By Brian Donoghue & Ryan Johnston In an era defined by technological advancements and the relentless push toward digitization, Pennsylvania, known for its rich history, landscapes, and dynamic industries, took a critical step forward. On July 13, 2023, the state hosted an event titled “Internet for All: Connecting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” This convening was […]
By Stacey Baxter It is widely known that community anchor institutions, including schools and libraries, provide essential broadband services for residents who lack reliable access at home. They are indispensable resources for providing Internet access in the same way that Core Service Agencies (CSA) connect residents to resources for health and wellness. Although both target
By Corian Zacher Image Credit: Government Accountability Office In May 2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that the federal government has over 100 broadband programs spanning deployment, planning, affordability, device access, digital skills, and more, administered by 15 agencies. Despite robust federal funding aimed at bridging the digital divide, including $42.45 billion through the
Absent Comprehensive Federal Broadband Policy, States Fill Important Gaps Read More »
By Ryan Johnston States are required to submit a series of documents throughout the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) program process, which includes a 5-Year Action plan, the state’s initial proposal, and a final proposal. Each comes with its own deadline. While some dates are set by actions taken by the National Telecommunications and
Are You Wondering When Your State Has to Submit Its BEAD Proposals? Read More »
With East Baltimore Development Inc.’s CEO Cheryl Washington The East Baltimore Development, Inc. (EBDI), a 501(c)(3) organization, was established to revitalize, re-energize, and rebuild an 88-acre area adjacent to the Johns Hopkins medical campus in East Baltimore. It partnered with Microsoft Airband to explore the digital equity needs of residents in and around EBDI’s footprint,
Connecting East Baltimore Read More »
By Ryan Johnston The six gigahertz (“6 GHz”) spectrum band is perfectly suited for Wi-Fi technologies and the other low-power indoor connected devices that households use everyday. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) is considering authorizing two types of devices for use in this band. Both Very Low Power and Low Power Indoor Only devices
Next Century Cities Joins Allies Urging the FCC to Prepare the 6 GHz Band for Wi-Fi Use Read More »
Next Century Cities’ first Broadband Communicators Summer Camp was held on July 18, 2023, in Washington, DC. The event brought together elected and appointed officials, as well as public servants, broadband advocates, and academics from Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and other states. Each joined in hopes of upskilling their communications skills and
By Stacey Baxter Pictured (Right): Drew Garner, Kenya Asli, Khotan Harmon, Kathryn de Wit, Ryan Collins, and Mike Lynch pictured in front of the US Capitol building. Photo credit: Jessica Burchins. Congressional briefings are used to communicate information to policymakers in Washington, DC. Oftentimes, they highlight stakeholder views on government programs and proposals.
By Brian Donoghue On June 26, 2023, Deputy Director Brian Donoghue represented Next Century Cities at the White House. President Biden invited broadband experts, public interest advocates, and others to commemorate a series of historic investments in broadband infrastructure, paving the way for a more digitally inclusive future. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity,
Next Century Cities Celebrates $42 Billion in Broadband Investments at the White House Read More »
By Brian Donoghue At the corner of Broad and Venango Streets in North Philadelphia, the historic Zion Baptist Church Of Philadelphia has been the headquarters for vital community conversations. It is also home to civil rights leaders who led social and economic justice movements that ignited reform worldwide. On June 24, 2023, residents gathered to
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