Three Connected Nation States to Launch Broadband Maps This Week

On May 20 and May 21, three Connected Nation state-level broadband initiatives (Connect Michigan, Connect South Carolina, and Connect Minnesota) will unveil newly completed broadband availability maps. Each state will host a webinar to showcase the new maps and demonstrate BroadbandStat, the nation’s leading broadband mapping application. Staff from each state will be available to answer questions and highlight the latest high-speed Internet availability insights drawn from the initiatives.

Below is registration information for each of the Webinars. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your Webinar seat now.

Thursday, May 20, 2010:

Connect Michigan
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/429950754

Friday, May 21, 2010:

Connect South Carolina
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/458962651

Connect Minnesota
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT
Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/297901915

Connected Nation Touted, Testifies on Capitol Hill

Connected Nation’s efforts to expand broadband adoption and access were touted today in a Congressional hearing addressing the issue on Capitol Hill.

In testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet Thursday, U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R, OH-5), lauded the work of Connected Nation and its Connect Ohio initiative, specifically the research on broadband adoption in the state and commitment to public-private partnerships. “Connected Nation has been a key component at raising awareness (in the state),” Latta said in his opening remarks.

Connected Nation Chief Policy Officer Laura Taylor also provided testimony during the hearing, the fourth in a series the subcommittee has held to discuss the recent National Broadband Plan, explaining how Connected Nation’s efforts have helped bridge the digital divide across much of the nation.

U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D, OH-18) applauded Connected Nation’s “great work” done in overcoming the first hurdle to broadband expansion – mapping, calling Connected Nation “one of the nation’s leaders” in broadband mapping.

Taylor testified about how Connected Tennessee’s efforts have helped increase broadband adoption among minorities, who have historically lagged Caucasians in Internet use, to the point that they have now surpassed Caucasians, with 84% of minority adults in Tennessee reporting that they use the Internet.

“That says it all - that your nonprofit organization is doing that,” said U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R, FL-6) of Connected Nation’s success in reaching underserved communities.

For more on the hearing, see Laura Taylor’s full testimony.

Connected Nation to Give Testimony on Capitol Hill on May 13

Connected Nation is slated to provide testimony on Capitol Hill Thursday about its comprehensive efforts to increase broadband availability and adoption.

In testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet Thursday, Connected Nation Chief Policy Officer Laura Taylor will address the barriers to high-speed Internet access and adoption and how Connected Nation’s programs are helping eliminate those barriers.

A recent FCC report on broadband adoption shows that only 65% of adults are home broadband adopters and only 50% of rural American adults adopt broadband, compared to 68% of non-rural American adults.

Taylor is slated to offer testimony about Connected Nation’s unique programs that have produced demonstrated results.

“Public-private partnerships, such as those that Connected Nation works to foster, have proven themselves as the most effective vehicle for improving broadband availability and adoption,” according to prepared remarks Taylor will deliver to the subcommittee.

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. (EST). The subcommittee will be providing a live webcast of the hearing. Visit http://energycommerce.house.gov for details.