs using a variety of funding options such as local philanthropies, city budget mechanisms, and private sector support.

by Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications

This blog post was cross-posted on the Bureau of Economic Analysis website.

Join BroadbandUSA for a practical conversation on broadband public-private partnerships and how to create successful partnerships for different types of projects and communities. Learn about the successes, challenges, and risks as well as specific details on implementation and management steps. Our speakers will highlight their experiences with public-private partnerships in deploying broadband networks, implementing smart cities, powering the Internet of Things, and creating digital inclusion projects.

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Cross-posted with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON — With a focus on improving access to mental health care for Veterans living in rural areas, today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has launched a pilot telehealth program that will give rural Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remote access to psychotherapy and related services.

By Keith Gremban, Director of the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences

Every new innovation in connected devices promises exciting possibilities for the future, but it also means greater demand for spectrum, a critical and limited resource used both by the public and private sectors. 

NTIA is pleased to announce the first award recipients of the State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) 2.0, which will provide as much as $43.4 million to help states and territories prepare for FirstNet’s buildout of the nationwide public safety broadband network.