Connected Nation Submits No Bid Response for Kentucky Broadband Mapping RFP

Today, Connected Nation, a national nonprofit and parent company of ConnectKentucky, submitted a no bid response to the Kentucky Commonwealth Office of Technology’s request for proposal (RFP) for broadband mapping due to the impracticable timeline set forward in the RFP.

Kentucky’s RFP for broadband mapping calls for a submission of a substantially complete dataset by Nov. 1, 2009, a full three months earlier than the timeline laid out in the federal guidelines in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. With the subsequent RFP approval process, this timeline leaves less than 60 days to collect data and produce a map, in order to take advantage of currently avaliable broadband mapping stimulus funds.

Consequently, Connected Nation’s wealth of experience in creating broadband maps shows that this timeline is simply unrealistic.

“Connected Nation through ConnectKentucky remains committed to working with partners and communities across Kentucky to expand technology availability to the people and places that need it most,” said Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation’s chairman and CEO. “We wish the Commonwealth well and hope for its success in meeting their goals as solicited in the broadband mapping RFP.”

ConnectKentucky has a long-standing history of broadband mapping and working with state agencies, communities, citizens and broadband providers across Kentucky to expand broadband availability. Numerous letters of support for ConnectKentucky’s programs can be viewed here.

ConnectKentucky will continue to maintain and foster these relationships, all the while working closely with partners to increase technology availability across the state.

Connected Nation and Tech Leaders Apply for Funding to Put Computers in U.S. Households

The top reasons non-Internet users cite for not having broadband at home are lack of relevance, price, and lack of a computer (2009 Pew Internet & American Life Project).

According to Pew research, 21% of those who cite price as a barrier to broadband adoption are African Americans, 27% are age 65 and older, and 27% live in rural areas.

Today, Connected Nation joined and a host of technology companies (Intel Corporation, Fujitsu, Velocity Micro, Inc., and ZT Systems) to apply for broadband stimulus funding for Every Citizen Online(SM).

Every Citizen Online(SM) is a public-private partnership program designed to enable computer ownership and broadband use in low-income and unconnected homes. The program will help vulnerable populations overcome top barriers to adoption: broadband awareness and training, computer ownership, and subscription affordability. Joining together technology companies and local entities, the program will provide digital literacy and help unconnected consumers purchase a new broadband-enabled computer using an instant rebate, bundled with a year of discounted broadband service.

The program will leverage federal stimulus dollars to enable low income and other unconnected consumers to purchase his/her a choice of a broad range of personal computers at a deeply reduced price, receive discounted monthly broadband service and local community support.

The initial phase of the program will target 150,000 computers introduced to households.

For more information about Every Citizen Online(SM), visit www.connectednation.org.

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.

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.