“Updated data!” is a phrase that fills the hearts of data nerds everywhere and we’re here to help with an update to our Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Performance Tool. The data for the first version of the ACP Tool was current through January 2023, but we’ve fielded questions recently asking about updates. We now release an updated ACP Enrollment Performance Tool with data that runs through April 2023. We also have some new features aimed at improving the tool’s usefulness to analysts who care about the Affordable Connectivity Program. And, drumroll please, we are pleased to announce that we are now sharing the ACP Tool’s data—for free. Anyone can download a .csv file that includes data for the more than 25,000 zip codes included in the tool. The file contains, for each of the 25,000+ zip codes, the data elements that appear when a user searches on a specific zip code. There is also a “state code” field for users interested in aggregating tool data at the state level. The goal of the ACP Enrollment Performance Tool is to give stakeholders a way to better understand how ACP enrollment is unfolding—in specific neighborhoods, towns, or states. Sharing the tool’s data will, we hope, make the tool more useful to stakeholders and policymakers.

On Wednesday, July 19, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Senior Fellow John Horrigan and Civic Nation's Elena Saltzman will participate in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Performance Tool updates and how to best focus ACP outreach and enrollment efforts in your community. Please submit your questions here and RSVP for the webinar here.

The Aspen Institute's Principles for Latino Digital Success were conceived as a series of guidelines to inform the design and implementation of effective digital equity efforts targeting the Latino community in the United States. Our generation is responsible for maximizing the impact of these Federal investments. We have a unique chance to build the foundations of a better society with equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and thrive and for the US economy to remain at the forefront of global innovation. However, no one-size-fits-all solution will effectively bridge the gap for the different communities that call the US their home. Our goal with these Principles for Latino Digital Success is to contribute to the conversation on what digital equity from a Latino perspective looks like and what kind of nuanced approaches are required to maximize outcomes for Latino communities across the country. Thef four main groups of principles are digital access, digital skills, digital empowerment, and investments for sustainability. Read the Aspen Institute's principles here.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will soon have $1.16 billion in funds to upgrade internet service – and that effort is moving forward by collecting stories from community leaders across Pennsylvania, said Brandon Carson, the authority’s executive director. Carson met with local leaders, business operators and internet service providers from across Somerset, Cambria and Fayette (PA) counties during a “Broadband Through Community” meeting – one of 20 sessions planned statewide to gather feedback and insight about local internet needs and concerns. Carson said that the sessions are a required part of a five-year “action plan” that must be finalized to show how the money will be spent.  His message was that rural pockets of Pennsylvania will be big winners in the state’s effort to expand broadband service, but that it won’t happen overnight. “This is a historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity, and the federal government wants to make sure we get it right,” said Elizabeth Crowe, a senior public engagement specialist with Michael Baker International, which was selected by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to help carry the planning process toward fruition. Every corner of Pennsylvania – not just busy urban areas – needs fast, reliable and affordable internet service, Crowe said.