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Connected Nation team leads fundraising campaign to help some of the world’s poorest childrenThe Connected Nation team is leading a fundraising campaign aimed at helping some of the world’s poorest children.
Destiny Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was founded in 2005 by an Ethiopian couple named Hareg and Yonatan to give some of the poorest children in the city the opportunity to get a quality education. The school has shown rapid growth since its establishment. Today, it employs 42 staff and educates more than 400 students in grades K-8. To help those that cannot afford schooling, Destiny formed a sponsorship program where forty kids are currently attending free of charge and given money for medicine and food thanks to the generosity of others. In a country where 42% of the population has access to clean water, 39% live on less than $1.25 per day, and only 36% of adults can read, Destiny Academy is paving the way for a better future.
This summer, Destiny is raising funds for an exciting project to establish a fully functioning computer lab at the school. The lab will have 7 computers, 2 printers, computer desks, network and Internet access. To make this happen the school needs $4,000. In Hareg’s words, “Setting up the computer lab will serve as a bridge to connect the students with the present technology.
It will give them access to the rest of the world. To the majority it will be a unique opportunity to touch a computer. We believe education is the only way out of poverty and deprivation.”
Connected Nation Communications Director Jessica Ditto is currently in Ethiopia volunteering at the school. Inspired by her efforts, the Connected Nation team is collecting funds for the computer lab.
To learn more about Destiny Academy, click here.
Connected Nation Helps State Mapping EffortsLindsey Sutphin, Reporter-Researcher,
BroadbandBreakfast.com
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 – As a part of an effort to make a comprehensive, national map, states are mapping broadband coverage and options available in their states.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requires the National Telecommunications and Information Association to have the national map of broadband coverage publicly available by February 2011. This initiative has spurred billions of grant dollars to organizations mapping their states.
Connected Nation is the private-public partnership organization providing the mapping technology and guidance to the state efforts. Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, said, “In today’s digital world, being connected to the Internet is critical to preserving and improving lifestyle. Whether you live in a rural or an urban area, broadband gives you the opportunity to work from home, take online classes, and market your products – all of which have an impact on the local economy.”
Thus far, most of the states are being mapped through ESRI’s BroadbandStat mapping systems, which were funded by NTIA grants. Connect Michigan, Connect Minnesota, Connect Nevada, Connect South Carolina, Connect Texas, Connect Alaska, and Connect Iowa are the entities responsible for collecting their state’s data and producing the maps.
The Michigan Public Service Commission received $1.8 million in NTIA grants for its map. In the next 18 months, Michigan’s BroadbandStat map will be updated as additional data becomes available. Michigan’s map includes functions for users to identify population density in an area, identify households with no broadband access, link to news about broadband-related projects, and create charts and reports.
Connect Nevada was awarded $1.4 million in grant funds, and its map includes data about the availability, speed, location, and types of service from the state’s 35 broadband providers. In order to facilitate actual use of the map, Connect Nevada and Nevada’s Broadband Task Force conducted a live demonstration, which was also broadcast online. Leaders and experts in various fields, including agriculture, education, and healthcares, learned how they could customize the map’s functions to their specific needs.
Texas also held a web conference to demonstrate the use of its broadband map. The state has already utilized its map to identify and research the broadband adoption rate, which is only 62 percent in the state. After determining that the two major factors for non-adopters were a lack of relevance and costs, Connected Texas divided the state into geographic blocks, based upon information from the 138 providers in the state. Each block contains a number of households and connectivity data for each predefined area. By outlining specific areas, Connected Texas can better target the needs of each locality in the state.
Both Connect Minnesota and Connect South Carolina worked with the existing broadband providers in their states to identify areas without broadband. They also collected data from community anchor institutions, such as libraries and schools, which are potential access sites for broadband service.
Connected Iowa used its $2.2 million grant for an interactive state map that is currently seeking public feedback and participation. Based upon the feedback, Connected Iowa will conduct planning efforts for broadband expansion based upon the map’s information.
Iowa’s Governor Culver said, “Iowa has made great strides in spreading broadband across the state. In fact, 177 broadband providers offered data showing that the vast majority of our citizens can access broadband. However, only 66 percent of residents report using broadband at home. Through this effort we will continue the progress of getting our citizens online and accessing the unlimited benefits associated with broadband.”
In Alaska, Connected Alaska is working with the state’s Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development to facilitate job creation through their $1.9 million NTIA grant. Since Alaska is more remote than most states, it is particularly interested in the opportunities that broadband can create for higher education purposes.
As Connected Nation works with states to complete an overall national map, citizens, broadband service providers, government organizations, and entrepreneurs are using the state maps to identify opportunity.
Iowa Governor Announces Launch of Broadband Availability Map Des Moines, IA – Governor Chet Culver today announced the launch of Iowa’s first statewide broadband availability map. The web-based map is fully interactive and puts powerful tools and information directly into the hands of anyone interested in improving the technological landscape in Iowa.
 “This newly completed map paves the way for technology to follow, which will create new jobs, increase Iowa’s economic competitiveness, and deliver services that have been previously unavailable to rural areas of the state,” Governor Culver said. “Iowa has made great strides in spreading broadband across the state. In fact, 177 broadband providers offered data showing that the vast majority of our citizens can access broadband. However, only 66 percent of residents report using broadband at home. Through this effort we will continue the progress of getting our citizens online and accessing the unlimited benefits associated with broadband.”
Much like the revolutionary impact of harnessing electricity or the telephone, high-speed Internet connection is Iowa’s lifeline to future prosperity. The development of Iowa’s map is funded by a federal stimulus grant and is guided by the Connect Iowa initiative, in partnership with the Iowa Utilities Board. Connect Iowa is a subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation and is Iowa’s designated entity under the grant award.
Full access to Iowa’s interactive map is available now through the Connect Iowa website at www.connectiowa.org.
“The completed Iowa state map shows what broadband services are currently available down to the Census Block level. Connect Iowa, 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 Iowa’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. Iowa’s newly completed map is the first major step in this process.”
Iowa’s BroadbandStat map will be explained in detail Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Connect Iowa staff. The public demonstration will take place via webinar at 10 a.m. CDT. Media, broadband providers, and the general public are invited to attend by signing up through the Connect Iowa website, www.connectiowa.org.
All Iowa residents are encouraged to visit www.connectiowa.org to join in this important initiative and offer feedback. The website gives residents a one-stop-shopping portal where they can 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.
Connect Iowa is funded through a $2.2 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 Iowa 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 Feb. 17, 2011.
By increasing broadband access and use across the state, Iowa is facing a bright future, with greater opportunities, and a new throughway to economic empowerment.
Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids celebrates major milestone in Perry CountyConnected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids program recently celebrated its Perry County: One Year Later milestone event, where the spotlight was on the impressive progress Perry County has made since partnering with Connected Tennessee and AT&T one year ago to bring increased technology and opportunity to Perry County.
Last June, working with AT&T, Computers 4 Kids proudly donated 20 computers, four printers and two scanners to Perry County’s “Vision Perry” Summer Youth Employment Program.
Since the donation of the computers one year ago, the unemployment rate in Perry County has dropped from highest in the state and second highest in the nation at 27.4% down a remarkable ten percentage points to 17%.
To learn more about this program, view a press release here and read the Buffalo River Review's coverage of the event.
Nevada’s New Broadband Map Showcased in Live Demonstration A screen shot of Connect Nevada's new online mapping app.
Reno, NV – Nevada’s new, powerful broadband map application is now available to everyone online. In an effort to bring quality, high-speed Internet to the entire state, Connect Nevada and the governor’s Broadband Task Force unveiled the cutting-edge mapping technology in a live demonstration on the University of Nevada – Reno campus.
Government and community leaders across all sectors including agriculture, IT, healthcare, and education gathered to learn about the new map and its uses for broadband planning. The live demonstration and simultaneous webinar walked participants through the many ways Nevada’s new broadband map can be fully customized to meet any viewer’s needs. Connect Nevada staff and Nevada Broadband Task Force Chairperson Daphne DeLeon walked attendees through exercises ranging from finding broadband providers at a specific address to viewing unserved Nevada neighborhoods by satellite and then printing or e-mailing maps with customized information.
“In today’s digital world, being connected to the Internet is critical to preserving and improving lifestyle,” said DeLeon. “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. 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.
The map is accessible through the Connect Nevada website, www.connectnv.org.
Three Connected Nation States to Launch Broadband Maps This WeekConnected Nation Touted, Testifies on Capitol HillConnected Nation’s efforts to expand broadband adoption and access were touted today in a Congressional hearing addressing the issue on Capitol Hill.
In testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet Thursday, 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.
Connected Nation Chief Policy Officer Laura Taylor also provided testimony during the hearing, the fourth in a series the subcommittee has held to discuss the recent National Broadband Plan, explaining how Connected Nation’s efforts have helped bridge the digital divide across much of the nation.
U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D, OH-18) 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.
Taylor testified about how Connected Tennessee’s efforts have helped increase broadband adoption among minorities, who have historically lagged Caucasians in Internet use, to the point that they have now surpassed Caucasians, with 84% of minority adults in Tennessee reporting that they use the Internet.
“That says it all - that your nonprofit organization is doing that,” said U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R, FL-6) of Connected Nation’s success in reaching underserved communities.
For more on the hearing, see Laura Taylor’s full testimony. Connected Nation to Give Testimony on Capitol Hill on May 13Connected Nation is slated to provide testimony on Capitol Hill Thursday about its comprehensive efforts to increase broadband availability and adoption.
In testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet Thursday, Connected Nation Chief Policy Officer Laura Taylor will address the barriers to high-speed Internet access and adoption and how Connected Nation’s programs are helping eliminate those barriers.
A recent FCC report on broadband adoption shows that only 65% of adults are home broadband adopters and only 50% of rural American adults adopt broadband, compared to 68% of non-rural American adults.
Taylor is slated to offer testimony about Connected Nation’s unique programs that have produced demonstrated results.
“Public-private partnerships, such as those that Connected Nation works to foster, have proven themselves as the most effective vehicle for improving broadband availability and adoption,” according to prepared remarks Taylor will deliver to the subcommittee.
The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. (EST). The subcommittee will be providing a live webcast of the hearing. Visit http://energycommerce.house.gov for details. Project GOAL Aims at Getting Grandparents Online Annie Woodsen, 91, shows off her graduation certificate which she earned from a senior computer training class sponsored by the Tennessee Community Foundation in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee.
Worrying about an aging loved one seems as American as apple pie.
Wishing grandpa had easier access to doctors and medical information;
Wishing grandma was better able to do the grocery and gift shopping that always gave her a sense of purpose;
Wishing they both could talk to their distant loved ones face-to-face more often.
These are the kind of wishes that can easily come true immediately by simply hooking up a computer to the Internet and teaching them how to use it. And now, a new organization is taking aim at accomplishing just that.
Project Get Older Adults onLine, or Project GOAL, has just been launched with its mission aimed at providing technology training resources for older adults and for organizations that serve older populations and their members. The training is meant to get senior citizens past the technology fear factor and plug them into the benefits of broadband. Project organizers point out how the Internet can reduce social isolation for seniors, help them stay connected to family members, keep their minds sharp, assist them in research on health or other information, connect them directly with doctors and medical monitoring, and help them accomplish chores like shopping without ever leaving home.
The fact is, high-speed Internet can greatly enrich the lives of older people, yet only 35 percent of Americans over the age of 65 have broadband at home. Project GOAL will work with seniors groups to match them with technology training in their area and help give them the resources they need to teach the elderly how to tap into the world of broadband.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is championing the new initiative and Project GOAL is backed by a number of technology companies like AT&T, Comcast, Facebook, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Time Warner Cable, Verizon, and The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA). Connected Nation is serving as an advisory member along with AARP and the American Telemedicine Association.
 Staff from the Jefferson County, Tenn. Office on Aging stand with a student during a recent senior citizens technologically training course.
Related Articles:
News Article: Elderly Encouraged to Reap Benefits of Broadband (AOL News, 04/06/2010)
News Article: Tech Titans Encourage Seniors to Go Online (PC Magazine, 04/06/2010)
Two Connected Nation State-Based Initiatives Receive National Recognition on Capitol HillListen: Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass. on ConnectKentucky
Listen: Rep. Zachary T. Space, D-Ohio on Connect Ohio
As discussion of the National Broadband Plan moves forward, Connected Nation’s state-level work continues to garner attention on the national level.
In a hearing of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet held on Wednesday on Capitol Hill, two subcommittee members pointed to the work of Connected Nation in Kentucky and Ohio as successful models of broadband adoption and deployment programs in the United States.
The hearing examined assessments in the National Broadband Plan of the availability of broadband and how most effectively to deploy broadband to areas that are unserved and underserved, so all Americans can benefit from good-quality broadband services.
Representative Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., addressed questions about the Broadband Data Improvement Act, which was passed in 2008. Markey said that Congress modeled the BDIA after Connected Nation’s ConnectKentucky program, which began in 2004. The key components of the ConnectKentucky model include grassroots-level demand stimulation, community-based technology assessment teams, and the creation of public-private partnerships.
In addition to the mention of ConnectKentucky’s model, Connect Ohio, another state-based Connected Nation program, received praise during the hearing. Representative Zachary T. Space, D-Ohio, said he had a lot of faith in the work being done at Connect Ohio and had a map of Ohio’s broadband coverage as proof.
Connect Ohio began in 2007 to help expand access to and use of broadband in Ohio. According to Connect Ohio’s June 2009 Technology Assessment, 95 percent of Ohio households have available broadband service. This figure is up from 92 percent the previous year.
To listen to the full hearing, download or stream the audio here. Connecting America: FCC Releases National Broadband PlanToday, the Federal Communications Commission sent its National Broadband Plan to Congress. The 376-page document outlines a national broadband imperative to get America connected, including goals to ensure every American has affordable access and a 90 percent adoption rate by 2020.
Over the past year, Connected Nation has offered rich data and insights in support of the FCC’s effort to develop an informed national broadband policy. Connected Nation’s comments are based on nearly 10 years of experience working with hundreds of communities in 30 states and territories to address the challenges of expanding broadband to all citizens, particularly those who are currently unconnected. These filings are accessible on Connected Nation’s FCC filings webpage.
Read the National Broadband Plan here: www.broadband.gov/plan/
Download Connected Nation’s NBP Summary Filing
Tell us what you think about the plan
Follow the conversation on Twitter - #bbplan Connected Nation Applauds FCC Recommendations for Broadband Adoption Members of the FCC's Omnibus Broadband Initiative including, (L to R) Blair Levin, Executive Director; Brian David, Program Director; and Elise Kohn, Adoption Director address questions during Tuesday’s Digital Inclusion Summit.
Connected Nation welcomes the FCC’s agenda for driving broadband adoption, particularly among certain vulnerable demographics such as the elderly, low-income Americans, adults with disabilities, minority citizens, and those residing in rural areas. We know broadband has the power to transform lives, yet millions of Americans remain unconnected. Today’s Digital Inclusion Summit marks an important step leading up to the release of the National Broadband Plan – to call attention to this imperative for our nation’s prosperity.
The Federal Communications Commission identified, in the 2009 Broadband Service Capability Survey, a significant factor in the digital inclusion equation – that non-adopters face multiple barriers to adoption. Cost relief works effectively for many non-adopters, but only when accompanied by training programs to bolster their digital skills and information about content that is relevant to their lives.
Connected Nation has proactively addressed this need by designing programs to help vulnerable populations overcome top barriers to adoption – broadband awareness and training, computer ownership, and subscription affordability.
The FCC underscores the importance of public-private partnerships to increase broadband use at the local level. We strongly agree. Through public-private partnerships, Connected Nation has completed eight comprehensive statewide broadband maps and launched development of 13 more, while donating over 6,000 computers to schools, libraries, and community centers and formed local technology teams in more than 300 counties.
 "The Federal government can’t do this alone. We need to work in partnership with nonprofits and private industry," HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said during Tuesday’s Digital Inclusion Summit.
During today’s Digital Inclusion Summit, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan stressed the importance of dedicating resources to helping equip low-income communities with technology.
“You and I both know the barriers that face low income households – from the cost of buying computers to how much it costs for monthly internet service. Federally-assisted housing offers a platform to reduce these barriers through local outreach and training that educates people on specific ways that technology can improve their lives, and on how to use it. Through digital literacy training to get people comfortable with technology. And through workforce development and financial literacy training so that they can get the most out of it,” Donovan said during the summit. “The Federal government can’t do this alone. We need to work in partnership with nonprofits and private industry.”
Connected Nation, through its ConnectKentucky program, will soon establish such a project. In April, ConnectKentucky will use a Kentucky Housing Corp. grant to provide low-income residents with computers and training in the redeveloped Equestrian View neighborhood of Lexington’s East End. Lexmark is donating printers.
By establishing such a program, Equestrian View residents will be provided with the opportunity to explore the world outside of their immediate community. The benefits — from educational to economical — are tremendous and we are encouraged the FCC’s national broadband plan addresses the importance of these programs.
“We applaud the FCC’s efforts to positively impact the digital inclusion imperative in the National Broadband Plan and we will continue to collaborate with members of the nonprofit sector and the ICT industry to reduce the barriers to broadband adoption. We proudly join our partners on a letter to FCC Chairman Genachowski expressing our support for the broadband adoption recommendations proposed today,” said Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation’s chief executive officer.
Connected Nation Welcomes the Federal Communications Commission’s Release of Form 477 Broadband Subscriber Data.On February 12, the FCC released data on national broadband trends based on the reformed Form 477 data collected from all broadband providers in the United States. This data dates back to 2008. The 2008 reform of Form 477 addressed deficiencies in earlier provider reporting requirements and aims to help better equip national broadband public policy work.
Key changes in the reporting requirements include reporting the number of broadband subscribers by Census Tract rather than by ZIP Code. In addition, broadband subscriber data is now reported by different tiers of download speeds.
Connected Nation believes these reforms will help better inform national and state broadband public policy and welcomes the release of this report.
As a mapping agent under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Broadband Data and Development grant program, Connected Nation is currently working to complete broadband mapping and planning initiatives in 12 states and one U.S. territory. This new FCC Form 477 data will help guide our work. However, we will continue to work with the provider community to meet the more comprehensive and granular NTIA broadband data reporting requirements.
To learn more about the Form 477 data, click here. Confronting the Broadband Adoption Challenge – How do We Fix it?How do you boost broadband adoption? That was the subject of a webinar hosted by Intel and other industry leaders to stress the importance of tackling the key barriers to broadband adoption. Connected Nation Chief Executive Officer Brian Mefford served as one of the panelists in the discussion with other broadband researchers and technology leaders.
Mefford was joined by Michael Santorelli, director of the Advanced Communications Law & Policy Institute; Aaron Smith from the Pew Internet & American Life Project; Eric Greenman, manager of Service Provider Marketing at Intel Americas; and Bill Wallace from DigitalBridge Communications. The webinar was hosted by w2i.com.
There was a common theme among the findings and experiences of the group, most notably: populations, particularly those that are older, have less education, or lower income, continue to lag behind in broadband adoption.
However, all parties agreed that simply providing affordable broadband service to an area or particular group of people does not mean that adoption rates will instantly rise.
Coupling affordable high-speed Internet with digital literacy programs, like computer classes, and community involvement and technology planning programs have the most significant impact on broadband adoption rates, they said.
At Connected Nation, the efforts to address the issues of broadband adoption are two-fold, Mefford said. The first is to identify the reasons that people do not use broadband. The second is to address those issues at a community level.
“It’s not just about identifying the common barriers at a macro level,” he said. “We must drill down further to the local level and understand particular communities’ nuances. By doing so, we are able to bring forward and execute the most relevant and high-impact solutions to broadband adoption barriers.”
Already, Connected Nation has designed or started such community-specific programs. Connected Nation, along with Intel and other technology companies, have proposed a program called Every Citizen Online (SM), which will work with local communities to provide affordable broadband service, along with digital literacy training and a personal computer.
In addition, Connected Nation’s work through its state-based initiative, Connected Tennessee, has seen the fruits of such local-level collaboration.
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.
In addition, Connected Tennessee has donated more than 2,000 computers to children, families, and communities through its Computers 4 Kids program. One such donation, to the Saint John Baptist Church After-School Program in Stanton, stands out.
Click here to view a video about the impact of the C4K donation and the importance of community involvement in combating broadband adoption barriers.
Overall, the key to widespread adoption and use of high-speed Internet is a group effort — from community leaders to local business to technology providers.
To learn more about the work of Connected Nation and its partners, visit www.connectednation.org. VIDEO: Connected Nation and ESRI Talk with NextGenWeb about BroadbandStatPhillip Brown, Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy at Connected Nation, and Randy Frantz of ESRI, spoke with NextGenWeb on Tuesday, prior to the Internet Caucus Advisory Committee’s 6th Annual State of the Net Conference in Washington, D.C.
Check out NextGenWeb for more. Connected Nation Previews Interactive Broadband Mapping Tool at Technology Policy Exhibition in Washington, D.C.
Andy Blair from George Washington University asks Connected Tennessee’s Michael Ramage for more detail about interactive broadband coverage maps while Sabrina Matteson, a representative from the American Farm Bureau Federation, observes the presentation.
Connected Nation, in conjunction with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, showcased its jointly developed new interactive mapping tool for viewing, analyzing, and validating broadband data at a technology policy exhibition on Capitol Hill.
At Tuesday’s technology policy kickoff reception, more than 100 people had the chance to view Connected Nation and ESRI’s BroadbandStat demonstration. Michael Ramage, Executive Director of Connected Tennessee, continued showcasing the technology well after the official end of the event.
 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) welcomes attendees to the Congressional Internet Caucus Kickoff Reception and Technology Policy Exhibition.
Jon Gant, a professor at the University of Illinois at Champaign, stopped by to view the BroadbandStat demonstration on Tuesday.
Gant, who teaches GIS classes and has used GIS data from more than 20 years, was impressed by the easy, user-friendly interface of BroadbandStat.
“Look at how smooth the graphics transition from query to query,” he said, pointing to the screen of BroadbandStat. “And, the small things—like the menus—they are a lot better this way.”
“This [GIS data] is really complicated stuff,” he said Tuesday after viewing BroadbandStat. “And, how you all use and represent this complicated data with this kind of interface is really interesting,” he said.
Jim Geringer, director of Policy and Public Sector Strategies at ESRI and former governor of Wyoming, was on hand on Tuesday, prior to his participation in Wednesday’s panel discussion, “Transforming Government Through Technology: The Real, The Possible, The Surprising.”
“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. “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.” The Technology Policy Exhibition is a free, educational event that briefs lawmakers and staff, reporters, and representatives from government agencies and private sector organizations on cutting-edge Internet technologies. It is the largest technology exhibition on Capitol Hill. Yesterday’s event served as the official kickoff of today’s 6th Annual State of the Net Conference, hosted by ICAC at the Hyatt Regency, Capitol Hill. MMTC Hosts its Inaugural Broadband and Social Justice Summit Summit moderator Tyrone Brown solicits more details from Jane Cabarrus, President of the Northhampton County Branch of the NAACP in Weirwood, Virginia, an area currently without a broadband infrastructure in place.
Click here to view more photos
Federal administrators, corporate leaders, civil rights veterans, and influential policy bloggers brought their diverse viewpoints to the roundtable discussions at the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) Broadband and Social Justice Summit at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 22.
Former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Tyrone Brown guided the dialogue as the participants brainstormed the barriers to broadband participation for minority communities and the civil rights implications of digital disengagement.
“Could you envision e-mailing or Skypeing yourself?” The question of perceived usefulness was posed by FCC Broadband Initiative Director Blair Levin as he discussed the impact of broadband on jobs, healthcare, and politics. “Unless the communities you care about are online, broadband loses its relevancy,” Levin said to accentuate a social infrastructure factor impeding adoption — that the Internet is a “team sport” with a strong networking component.
In examining broadband imperatives, the concept of shifting the viewpoint to that of the non-adopter came under examination.
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn called it “The Challenge of the Last Half Mile — the distance between each individual who has yet to integrate broadband into their lives and the physical infrastructure lying right outside of their doors.”
Beyond the adoption issue, Commissioner Clyburn posed two questions for consideration:
- How do we ensure that all communities take advantage of this emerging economic force?
- How can we ensure that the barriers remain low in order to prevent another communications model that has people of color once again on the outside looking in?
Summit participants had the opportunity to express opinions, concerns, and policy suggestions in three vigorous roundtable discussions on topics including Broadband Literacy, Broadcasting and Journalism in the Broadband World, and Closing the Digital Divide.
Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), informed the audience that NTIA has been directed by Congress to focus on adoption issues in order to: - Get more people to use broadband.
- Find ways to make broadband more available and more affordable.
- Create more computer training programs.
Secretary Strickling provided insight on the selection priorities during the next round of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funding, including: - Focusing on projects in communities where the before and after effects can be clearly measured.
- Public computer center projects, particularly where people can receive computer training.
- Comprehensive infrastructure projects including creating high-speed facilities and connecting community anchors.
- Promoting projects that involve socially disadvantaged businesses.
Strickling also invited all to attend the series of workshops around the country jointly organized by the NTIA and the Department of Agriculture to provide application processing assistance to this target audience.
MMTC, a Connected Nation partner, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media and telecommunications industries. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for minority advancement in communications.
Raquel Noriega, Director of Policy Development at Connected Nation, addressed the group about one of Connected Nation’s community initiatives called Every Citizen Online (SM).
Every Citizen Online proposes a public-private partnership that brings together broadband service providers, personal computer equipment manufacturers, and companies such as Intel to deliver a program that targets low-income segments of the population with an affordable personal computer, discounted monthly broadband service and the appropriate level of follow on education and support.
Intel, Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Velocity Micro, and ZT Systems are among the private sector partners joining in the initiative.
Every Citizen Online aims to help vulnerable populations overcome top barriers to adoption, including broadband awareness and training, computer ownership, and subscription affordability.
“The focus of the summit was very much consistent with our goals and mission and we applaud MMTC for creating this important public forum to encourage more people to use broadband-enabled applications,” Noriega said.
Related information:
Blog Post: Broadband and Social Justice Summit Underway in Washington, D.C. BroadbandStat: Get a Sneak Peek on Jan. 26 in Washington, D.C.Download the Invitation and Flyer Here
 Screen shot of BroadbandStat in Tennessee, developed by Connected Nation in conjunction with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
On Tuesday, January 26, technology leaders, legislators and the general public in Washington, D.C. will be given a sneak peek at a new cutting-edge hands-on tool for finding real-time information on high-speed Internet availability. Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of the Hickman County Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD), had the opportunity to see the demonstration in Tennessee.
Here’s his reaction: “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 gives Tennessee an advantage over other states."
Connected Nation, along with ESRI, will be showcasing BroadbandStat at the kickoff technology policy reception for the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee’s 6th Annual State of the Net Conference.
BroadbandStat was developed by Connected Nation in conjunction with ESRI, the world market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
BroadbandStat is a new interactive mapping platform that 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 is unique because it allows a user to build and evaluate broadband expansion scenarios using a wealth of data, including education and population demographics, current broadband speeds and availability and research about the barriers to adoption. The tool also provides an instant feedback mechanism for consumers to validate broadband data electronically or via phone.
This technology will soon be implemented in 12 different states and one U.S. territory as part of Connected Nation’s federal stimulus funded broadband mapping and planning programs. These mapping activities are 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. We invite you to stop by and view the demonstration on January 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (EST) at the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902. Broadband and Social Justice Summit Underway in Washington, D.C.Today, the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) began its inaugural Broadband and Social Justice Summit at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The summit continues through January 22.
The event agenda features a series of presentations and roundtable discussions with key policymakers, including Blair Levin, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Executive Director, Broadband Initiative; Mignon Clyburn, FCC Commissioner; and Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
MMTC, a Connected Nation partner, invites students, policy advocates, educators and members of the public to join in and witness this unique dialogue. For the agenda and registration, click here.
MMTC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media and telecommunications industries. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for minority advancement in communications. Internet Becoming Farm Tool “as Indispensable as Combines”The American Farm Bureau thinks the power of the Internet is as clear as a Kansas sunrise! In fact, the topics of Twitter, Facebook and blogging are now center stage in a video segment recently posted on the AFB’s home page. 
The magazine-style show “America’s Heartland” produced the segment, “How ‘Tweet’ It Is,” giving an in-depth look at how social networking is quickly becoming the eyes and ears of the modern American farmer.
Anyone involved in agriculture can now immediately connect with consumers - and with each other, sharing vital information on weather, how crops are fairing and anything else that may impact business. Twitter even sends the latest Greenpeace and Humane Society of America updates into the palm of one working man’s hand. 
It’s clear, the Internet is no longer just for “city folk!” It’s become a powerful tool that’s helping ensure the future success of American agriculture.
You can watch “America’s Heartland” on YouTube or on RFD-TV via cable or satellite, or check your local public television station listings.
Shot in the Arm, but Not the Cure“President Obama appears to have struck the right balance with the initial announcements on broadband infrastructure awards. The administration’s focus on connecting community anchor institutions such as libraries, schools, and hospitals is a big step forward in bridging America’s digital divide. And, the awards for last-mile projects in rural areas are clearly key to closing the broadband gaps for unserved residents and businesses.
We are eager to learn more about the full list of projects funded in the first round, particularly within the sustainable adoption program. While the supply-side projects are obviously important for broadband stimulus efforts, effective demand-side programs are critical to accompany these network deployments if we hope to see any sustainable positive economic effects.
Connected Nation research in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio shows that the largest barrier to broadband adoption is a lack of awareness about broadband’s benefits. Across these three states, 44 percent of those without a home broadband connection say ‘I don’t need broadband.’ Among vulnerable populations such as low-income residents, minorities, and people with disabilities, this awareness challenge is even greater.
While these middle-mile projects to connect community anchor institutions should be a big shot in the arm for broadband expansion in those areas, if there is not enough prospective demand for broadband service, particularly in the rural markets, then the wholesaler will be hard-pressed to get any internet service provider (ISP) takers to provide last mile service on the network. Even then, if take-rates remain low, the last mile services will likely prove to be unsustainable.
So, in addition to the hope of spurring demand indirectly through community anchor institutions, it is critical that effective digital literacy/awareness and computer ownership programs are funded and established to ensure the sustainability of these type of infrastructure projects as well as to ensure that vulnerable populations are not marginalized as a result of not having a computer or the digital skills to use broadband.“
--From Laura Taylor, Connected Nation’s Chief Policy Officer, in response to the federal government’s awarding of $183 million in federal broadband stimulus funds through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program and the Rural Utilities Service’s Broadband Infrastructure program.
Want to know more? Click here to view Connected Nation’s recommendations to NTIA about these projects. Jackson City Library receives six computers from Connect Ohio’s No Child Left Offline ® program
JACKSON, OH – Six new notebook computers provided by Connect Ohio’s No Child Left Offline ® program will help Jackson County residents bridge the “digital divide” and connect to high-speed wireless broadband Internet at the Jackson City Library. The computers were presented today at a ceremony in the library’s Potter meeting room.
Connect Ohio’s 2008 Residential Technology Assessment for Jackson County shows that only about 27 percent of residents have high-speed Internet service in their homes. In fact, 3,500 of Jackson County’s more than 12,000 households don’t have access to broadband technology in their homes, while 95 percent of Ohio households do.
Many students on the wrong side of the divide resort to skipping lunch to work in school computer labs or making long journeys to the public library after school. Such efforts are necessary because Ohio students are now doing much of their work online, including reading textbooks, watching podcasts, using discussion boards and creating PowerPoint presentations.
The Jackson City library currently has seven broadband connected computers that are made available for public use. In the past year, library director Laura Thorne reports that nearly 1,000 patrons use the computers every month. There is often a wait to use a computer, especially after local schools are dismissed for the day, she said.
“Since Wi-Fi service is available throughout the library, patrons will be able to use one of these notebooks to access the Internet when the desktop stations are in use,” Thorne said. “We are also hoping that the addition of these new computers will allow us to resume computer training for our patrons,” Thorne said.
“Connect Ohio is pleased to be able to provide these new computers for use by Jackson County students and for any other resident who wants to take advantage of the benefits of high-speed Internet,” said Tom Fritz, Connect Ohio’s executive director. “Research by the American Library Association finds that more than 90 percent of libraries provide formal or informal technology training to library patrons. Of those libraries that offer formal classes, 91 percent provide training in general computer skills; 71 percent have formal classes in using software applications; and 93 percent have training in general Internet use.”
No Child Left Offline is an innovative project that brings together public and private partners to help disadvantaged students and their families gain access to broadband-enabled technology.
This is accomplished by placing computers in the hands of disadvantaged populations so that they have access to abundant technological resources and can perform basic computing functions.
The program is funded through public and private donations.
“We are truly thankful for the public and private partners who generously support the No Child Left Offline program. With community collaboration we are able to get vital technology into the hands of Ohioans that need it most,” Fritz said.
For more information about the No Child Left Offline ® program, visit: http://www.connectohio.org/nclo/
Connected Tennessee Debuts Latest Innovation in Broadband Mapping
 Screen shot of BroadbandStat in Tennessee, developed by Connected Nation in conjunction with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
Michael Ramage (left), executive director of Connected Tennessee, showcases BroadbandStat to Connected Tennessee steering committee members.
Today, Connected Tennessee, a Connected Nation state-based initiative, demonstrated a 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, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
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 gives Tennessee an advantage over other states."
During Wednesday’s presentation, Michael Ramage, executive director of Connected Tennessee, showcased the online tool, giving a basic overview of the system, along with highlighting advanced ways to view the data. BroadbandStat is scheduled to launch by late 2009 to early 2010 in Tennessee.
BroadbandStat is unique because it allows a user to build and evaluate broadband expansion scenarios using a wealth of data, including education and population demographics, current broadband speeds and availability and research about the barriers to adoption. The tool also provides an instant feedback mechanism for consumers to validate broadband data electronically or via phone.
The tool will be useful for government agencies, consumers, community leaders, broadband providers and the media. 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.
Since its inception in 2007, Connected Tennessee has distributed more than 2,100 computers to children, families and community-based organizations through its Computers 4 Kids program.
On Monday, Connected Tennessee highlighted its digital inclusion work at a Federal Communications Commission’s field hearing in Memphis. The field hearing was 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. Related Information:News Article: 12 States Pick GIS to Help Build Broadband Coverage Maps Parkland Senior Citizens Receive Computer Class Completion Certificates Larry Gordon, a participant at the Oasis Center’s senior computer class, shows off the certificate he earned for completing the class
Local Residents of All Ages Gain Valuable High-Technology Skills at Oasis Center
Louisville, KY--At the Oasis Living in Freedom and Excellence Center in the Parkland neighborhood of Louisville, the center’s first senior computer classes recently ended. The five students spent several weeks learning about computers and their applications.
For some of the participants, the courses were their first time using a computer, while others were able to fine tune their current skills. Despite their different skill-levels, the participants praised the course and lamented its end.
“I hate to see the class end,” participant Larry Gordon said following the recent end-of-class certificate ceremony and luncheon. “It was very enlightening.”
Thanks to a donation from ConnectKentucky and its partners, the Oasis Life Center has been able to provide community residents—both young and old--with access to a free computer lab outfitted with computers and printers. The lab also has laptop computers for use at the center or on loan.
The center was formed in 2003 by Elim Baptist Church members to house a program to help young people learn more about the technical side of the music business. Since then, the center has become a nonprofit agency and offers afterschool tutoring, parent workshops and outreach for people dealing with HIV-AIDS, along with the senior computer training classes.
Michelle Patrick, the center's executive director and a retired teacher, said she has seen the need for such a lab for years.
“I remember when I taught at Meyzeek [Middle School], so often kids had projects but no access to computers at home to work on those projects,” she said. “That always stuck with me.”
Along with all of its current activities, the Center will add GED preparation classes starting in January 2010. Also, the Center has plans to offer online college preparatory and foreign-language courses and video editing for teenagers, Patrick said.
“I like to tell people we're small, but we have lofty goals,” she said.
Related Information:
Press Release: Nine Louisville-area Non-profits Receive More than $40K Worth of Computers, Printers
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