Connected Nation Develops More Maps of Rural and Remote Areas to Help States Maximize Broadband Stimulus

Washington, D.C.--Connected Nation, using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, has released more statewide maps of rural and remote areas in three states and one U.S. territory to support applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Press Release

The State of Nevada Names Connected Nation as Its Designated Eligible Entity for Broadband Mapping and Planning Stimulus Funding

Carson City, NV – Yesterday, Connected Nation met with broadband stakeholders from across Nevada to discuss its role in creating a comprehensive broadband availability map for the state. This meeting marks the beginning of Connected Nation’s newly-formed relationship with the state since Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons notified the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that Connected Nation will serve as the state’s designated eligible entity under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program pursuant to P.L. 110-385. Connected Nation’s designation coincides with Gov. Gibbons’ creation of the Nevada Broadband Task Force, which is charged with identifying and removing barriers to broadband access and identifying opportunities for increased broadband applications and adoption in unserved and underserved areas of Nevada.

To read the press release, click here

Connected Nation Commends FCC Appointments

On Friday, the United States Senate confirmed the nominations of Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Attwell Baker to the Federal Communications Commission, completing the five-seat panel.

Clyburn is a former chair of the South Carolina Public Service Commission and the daughter of House of Representatives Majority Whip James Clyburn. Baker is the former head of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), and was commended during her tenure for her work on the difficult task of preparing the U.S. for a transition from analog to digital television broadcasting.

Other members of the panel include Chairman Julius Genachowski, who was nominated by President Barack Obama on March 2009 and confirmed in June; Commissioner Michael J. Copps, who has served on the Commission since May 2001, who also served as the FCC’s acting chairman during the first six months of the Obama Administration and produced the FCC’s report on a national rural broadband strategy; and Robert M. McDowell, who was first appointed to a seat on the FCC by President George W. Bush and reappointed by President Obama.

At Connected Nation, we praise the selections, nominations and confirmations of the entire FCC panel. Connected Nation looks forward to continuing to work with Commissioners Copps and McDowell, who were excellent advocates for the improvement of broadband services in America, and to working with Chairman Genachowski and Commissioners Clyburn and Baker as they bring their new insights and ideas to the Commission as it works to reform the Universal Service Fund and craft a National Broadband Plan in the coming months.

Connected Tennessee provides technology to help Perry County

In Perry County, Tennessee, 65 young people are helping their community, thanks in part to technology donated through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids program.

According to an article in Sunday’s Tennessean, Vision Perry, a new economic, community and cultural development office staffed by 16-24 year-olds, is promoting business in Linden and nearby Lobelville, organizing a summer festival to attract tourists and helping install murals throughout downtown as a part of a public arts initiative.

Perry County has one the nation’s highest unemployment rates, just over 22 percent, according the article. In June, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen announced a plan to help put people in the county to work.

The Vision Perry office was launched following Gov. Bredesen’s announcement. A donation through Connected Tennessee’s Computer 4 Kids program outfitted the office with 20 laptops, four inkjet printers and two flatbed scanners.

To read more, click here.

Connect Minnesota Launches New Maps and Data Tools for Tapping Broadband Stimulus Dollars

St. Paul, MN: At 4 p.m. EDT, Connect Minnesota will release a new suite of publicly available data tools to enhance Minnesota’s statewide broadband inventory map and provide GIS assistance for broadband stimulus applicants. Using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, Connect Minnesota has developed an interactive mapping feature for applicants to determine the number of households without broadband availability by Census Block. Additionally, a new map depicts rural and remote areas in relation to non-rural areas. These geographic data are required criteria for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

To view the press release, click here._

UPDATE: Connected Nation Develops Maps of Rural and Remote Areas to Help States Maximize Broadband Stimulus

Washington, DC: Connected Nation, using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, has released statewide maps of rural and remote areas in seven states, along with a national map, to support applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Connected Nation will also release Census Block-level broadband data, both in downloadable form and through an interactive online mapping tool, for the state of Minnesota. To view the maps, click here.

To view the press release, click here.

UPDATED: Connected Nation to Speak About Broadband Stimulus at NBCC's Annual Convention

Connected Nation’s director of strategic partnerships Raquel Noriega will speak on a panel about broadband deployment and the stimulus at the National Black Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Convention on Thursday, July 23.

The panel will discuss broadband deployment and how communities can benefit from broadband access and the funding included in the economic stimulus package.

In addition, NextGenWeb.org will live-stream the panel, beginning at 1:45 p.m. EST. To view the live-stream, click here.

To view an agenda of the convention, click here.

In Case You Missed It: ‘Spreading the Web is Good’

The impact of widespread broadband Internet is on the minds of Americans across the nation.

Take for the example the recent editorial in the Albert Lea Tribune in Albert Lea, Minn., where the newspaper lauded the efforts of Connected Nation and its partnership with the American Farm Bureau.

“The Internet’s benefits to the economy are undeniable,” the newspaper wrote. “They are like roads and someday as the Internet market increases it will stretch nearly anywhere.”

This discussion on the impact of broadband in both rural and urban areas is a worthwhile one, especially as states begin applying for broadband stimulus funds. At Connected Nation, we are actively monitoring this dialogue and are available to help states’ learn more about broadband stimulus funds.

To learn how Connected Nation can help states, click here or e-mail us at broadbandstimulus@connectednation.org.

Connected Nation Develops New Data Tools for Tapping Broadband Stimulus Dollars

Washington, DC: Connected Nation, with the help of ArcGIS technology from ESRI, has developed a new interactive on-line mapping tool to equip states with Census Block level broadband data which will enable applicants to comply with the reporting requirements of the applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Press Release

Connected Nation Uses GIS to Identify State Broadband Coverage Gaps

Redlands, California: Broadband coverage maps created with geographic information system (GIS) technology are providing a competitive advantage during the funding application process for $4 billion in broadband grants and loans available through the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The maps are produced with the help of Connected Nation, a nonprofit corporation, using ArcGIS technology from ESRI. To view the press release, click here.

Telecommunications Titan Joins Connected Nation

Washington, DC: Today, Connected Nation, an international leader in broadband strategy and programming, announced the engagement of Debra R. Covey as senior strategic advisor, where she will provide strategic and operational guidance for Connected Nation’s broadband initiatives work that stems from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As Connected Nation works to implement broadband mapping, planning, and demand side programs, Ms. Covey brings a wealth of strategic leadership and tactical execution experience from the telecom sector and beyond.
Press Release(PDF)

Senate Confirms Connected Nation Board Member Martinez for Obama Administration Role

Recently, the United States Senate confirmed Kathleen Martinez, a Connected Nation board member and executive director of the World Institute on Disability, as the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy for the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The agency develops and implements policies and practices for the hiring of people with disabilities in both the public and private sectors.

“It has been an honor to serve beside Kathy Martinez and the Connected Nation board wishes her nothing but the best as she takes on this important new role,” Brian Mefford, Connected Nation’s CEO said. “Kathleen has left an impressive mark on Connected Nation, and now she will directly impact the lives of millions of Americans in her role at the Department of Labor. I know of no better person in the country to advocate for the needs of Americans with disabilities.”

To read more, click here.

NTIA and RUS Release Broadband Stimulus Funds Application Procedures

On Friday, the NTIA and RUS released the application procedures for the $4 billion in broadband grants and loans now available under the federal stimulus bill.

Starting July 31, applicants will be able to use the on-line system to apply for grants. Those requesting more than $1 million are required to file on-line. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 14, 2009.

To view the application procedures, click here. To learn how Connected Nation can help, e-mail at broadbandstimulus@connectednation.org.

States Update and Release Broadband Maps to Prepare for Stimulus Funding

As states’ prepare to take advantage of broadband mapping stimulus funds, several states where Connected Nation is active are updating and releasing broadband maps.

In Tennessee, the Chattanooga Times Free-Press wrote a story on how a newly released Connected Tennessee broadband map could help steer federal broadband stimulus dollars to the state. To read the entire article, click here.

Also, today in Raleigh, N.C., Rep. Bill Faison and other legislative and executive branch leaders joined high-speed Internet service providers, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Connect North Carolina to announce the release of the state’s first accurate broadband inventory map that illustrates the extent of broadband services available across North Carolina. To view the press release, click here.

NTIA and RUS Begin Broadband Grant Workshops

This week, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) began a series of public workshops about the application process for $4 billion in broadband grants and loans under the federal stimulus bill.

The application procedures were released in hard copy format at the first of these workshops, held in Washington, D.C. on July 7. The on-line versions will be available soon and Connected Nation will provide more information once they are released.

To learn more about the workshops near you, click here.

Connected Nation Hosts More Than 300 State Leaders for Broadband Stimulus Webinar

With the recent announcement of the availability of $4 billion in broadband stimulus funds, Connected Nation is moving forward its efforts to inform states about how to increase their broadband availability and adoption rates.

On Monday, July 6, Connected Nation, along with the Alliance for Digital Equality, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Communications Workers of America (CWA) and The National Grange, hosted a free webinar for Governors’ staff and state CIOs, CTOs and broadband officials.

More than 300 people, representing all 50 states and some U.S. territories, attended the webinar, titled “What States Need to Know: How to Capitalize on Broadband Stimulus Funds Across Urban and Rural Areas.”

During the presentation, Connected Nation staff outlined the basic funding guidelines for each broadband stimulus program, the dates for filing applications, definitions outlined in the notice and the evaluation criteria for different projects. The webinar concluded with a question and answer period.

For information about how Connected Nation can help your state expand broadband, e-mail at broadbandstimulus@connectednation.org. To view the webinar press release, click here.

Connected Nation reviewing broadband stimulus funds availability

The federal government has announced the availability of $4 billion in broadband loans and grants to help bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities across America.

At Connected Nation, we are currently reviewing the notice of available funds to see how we can help states expand their broadband availability and increase adoption among their residents.

Continue to check back for Connected Nation’s thoughts.

To learn more about out federal policy work, click here.