Next Century Cities works alongside communities of all sizes and political stripes to support local officials who are working to expand broadband access and increase adoption. All are committed to bringing fast, affordable, and reliable high-speed connectivity within reach for their residents.

Mapping Across America

Next Century Cities is highlighting local and state mapping initiatives across the United States.
Click below to visit our mapping page and learn about innovative programs being used to identify
communities that still do not have access to high-speed connectivity.

The Path to Recovery: COVID-19

Treasury Department Releases Rules That May Lead to More Confusion Than Connectivity

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...

Next Century Cities Led a May 14th Emergency Broadband Benefit Day of Action

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...

How Different Sectors Are Addressing the Digital Divide

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...

Next Century Cities Joins the City of Detroit & Connect 313 Advocates For A Community Update on the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provided $3.2 billion to create the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (“EBB”). This program provides eligible households a $50 benefit ($75 on tribal lands) to purchase a broadband internet subscription. On February 25,...

Next Century Cities Encourages FCC to Dream Big, Use American Rescue Plan Funding to Address the Digital Divide

Through American Rescue Plan, Congress appropriated $7 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund for schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency tasked with developing rules for distributing the funds, sought public comment on its...

In the time of COVID-19, the need for universal connectivity is stronger than ever as businesses shutter, unemployment rates rise, schools convert to online learning and doctors turn to telehealth services. No one can afford to be disconnected as we shelter-in-place.

Explore What We Are Doing

City to City Membership Organization

Supporting Cities

Communities stepping into the 21st century through next-generation networks face myriad challenges. It is essential to provide crucial support to facilitate these innovative projects. Next Century Cities and our members work to overcome obstacles to success.

See our member directory

Elevating the Conversation

We work with leaders and their communities to share their stories. We make the case that next-generation internet is essential infrastructure that can deliver transformative benefits to communities today.

Learn more about what we do

Tools for Success

Developing a next-generation network is a daunting task for any city. We are committed to developing and aggregating resources to guide new projects.

Find resources