From the Texas Department of Agriculture:

Map, survey findings identify areas of the state that remain unconnected

AUSTIN — More than 96 percent of Texas households have access to home broadband service; however, a quarter of a million households in the Lone Star State — more than all of the households in Vermont — lack access to this critical service. In an effort to close the digital divide, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced the launch of the Texas broadband map, which illustrates the state's broadband landscape; pinpoints unserved areas; identifies types of service; and allows broadband service providers to target future investment.

"High-speed Internet is directly related to business development and is a critical lifeline to vital services like telemedicine and education," Commissioner Staples said. "Every Texan should have the opportunity to drive in the fast lane on the information superhighway; however, some Texans are stuck on a dirt road. This new statewide broadband map will help us bridge the digital divide for rural communities and households that remain unserved by broadband service."

The state was mapped by Connected Texas, a non-profit organization designated by the Texas Department of Agriculture to measure and map the availability and use of broadband in Texas.

The map includes data from 123 state providers and indicates 3.5 percent of Texas households, or approximately 257,000 residences, do not have access to home broadband service. Most of the unserved areas are in rural regions of the state, and a lack of broadband access is hindering their opportunities for business development and access to telemedicine, higher education and e-government.

"The complete picture of the state's broadband coverage will help us focus our efforts on those libraries where better connectivity is needed," said Director Peggy Rudd of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. "Public libraries often face the challenge of not knowing what broadband options are available in their areas, and the new map will become a valuable informational tool for them as well."

"This map will be a valuable tool to help Texans identify providers offering high-speed Internet access to homes and businesses throughout the state," said Commissioner Donna L. Nelson of the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

The map is a tool for strategically targeting broadband infrastructure build-out and subscribership. The public is encouraged to review the map at www.connectedtx.org and provide input to help validate the data. The broadband inventory map will be updated again in the fall after consumer and provider data are collected.

The Texas broadband map includes BroadbandStat Technology, which allows a street-level view of current high-speed Internet availability. The map, which will be continually enhanced and upgraded, is searchable by address, allowing users to see the type of technology used to provide service in their areas, as well as the providers servicing their areas. The public can also use the map to compare prices through direct links to service providers.

Gov. Rick Perry designated TDA, in consultation with the PUC and the Texas Public Safety Commission, to lead the state’s broadband service expansion initiatives and represent the interests of Texas to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Download Press Release

Juneau, AK – Connect Alaska, a nonprofit public-private partnership, is now putting valuable tools and information directly into the hands of Alaska residents in an effort to identify areas of the state unserved or underserved by high-speed Internet access.

The Connect Alaska website now allows anyone access to tools to help improve their Internet connection at www.connectak.org. Users can check their current Internet speeds, request quality broadband service in their area, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives.

“In today’s digital world, being connected to the Internet is critical to preserving and improving lifestyle,” says Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Alaska’s parent company, Connected Nation. “Whether you live in a rural or urban area, broadband gives you the opportunity to work from home, take online classes, and market your products – all of which have a positive impact on the local economy. Yet, for thousands of Alaska residents, affordable access to high-speed Internet is still not available.”

These interactive tools are just the beginning of what will soon be available through the Connect Alaska website. Connect Alaska has been commissioned by the state and the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development to create the state’s first complete broadband map. The map is being created in collaboration with the state’s broadband providers and will be viewable using cutting-edge BroadbandStat technology, which will make it fully interactive and available to anyone with Internet access. Visitors will be able to find information about broadband providers, down to the street level, including the provider contact information and the types of broadband service available at their address. Alaska’s BroadbandStat map will be unveiled later this summer on the Connect Alaska website.

“High-speed Internet facilitates access to quality jobs, information, and vital services ranging from interactive telemedicine to higher education,” said Michael Black, deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. “By increasing broadband access and use across the state, Alaska will have greater opportunities and a new throughway to economic empowerment.”

Connect Alaska is funded through a $1.9 million award by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to launch the initiative in the state and carry out the work over a five-year period. Under the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development grant program, Connect Alaska is charged with creating statewide awareness, mapping, and maintaining the state broadband inventory for two years, and conducting planning efforts for a period of five years. These funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NTIA, as required by the ARRA, will make a national broadband map publicly available by February 17, 2011.

Link to full press release

Initiative Launches New Interactive Mapping App on Connect South Carolina Website

Columbia, SC – Connect South Carolina has launched a powerful new broadband app in the effort to bring affordable, high-speed Internet to the entire state. Available on Connect South Carolina’s website, www.connectsc.org, BroadbandStat is the interactive state mapping resource that puts all the latest information on the broadband landscape directly at your fingertips. Connect South Carolina is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of South Carolina.

Connect South Carolina has been able to gather and verify state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and type of broadband services as well as the adoption and availability of broadband at community anchor institutions across the state. The meeting of this milestone is a result of a several-month long process of aggressive outreach to providers and community anchor institutions across the state, and extensive verification and validation of the data collected from these entities. These initial maps include data from 34 state providers, key findings include:

• 95.32% of South Carolina households have access to terrestrial fixed broadband service of at least 768 Kbps downstream and 200 Kbps upstream (excluding mobile and satellite services).
• 4.68% of South Carolina households are unserved by a terrestrial fixed broadband provider, representing approximately 72,000 unserved households that do not have access to a fixed wireless or wired broadband service offering (excluding mobile and satellite service).
• With mobile broadband service included, 99.70% or 1,529,333 South Carolina households have access to broadband service of at least 768 Kbps downstream and 200 Kbps upstream.

A public demonstration of the program’s new interactive mapping feature, BroadbandStat, was held via webinar on Friday to encourage citizen verification and to demonstrate the broadband expansion scenario building that can be achieved using the tool.

Connected Nation’s GIS team will continuously refine the maps as more data is gathered - relying upon citizen feedback as part of the validation process. Residents, businesses, and any interested party with knowledge of the state broadband landscape are asked to go to Connect South Carolina’s website to provide input that will be used to verify and ensure the highest level of accuracy for the broadband maps.

On Connectsc.org, those who do not currently have broadband access can add their name and address to a secure database of households that would like to subscribe if given the opportunity. The collected information supports the creation of the broadband inventory map that will assist in expanding broadband delivery to residents across the state.

“We are excited to offer this interactive app to the citizens of South Carolina. With this new website, citizens can play an active role in the validation of the data and more importantly, use it as a resource to search provider options and draw attention to the areas that remain unserved,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect South Carolina’s parent organization, Connected Nation. “The goal of our nonprofit organization is to expand broadband access to areas where it doesn’t exist and improve the quality of service in areas that are already served. South Carolina’s newly completed map is the first major step in this process.”

As the designated entity for broadband mapping and planning in the state of South Carolina, Connect South Carolina is a public-private partnership uniting local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state’s unserved and underserved areas.

In December 2009, Connect South Carolina was awarded $1.7 million in Recovery Act funding in an effort to increase the availability and use of high-speed Internet service in the state. The funding enables the state to collect data to develop and maintain a detailed map of existing broadband service over two years and conduct planning efforts for a period of five years.

These efforts are in compliance with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the State Broadband Data and Development grant program (SBDD). Ultimately, these data will populate the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.



# # #

About Connect South Carolina: Connect South Carolina is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of South Carolina. The state of South Carolina is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout South Carolina. Connect South Carolina was commissioned by the Governor’s Office to work with all broadband providers in the state of South Carolina to create detailed maps of broadband coverage in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in South Carolina. www.connectsc.org.

New Broadband Coverage Maps Go Live on Connect Minnesota Website

St Paul, MN – Connect Minnesota has launched a powerful new broadband app in the effort to bring affordable, high-speed Internet to the entire state. Available on Connect Minnesota’s website, www.connectmn.org, BroadbandStat is the interactive state mapping resource that puts all the latest information on the broadband landscape directly at your fingertips. Connect Minnesota is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of Minnesota.

“Minnesota has been a national leader on creating awareness and driving broadband expansion across its state,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Minnesota’s parent organization, Connected Nation. “We are proud to support the effort through this new mapping app that empowers citizens, businesses, community developers, and policy makers to make informed plans for high-speed Internet expansion in their communities.”

Since 2008, Connect Minnesota has served as the broadband mapping entity for Minnesota. Connect Minnesota has been able to gather and verify state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and type of broadband services in order to create an accurate picture of the state’s broadband landscape. Starting this year, the program has also focused on gathering data on the adoption and availability of broadband at community anchor institutions across the state to identify the need for services at schools, libraries, and hospitals. The meeting of this milestone is a result of a several-month long process of aggressive outreach to providers and community anchor institutions across the state, and extensive verification and validation of the data collected from these entities.

The maps represent the coverage areas of 93 Minnesota broadband providers. The newly unveiled map confirms that approximately 84,391 households are still without any broadband service option at all. 95.55% of Minnesota households have access to broadband service of at least 768 Kbps downstream and 90.56% of rural Minnesota households have access. There are approximately 78,848 unserved rural households (excluding mobile and satellite service).

A public demonstration of the mapping app was held via webinar on Friday to encourage citizen feedback and to demonstrate the broadband expansion scenario building that can be achieved using the tool.

Connected Nation’s GIS team will continuously refine the maps as more data is gathered - relying upon citizen feedback as part of the validation process. Residents, businesses, and any interested party with knowledge of the state broadband landscape are asked to go to Connect Minnesota’s website to provide input that will be used to verify and ensure the highest level of accuracy for the broadband maps.

As the designated entity for broadband mapping and planning in the state of Minnesota, Connect Minnesota is a public-private partnership uniting local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state’s underserved areas. In December 2009, the U.S. Department of Commerce the National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded Connect Minnesota $1.7 million in Recovery Act funding under the State Broadband Data and Development grant program (SBDD) to support the effort to increase the availability and use of high-speed Internet service in the state. The funding enables the state to collect data and develop maintain a detailed map of existing broadband service over two years and conduct planning efforts for a period of five years.

The data released are in compliance with the NTIA’s Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the SBDD grant program. Ultimately, these data will populate the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

Launches New Interactive Mapping App on Connect Michigan Website

Lansing, MI –The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced yesterday the completion of the first round of broadband maps aimed at promoting technology development and increasing high-speed Internet throughout the state. The maps which are now accessible online at www.connectmi.org are a product of the Connect Michigan broadband initiative, a public-private partnership between the MPSC and Connected Nation, a national nonprofit focused on technology expansion in underserved areas.

“Today marks an important day in Michigan: a complete, interactive broadband map is now available for customers, Internet service providers, and policymakers,” said Orjiakor Isiogu, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission. “This is an important first step as the state seeks to target resources to those areas of the state without high-speed Internet service.”

Connect Michigan has been able to gather and verify state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and type of broadband services as well as the adoption and availability of broadband at community anchor institutions across the state. The meeting of this milestone is a result of a several-month long process of aggressive outreach to providers and community anchor institutions across the state, and extensive verification and validation of the data collected from these entities. These initial maps include data from 86 state providers, and key findings include:
· 95.41% of Michigan households have access to broadband service of at least 768 kbps downstream (excluding mobile and satellite service).
· 4.59% of Michigan households are unserved, representing approximately 174,000 unserved households.

A public demonstration of the program’s new interactive mapping feature, BroadbandStat, was held via webinar to encourage citizen feedback and to demonstrate the broadband expansion scenario building that can be achieved using the tool.

Connected Nation’s GIS team will continuously refine the maps as more data is gathered - relying upon citizen feedback as part of the validation process. Residents, businesses, and any interested party with knowledge of the state broadband landscape are asked to go to Connect Michigan’s website to provide input that will be used to verify and ensure the highest level of accuracy for the broadband maps.

On Connectmi.org, those who do not currently have broadband access can add their name and address to a secure database of households that would like to subscribe if given the opportunity. The collected information supports the creation of the broadband inventory map that will assist in expanding broadband delivery to residents across the state.

“We are excited to offer this interactive app to the citizens of Michigan. With this new website, citizens can play an active role in the validation of the data and more importantly, use it as a resource to search provider options and draw attention to the areas that remain unserved,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Michigan’s parent organization, Connected Nation. “The goal of our nonprofit organization is to expand broadband access to areas where it doesn’t exist and improve the quality of service in areas that are already served. Michigan’s newly completed map is the first major step in this process.”

As the designated entity for broadband mapping and planning in the state of Michigan, Connect Michigan is a public-private partnership uniting local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state’s unserved and underserved areas.

In December 2009, Connect Michigan was awarded $1.8 million in Recovery Act funding in an effort to increase the availability and use of high-speed Internet service in the state. The funding enables the state to collect data to develop and maintain a detailed map of existing broadband service over two years and conduct planning efforts for a period of five years.

These efforts are in compliance with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the State Broadband Data and Development grant program (SBDD). Ultimately, these data will populate the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

Connect Nevada, Nevada Broadband Task Force to Host Public Webinar on June 3rd

Carson City, NV – Connect Nevada has launched a powerful new broadband app in the effort to bring quality, high-speed Internet to the entire state. Yesterday, Governor Jim Gibbons announced the public release of the state’s first comprehensive broadband map along with the launch of BroadbandStat, the interactive state mapping resource that puts all the latest information on the broadband landscape directly at your fingertips. Additionally, the Connect Nevada website (www.connectnv.org) offers several other interactive tools for broadband consumers.

“In today’s digital world, being connected to the Internet is critical to preserving and improving lifestyle,” says Daphne DeLeon, chairperson of the Governor’s Nevada Broadband Task Force. “Whether you live in a rural or urban area, high-speed Internet enables access to quality jobs, information, and vital services ranging from interactive telemedicine to higher education. Broadband gives you the opportunity to work from home, take online classes, and market your products - all of which have a positive impact on the local economy. Yet, for thousands of Nevada residents, affordable access to high-speed Internet is still not available.”

The newly unveiled map confirms that approximately 21,000 Nevada households are still without any broadband service option at all.

“The completed Nevada state map shows what broadband services are currently available down to the street level. Connect Nevada, in collaboration with the state’s broadband providers, will update the map on a routine basis to reflect real-time broadband availability so that policy makers, Internet providers, and the general public can use the maps to make informed decisions about broadband investment and expansion,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Nevada’s parent company, Connected Nation. “The goal of our nonprofit organization is to expand broadband access to areas where it doesn’t exist and improve the quality of service in areas that are already served. Nevada’s newly completed map is the first major step in this process.”

Nevada’s BroadbandStat state map will be explained in detail by Nevada Broadband Task Force Chairperson Daphne DeLeon and members of the Connect Nevada team. The public demonstration of the powerful tool will take place via webinar on Thursday, June 3, from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. PST. Media, broadband providers, and the general public are invited to attend the webinar or join Ms. DeLeon in-person for the demonstration at a location that has yet to be determined. In the meantime, the map and the webinar sign-up link are available now through the Connect Nevada website, www.connectnv.org.

All Nevada residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Nevada website, www.connectnv.org, to join in this important initiative and offer feedback. The website gives residents a place to provide feedback on the initiative as well as several useful interactive tools. Users can use the website to find providers at their address, check their current Internet speeds, request broadband service in their area, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives. By increasing broadband access and use across the state, Nevada is facing a bright future, with greater opportunities, and a new throughway to economic empowerment.

Connect Nevada is funded through a $1.4 million award by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to launch the initiative in the state and carry out the work over a five-year period. Under the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development grant program Connect Nevada is charged with creating statewide awareness, mapping, and maintaining the state broadband inventory for two years, and conduct planning efforts for a period of five years. These funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NTIA, as required by the ARRA, will make a national broadband map publicly available by February 17, 2011.


Related Links:

Press Release: Web Link to Governor’s Press Release

Webinar Sign-up Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/634571810

Read the testimony here

Connected Nation’s Laura Taylor Provides Testimony to U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet on the National Broadband Plan.

Washington, D.C. –Today, Connected Nation’s Chief Policy Officer Laura Taylor addressed the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet about the importance of increasing broadband adoption to spur broadband expansion.

“Our experience, and the data that go along with it, show that the nation’s ‘demand gap’ is significantly larger than the ‘supply gap’ – with supply outstripping demand by between 30 and 35 percentage points. Broadband adoption stimulation is the key to the ultimate success of any effort to fully address the broadband challenge,” Taylor said.

Her testimony was part of a series of hearings held by the subcommittee examining recommendations in the recently released National Broadband Plan for increasing broadband adoption, including ways to ensure that all Americans are able to subscribe to broadband and educating consumers about broadband’s benefits.

During today’s hearing, several subcommittee members praised the work of Connected Nation and its state-based initiatives.

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.

U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D, OH-18) also 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.

Following the opening statements, Taylor provided insights into Connected Nation’s extensive data on broadband adoption through statewide initiatives, real-world examples of how its work with grassroots community programs drive broadband adoption, how public-private partnerships are essential in driving sustainable broadband adoption, and how the National Broadband Plan makes several good recommendations to accomplish these goals.

Connected Nation is currently creating data and broadband inventory maps for 13 states or territories (Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas).

This experience and subsequent research has shown alarming broadband adoption gaps among at-risk populations, which is consistent with National Broadband Plan findings, Taylor said. These gaps are especially wide with rural Americans, minorities, people with disabilities, and low-income Americans.

These gaps demonstrate the need for federal support for public-private partnership driven efforts to increase broadband adoption. Taylor followed with examples of Connected Nation’s success in the public-private partnership model including in Tennessee, where recent county-level research shows that these public-private efforts of the statewide Connected Tennessee program, a Connected Nation state initiative, are effectively closing the digital divide.

From 2007 to 2010, the 35% growth of home broadband adoption in Tennessee outpaced national growth of 28%. Minorities in Tennessee – who have historically lagged Caucasians in Internet use – have now surpassed Caucasians, with 84% of minority adults in Tennessee reporting that they use the Internet , she said. This well exceeds the FCC reported national average of 78%. The rural-urban gap was also narrowed significantly in Tennessee.

“One of the most powerful county-level case studies comes from Perry County, Tennessee,” Taylor said. Through the Connected Tennessee Computers 4 Kids program and a donation from the AT&T Foundation, 20 new computers and six printers were placed in a summer youth program to create jobs for high school students who worked to improve web-based tourism and economic development for the city of Linden. After this summer program ended, the computers were transformed into a digital factory, creating permanent technology jobs in Perry County. Broadband adoption in Perry County has grown by 175% since 2007.

Following her testimony, Taylor addressed several questions offered from the subcommittee chairman, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher (D, VA-9) and ranking member U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R, FL-6).

Boucher asked Taylor about Connected Nation’s experience in ensuring the accurate representation of coverage in the broadband mapping process, especially when providers are the ones giving the data. Taylor emphasized the importance of on-the-ground verification, which ensures real-world examples of the providers’ data. Also, she stressed the necessity of public input in the mapping process. Specifically, she mentioned the use of web-based maps, which allows for easy comment by the public.

Stearns began his questioning by praising the commitment of Connected Nation and Connected Tennessee to help connect minority communities. Connecting these communities is a vital part of broadband adoption in the United States, he said.

“That (Connected Tennessee’s minority broadband adoption data) says it all - that your nonprofit organization is doing that,” he said.

In written remarks submitted as part of the hearing, Taylor concluded with how the lessons learned by Connected Nation can and do relate to the tasks proposed in the National Broadband Plan.

The FCC sets forth several principles and recommendations that Connected Nation believes should be supported by both the Legislative and Executive Branches, according to Taylor. These include:

1. Focusing on the barriers to adoption. Connected Nation has found that these barriers are different from place to place, therefore local research is key to this effort;
2. Focusing on broadband in the home. Connected Nation agrees that libraries and other public places are critical points of access; however, there is no substitution for a computer in the home – especially for rural America where access to community anchor institutions is limited, she said;
3. Measurement and evaluation are critical to success because they allow programs to make adjustments on an ongoing basis. Connected Nation already does this through regular and recurring research and the local level and regularly updated broadband maps.

“Filling in the broadband gaps is essential to ensure that all Americans can participate in the twenty-first century economy – this step is especially critical for rural Americans,” Taylor wrote in the submitted remarks. “The job, however, is not complete unless we ensure that all Americans who have access to this technology are in fact using it in ever more productive ways. We look forward to continue working with Congress, the Federal government, states, and thousands of local champions who understand and share our mission for universal digital inclusion across America.”

Related Links:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/connectednation
CN Blog: Connected Nation Touted, Testifies on Capitol Hill

Children from the Crescent Drive Head Start give a thumbs up during this week’s computer donation.











The Crescent Drive Head Start Program Receives Refurbished Computers Donated through a Partnership of ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership

Danville, KY—This week, the Crescent Drive Head Start program in Danville received computers as part of a kickoff event for a technology donation partnership.

“Having access to the computers will allow the teachers to have an opportunity to use digital instructional resources to improve kids’ math and science skills,” said Amy Collier, site supervisor for the Crescent Drive Head Start program during the kickoff on Tuesday, May 4.

Over the next few weeks, ConnectKentucky, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership (BGCAP) will arrange the donation of refurbished computers to Head Start programs in Anderson, Boyle, Jessamine, Woodford, Mercer, and Franklin counties. This week’s event was the kickoff of the official partnership. For the computers donated this week, the refurbishing services took place at Pioneer Vocational Industrial Services in Danville.

“It is wonderful to have all the agencies come together to benefit the technology needs of the kids in the Head Start program,” said JoAnn Travis, director of Head Start for the six-county region. “We wish to thank all those responsible for making the technology resources available.”

Boyle County Judge-Executive Harold McKinney said Tuesday that providing access to technology “was a given in today’s world” and that he was “glad to see Boyle County organizations rally together to provide technology for area kids.”

McKinney even suggested that there may be other opportunities to donate old county computers for the refurbishing program.

Initially, the gently used computers were donated by the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office to ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program.

“As our office continues to increase our digital capacity, we soon outgrow some of the computer equipment that we have used over the years,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “Although they no longer fit our needs, we are delighted to use these computers to brighten the futures of Kentucky’s most precious resources — our children. We have long said that our office does more with less, thanks to technology. We are humbled that our technological reach will extend beyond to the children of Kentucky via the C4K program.”

ConnectKentucky’s C4K program is an innovative project that brings together public and private partners to help disadvantaged children and their families join the information age. This is accomplished by placing computers in the hands of disad¬vantaged populations so that they have access to abundant technological resources and can perform basic computing functions.

Since its inception, C4K has delivered more than 3,200 Internet-ready computers to disadvantaged individuals, schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofit after-school programs across the state.

“ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids program is proud to be a part of this new partnership and to help the Bluegrass Region’s Head Start programs,” said Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky. “As the partnership continues to receive donations, we are confident that technology use will expand throughout the region.”

Connect Ohio and Connect Illinois Programs Now Have Latest Broadband Mapping Technology

Washington, D.C. –Today, Connected Nation launched its new interactive broadband mapping platform in its state-based initiatives of Ohio and Illinois making it publicly available on both state’s websites: www.connectohio.org and www.connectillinois.org.

BroadbandStat is designed to provide a multi-functional and comprehensive view of broadband in a state as a roadmap for increased high-speed Internet. Both states held live online demonstrations for more than 200 stakeholders, community leaders, broadband providers, and others outlining the usefulness of the new mapping platform.

Connect Ohio’s Executive Director Tom Fritz explained some of the meaningful ways the average user can use the tool.

“Ohio consumers now have the ability to quickly and easily find participating providers that offer broadband service to their homes,” Fritz said. “The application will also help broadband providers, Ohio municipalities, and economic development organizations pinpoint exactly which areas should be targeted for broadband expansion.”

The broadband-related data can be used for grant writing, broadband investment, economic development, and it gives the public the ability to find information about broadband providers down to the street level. The software allows providers to calculate feasibility plans which could help them decide to expand their business or offer services at a reduced rate to disadvantaged individuals or families, Fritz said.

Morton O’Kelly, chair of the Department of Geography at Ohio State University, complimented the efficiency and use of the tool.

“The mapping tool provides a snapshot of current coverage at a high level of detail,” said O’Kelly. “The assembly of data from major providers is key to a comprehensive portrait of state-wide coverage. As a geographer, I am immediately able to see significant regional contrasts, as well as gain a greater appreciation for the challenges facing providers as they attempt to complete coverage in lower density rural areas.”

Additionally in Ohio, J.C. Wallace, executive director of the Ohio Economic Development Association, noted, “High-speed broadband connectivity is critical to almost every business in Ohio, but especially in manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, retail, and tourism.

“The new tool developed by Connect Ohio should help economic developers market their broadband assets to new and existing businesses, and should also provide our members with vital information to encourage new companies to make investments in broadband services,” Wallace said.

In Illinois, Todd Heinrich, CEO of Genesis Health Technologies, LLC, had this to say: “The broadband mapping tool offered through Connected Nation is one of the better tools we have seen to date, specifically for mapping and drilling in on targeted areas for broadband development and other projects. The drawing capabilities coupled with the measurement capabilities are very useful when, as an example, plotting potential routes of new fiber, while also being able to mark and overlay existing fiber routes with the color feature. Great for being able to accurately budget either middle-mile and last-mile loop.”

Connected Nation joined forces with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, to create the revolutionary software.

Along with Ohio and Illinois, Connected Nation will be releasing BroadbandStat in nine more states and the territory of Puerto Rico. BroadbandStat was launched in Tennessee earlier this month.

All Connected Nation partner states and territories will be using BroadbandStat to organize the results of data they are currently collecting on available broadband services. This activity is supported by State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program funds that are made available through the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for improving broadband accessibility across the nation.

Related Links:
Press Release: Connected Nation Launches New Interactive Mapping Tool in Tennessee

Blog: Connected Nation Previews Interactive Broadband Mapping Tool at Technology Policy Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

More About BroadbandStat

Download press release here.

Connected Tennessee Program Now Has Latest Broadband Mapping Technology

BroadbandStat Fact Sheet

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Connected Nation launched its new interactive broadband mapping platform in its state-based initiative of Tennessee.

Called BroadbandStat, the new interactive mapping platform is a multi-functional, user-friendly way for local leaders, policymakers, consumers, and technology providers to devise a plan for the expansion and adoption of broadband.

Connected Nation joined forces with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, to create the revolutionary software.

“This is more than a facelift. We have taken the feedback of thousands of Connected Nation map users to completely revamp the way we map broadband. BroadbandStat combines the supply and demand side of broadband data and presents it in a way that is accessible to the most casual observer,” said Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation’s chief executive officer. “The ways in which policymakers and potential investors can utilize this tool are virtually limitless.”

Along with Tennessee, BroadbandStat will soon be available in 11 more states and the territory of Puerto Rico. These states and territory will be using BroadbandStat to organize the results of data they are currently collecting on available broadband services. This activity is supported by State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program funds that are made available through the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for improving broadband accessibility across the nation.

BroadbandStat uses GIS technology to enable a user to build and evaluate broadband expansion scenarios that incorporate data such as education and population demographics, current broadband speeds, and availability and research about adoption barriers. Results are displayed on a Web-based interactive map. The broadband-related data can be used for grant writing, broadband investment, and economic development, and it gives the public the ability to find information about broadband providers down to the street level.

For Bob Mayfield, managing partner of Electronic Communications Systems, a small broadband provider in west Tennessee, the new tool will be extremely helpful as his company plans further coverage.

“BroadbandStat is a very important tool,” Mayfield said. “For providers to be able to look at the market as we are developing our business plans — to see where broadband exists and where the demand is — this is the best thing that’s come out in a while.”

Daryl Phillips, executive director of the Hickman County Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD), agreed.

“Five years ago, we had local business owners that couldn't decide where to locate within the county because they didn't have access to this kind of detailed information,” Phillips said. “Now, business and industry can use this tool for relocation decisions, home buyers can use this while shopping for a home, and government and ECD can use it for planning purposes."

BroadbandStat was showcased at the 13th Annual Kickoff Technology Policy Exhibition at the 6th Annual State of the Net conference in Washington, D.C. on January 26 and 27.

Former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer, director of Policy and Public Sector Strategies at ESRI, attended the conference and had a chance to discuss the benefits of proper broadband data and analysis tools.

“The common underpinning of all activities — economic, social, or health — is people connecting with other people and that activity doesn’t happen without broadband,” he said at the kickoff reception. “You will never understand how much information is in the world until you can connect with broadband. Broadband mapping —or showing who is connecting and who is not — is just the first step.”

To see Connected Tennessee’s interactive map visit the Connected Tennessee website.

Related Links:

More About BroadbandStat

Blog: Connected Nation Previews Interactive Broadband Mapping Tool at Technology Policy Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

News Article: New tool shows high-speed Internet availability statewide (Knoxville News Sentinel, 02/10/2010)

News Article: Connected Tennessee Launches Cutting-Edge Interactive Broadband Mapping Tool (WTVC-TV, 02/10/2010)

The Importance of Innovative Broadband Data and Analysis Tools Featured at the 13th Annual Kickoff Technology Policy Exhibition and 6th Annual State of the Net Conference

Jim Geringer (former Governor of Wyoming) and Randy Frantz of ESRI viewing BroadbandStat at Tuesday’s kickoff reception.



Washington, D.C. –Today, Connected Nation and ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, joined forces to demonstrate the latest in broadband mapping technology at the State of the Net Conference hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Called BroadbandStat, the new interactive mapping platform created by Connected Nation and ESRI is a multi-functional, user-friendly way for local leaders, policymakers, consumers, and technology providers to devise a plan for the expansion and adoption of broadband.

Former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer, Director of Policy and Public Sector Strategies at ESRI, served as one of the conference panelists and talked about the important benefits of proper broadband data and analysis tools.

“The common underpinning of all activities — economic, social, or health — is people connecting with other people and that activity doesn’t happen without broadband,” he said at Tuesday’s kickoff reception. “You will never understand how much information is in the world until you can connect with broadband. Broadband mapping —or showing who is connecting and who is not — is just the first step.”

BroadbandStat uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to enable a user to build and evaluate broadband expansion scenarios that incorporate data such as education and population demographics, current broadband speeds, and availability and research about adoption barriers. Results are displayed on a Web-based interactive map. The broadband-related data can be used for grant writing, broadband investment, and economic development, and it gives the public the ability to find information about broadband providers down to the street level.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) welcomes attendees to the Congressional Internet Caucus Kickoff Reception and Technology Policy Exhibition.

Michael Ramage, Executive Director for Connected Tennessee, a Connected Nation state-based initiative, previewed BroadbandStat last night at the 13th Annual Kickoff Technology Policy Exhibition prior to the conference.

“BroadbandStat is literally going to change the face of broadband expansion in Tennessee,” Ramage said. “Providers and citizens alike will now have a crystal-clear picture of exactly where broadband exists and where it does not, with exhaustive information and intricate detail. We feel that BroadbandStat puts Tennessee at an advantage over other states in the arena of broadband expansion and are pleased to be able to provide this tool for Tennesseans to access broadband data on a whole new level.”

BroadbandStat will soon be available on the Connected Tennessee website, Ramage said.

In addition to Tennessee, 11 more states and the territory of Puerto Rico will be using BroadbandStat to organize the results of data they are currently collecting on available broadband services. This activity is supported by State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program funds that are made available through the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for improving broadband accessibility across the nation.

Today’s State of the Net Conference was held at the Hyatt Regency, Capitol Hill. It is the largest information technology policy conference in the U.S.

Related Links:
More About BroadbandStat

Blog: Connected Nation Previews Interactive Broadband Mapping Tool at Technology Policy Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

Watch: NextGenWeb video with Connected Nation

New state projects will feature latest in broadband mapping technology

Washington, DC –Recently, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced grant awards for 10 Connected Nation state-level partner projects. Connected Nation has been selected by these nine states and one United States territory to launch comprehensive broadband mapping and planning initiatives in the interest of increasing broadband accessibility and use.

“When Congress passed legislation creating this grant program, they provided the pathway for a comprehensive approach to solving our nation’s broadband challenges. We are excited and humbled to be a part of this national effort to expand the use and availability of broadband,” said Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation’s chief executive officer. ”Connected Nation’s mission is to achieve digital inclusion for all Americans. And, from experience, we have seen that every state, territory and community has its own unique technology challenges. Broadband mapping is the first step to getting where we need to be faster and with greater effectiveness.”

Awards include:

Florida: NTIA has awarded the Florida Department of Management Services approximately $2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Florida, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.5 million. The Florida Department of Management Services is the designated entity for the state of Florida.

Iowa: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Iowa, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Iowa.

Illinois: NTIA has awarded the Partnership for a Connected Illinois approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Illinois, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Partnership for a Connected Illinois is the designated entity for the state of Illinois.

Michigan: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Michigan, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Michigan.

Minnesota: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Minnesota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Minnesota.

Nevada: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $930,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Nevada, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.4 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Nevada.

Ohio: NTIA has awarded the Ohio Office of Information Technology approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Ohio, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Ohio Office of Information Technology is the designated entity for the state of Ohio.

Puerto Rico: NTIA has awarded the Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer approximately $925,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Puerto Rico, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.4 million. The Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer is the designated entity for the territory of Puerto Rico.

South Carolina: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in South Carolina, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of South Carolina.

Tennessee: NTIA has awarded Connected Tennessee approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Tennessee, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. Connected Tennessee is the designated entity for the state of Tennessee.

As part of these initiatives, Connected Nation will be implementing a brand new interactive mapping tool for viewing, analyzing and validating broadband data. Called BroadbandStat, the new interactive mapping platform is a multi-functional, user-friendly way for local leaders, policymakers, consumers and technology providers to devise a plan for the expansion and adoption of broadband. BroadbandStat was developed by Connected Nation in conjunction with ESRI, the world market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.

Connected Nation will soon be working with 12 states and one U.S. territory on the national broadband mapping effort. These efforts comprise approximately 42 percent of the country’s landmass and encompass approximately 39.5 million households.

More than $7 billion in stimulus funds have been designated to help expand broadband access to unserved and underserved communities across the United States. These funds are available through NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the Rural Utilities Service’s Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). NTIA has received applications for the grant program from all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. The agency is currently reviewing the remaining 15 applications. The remaining awards are expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

As the organization that produced the nation’s first granular statewide broadband availability map in 2005, Connected Nation is a prominent voice for the nation’s need for better broadband data. Connected Nation has completed statewide broadband availability maps for eight states, all prior to the current stimulus fund availability. In addition to these mapping projects, Connected Nation has worked with local communities to encourage broadband adoption and use. These programs, including computer donation, technology planning and economic development, are an essential step in closing the digital divide in the United States.

Connected Nation has worked closely with national leaders and provided numerous filings in support of a process for broadband data collection at the national level. To learn more about the programs that are helping more families and communities connect through broadband, visit www.connectednation.org.

Related Links:

ESRI: About BroadbandStat

Blog: Connected Tennessee Debuts Latest Innovation in Broadband Mapping

Press Release: Connected Nation State-level Digital Inclusion Work Highlighted at FCC Public Hearing

In the News: State to Map Its Broadband Access (AP via the Wichita Eagle, 12/08/09)

In the News: Editorial: Using Technology

In the News: Group To Map Internet Availability (Juneau Empire, 12/01/09)

Federal Recovery Funds Will Help with Mapping, Planning Efforts

CHICAGO –Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois has received $1.8 million in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to improve broadband access throughout the state. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will assist the state with broadband mapping and planning efforts.

“This funding will help ensure that no one in Illinois is left out of the technological revolution. Today, too many individuals are without access to affordable internet service – this is especially true in our rural and low-income communities,” said Governor Quinn. “This funding is a big step toward realizing Illinois' broadband goals.”

A Partnership for a Connected Illinois (Connect Illinois) is the non-profit entity that has been designated by the state to manage this project. Connect Illinois will use approximately $1.3 million of the funding for broadband data collection and mapping activities and approximately $500,000 for broadband planning activities.

Once complete, Illinois will have statewide data on the availability, speed and location of broadband services. The data collected and compiled will be used to develop broadband maps with the intention of targeting state resources to unserved and underserved areas. The data will also eventually help populate a national broadband map.

“These maps will ultimately help us focus state resources on the neediest areas, helping to ensure that no matter where you live, you have the availability and access to internet service,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley. “With these resources, we’re opening the door to greater opportunities for 21st century job growth and economic prosperity in Illinois."

A long-time advocate of improving the state’s broadband access, Governor Quinn has taken many significant steps to ensure connectivity in all areas of Illinois. The Illinois Jobs Now! capital bill provides funding for placing fiber-optic network conduit along highway projects in unserved areas; and the state provided technical grant writing assistance and matching grants to ARRA applicants who would provide broadband services. The federal government is expected to announce those grant recipients at any time.

For more information on the state’s broadband efforts, visit http://www.broadband.illinois.gov/.

Link to press release here.

Memphis, Tenn. -- Today, the digital inclusion work of Connected Tennessee, a Connected Nation state-level initiative, will be highlighted during a Federal Communications Commission’s field hearing in Memphis.

Connected Tennessee’s executive director Michael Ramage will speak at one of a series of FCC’s public hearings promoting an open discussion between the commission and the public on the development of a national broadband plan.

In Tennessee, work to provide expanded access to and use of broadband has seen significant success. Since Connected Tennessee’s 2007 inception, more than 250,000 Tennesseans have gained access to broadband.

Connected Tennessee has accomplished this goal by involving all of Tennessee’s 95 counties in a technology planning and outreach process called e-Community Strategies. Through this process, each county creates local leadership teams, comprised of leaders from both the private and public sector. These teams work to create county-level technology plans in order to address a particular county’s challenges related to technology growth.

In addition to this process, Connected Tennessee has distributed more than 2,100 computers to children, families and community-based organizations through its Computers 4 Kids program. In October, Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids program was awarded a “community service” award at the 7th annual TechStar Awards in Kingsport, Tenn. The honor was given for the program’s commitment of time and resources to improve the community through technology.

Following the success of state-based programs like Connected Tennessee’s Computer 4 Kids, Connected Nation and several leading technology companies including Intel, Fujitsu, Velocity Micro and ZT Systems announced in August the creation of Every Citizen Online (SM), a public-private partnership program that will enable computer ownership and broadband use in low-income and unconnected homes throughout the United States.

The program will help vulnerable populations overcome the 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.

Related Links:

Press Release: Connected Nation Partners with Technology Leaders to Apply for Broadband Stimulus Funds to Connect More U.S. Households

About: Every Citizen Online (SM)

Whitepaper: Investing in Sustainable Broadband Adoption (PDF)

News Article: Intel's Maloney talks beer and broadband (The Hill, 10/29/09)

News Article: Q&A with Brian Meffford, CEO, Connected Nation About Every Citizen Online (Wireless Government Report, 12/07/09)

News Article: U.S. Stimulus: Intel Invests in Sustainable Broadband Adoption (Policy@Intel blog, 08/20/09)

News Article: Intel, Dell, Fujitsu Partner with Nonprofit to Increase Low-income Internet Access (The Daily Tell, 08/18/09)

News Article: Connected Nation, Technology Stalwarts Launch Every Citizen Online (Cherokeean Hearld, 08/19/09)

News Article: Connected Nation: Access Not the Biggest Problem (TMCNet, 08/14/09)

News Article: Intel, Dell Join Nonprofit To Bring Cheap Internet Svc To Poor (Dow Jones Newswire via The Wall Street Journal, 08/13/09)

View press release here.

Recovery Act funding to lay groundwork for increased high-speed Internet in rural Kansas; Lt. Governor Findley, Commerce Secretary Thornton to host news conference Dec. 7 in Topeka

Kansas has been awarded a $2 million matching grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to fund broadband mapping and planning through the Connect Kansas initiative.

The award will help Kansas collect data and develop a detailed map of the state’s existing broadband infrastructure. The map will be a crucial tool for businesses, consumers and policymakers involved in the Connect Kansas initiative to increase high-speed Internet access in rural Kansas.

“High-speed Internet is crucial to our economy, our ability to serve citizens and our overall quality of life,” Governor Mark Parkinson said. “We look forward to utilizing these Recovery Act funds to advance the Connect Kansas initiative and better serve our rural communities.”

Connect Kansas is a Kansas Department of Commerce initiative to increase high-speed Internet access in the state’s underserved rural areas. The initiative is funded primarily by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and has two components: 1) mapping Kansas’ broadband capacity, as well as related planning; and 2) providing federal grants and loans to qualified organizations involved in expanding broadband to rural areas. Today’s announcement concerns only the mapping and planning component.

The mapping component is made possible by a $185,000 contribution from the Information Network of Kansas and $15,000 from Kansas Farm Bureau. The state has contracted with Connected Nation, a national leader in broadband issues and technology, to help with mapping and planning.

“Rural Kansas remains a crucial to our state’s economy and heritage,” said Carole Jordan, Rural Development Division Director for the Kansas Department of Commerce. “We’re excited to move forward with the Connect Kansas initiative and increase broadband access in rural Kansas, which will benefit our state economy, create new Kansas jobs and help us fulfill the mission of the federal Recovery Act.”

Kansas businesses, organizations, Internet service providers and citizens are asked to contribute to the mapping process by visiting www.connectkansas.org and providing information about broadband access in their areas.

“Now that we’ve received federal funding for the mapping process, it’s crucial that Kansas businesses, organizations and everyday citizens provide us data about Internet connectivity in their regions,” Jordan said. “By doing so, they’ll help us create a more complete map, which will allow us to achieve better results throughout rural Kansas.”

Kansas is one of 21 states since October to receive Recovery Act funding through the NTIA for state-level mapping initiatives. NTIA expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall. Data from the states’ individual maps will ultimately be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map.

“We are pleased to be working with the Department of Commerce and the Governor’s Office to help create a comprehensive broadband map in the state of Kansas,” said Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation’s chief executive officer. “We applaud NTIA for working diligently to create a national broadband map and are honored to have been selected to help Kansas in its efforts to close the digital divide in the state.”

NEWS CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 7 IN TOPEKA

The Kansas Department of Commerce will celebrate today’s announcement with a news conference hosted by Lt. Governor Troy Findley and Kansas Commerce Secretary Bill Thornton on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. in the auditorium of Memorial Hall in Topeka. All media, Internet service providers, organizations and citizens are invited to attend.

Download Press Release here.