States play a critical role in bolstering local efforts to expand affordable and reliable broadband. All 50 states have taken steps to respond to increased demand and have prioritized expanding access. As of 2018, 25 states had already explored the utility of dedicated state broadband offices. They are largely designed to serve as a central […]
In 2017, the West Virginia legislature created the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council within the West Virginia Department of Commerce. The Council has since released its Broadband Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 and a companion Broadband Development Guide, which explains basic terminology and technologies, highlights successful state and federal funding programs, and details policies and
Transforming Challenges into Lasting Connectivity Solutions in West Virginia Read More »
The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to some of the greatest geographic and economic diversity in the country. From the nation’s capital to the Chesapeake Bay and the Appalachian Plateau, Virginia can feel like a different state at all four corners. Despite this diversity, state government officials are squarely focused on closing its digital divide
Power Through Broadband Partnerships Across Virginia Read More »
To appreciate challenges associated with closing the digital divide, readers need only to turn their attention to Tennessee. Across the state, local leaders, advocates, and Internet service providers have been working for years to plan and implement broadband solutions. Local leaders in communities big and small have discovered countless barriers to connectivity. NCC
Since 2013, E2D (“Eliminate the Digital Divide”) has worked to refurbish devices, promote digital literacy, and work toward the goal of ensuring that everyone in Charlotte, North Carolina, has equitable access to the digital tools and training they need to succeed in 21st century society. Though the pandemic exposed new challenges, it also introduced
It’s no mystery that the quality of the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) mapping data leaves something to be desired. The FCC’s 14th Broadband Deployment Report estimated that 96% of Americans have access to broadband. However, organizations such as Microsoft and Pew Research have found that about 49% and 65% of Americans have access to
State Broadband Maps Have Helped Shed Light on the Digital Divide in Georgia Read More »
The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (“SLFRF”) is a $350 billion emergency fund to be used by eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support the populations hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury Department”) issued its interim final rules (“IFR”), outlining how
Treasury Department Releases Rules That May Lead to More Confusion Than Connectivity Read More »
Last week marked the beginning of enrollment for the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) Emergency Broadband Benefit. The program offers a monthly discount to offset the cost of broadband Internet subscriptions, helping those who are struggling with connectivity with pathways to stay connected. It provides a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer. Enrollment
Next Century Cities Led a May 14th Emergency Broadband Benefit Day of Action Read More »
Wireless internet access, cell phones, and thousands of other technologies rely on the availability of spectrum. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released an NPRM in January 2021 seeking comment on how to most effectively open up the 12 GHz spectrum band for wider use. On May 7, 2021, Next Century Cities joined with public interest
By Haley Bailey | The digital divide has always been a huge issue, but the pandemic has managed to push it into the spotlight. For example, the International Telecommunication Union’s study, in collaboration with UNICEF, found that two-thirds of the world’s student population has no internet access at home, preventing them from accessing quality learning online.
How Different Sectors Are Addressing the Digital Divide Read More »
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