Upcoming event

A presentation about the digital divide on Tribal lands, the state of broadband infrastructure, the lack of data, and the opportunities for digital equity that are forthcoming due to legislative investment. Data on the state of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands is both limited and flawed. Tribal Nations are working on expanding broadband infrastructure with significant federal investments toward digital equity.

Dr. Traci L Morris is the owner of Homahota Consulting and executive director of the American Indian Policy Institute.

A briefing on the State of Broadband in Maine and the celebration and discussion of two major broadband and digital equity awards from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that will expand access to high-speed, affordable, reliable internet in Maine.  Topics will include Maine's recent $30 million MOOSE Net Middle Mile award as well as the state's $272 million Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) allocation.

This discussion will delve into the crucial role of early stakeholder engagement in achieving successful projects that are embraced and championed by the local community. Through a combination of real-life success stories and cautionary tales, along with helpful approaches and resources, the panel will demonstrate the need for customized approaches rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all formula for success.

Lessons learned from the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and its implications for the ongoing E-rate program.

Congress allocated a significant $7 billion to the ECF two years ago, enabling anchor institutions, including schools and libraries, to provide crucial broadband access to homes during the pandemic. As the ECF program gradually winds down, now is the perfect time to reflect on its impact and explore which aspects of the ECF should be integrated into the ongoing E-rate program.

A key ingredient to successfully deploying a high-speed internet or fiber project is to collaborate with local governments. Counties are on the front lines of ensuring their residents receive access to quality, high-speed internet services that will allow residents to thrive.

Affordable, reliable high-speed internet access is an essential resource for nearly all Americans and vital to daily life. Access to high-speed internet helps families stay healthy, find jobs and income opportunities, and grow local businesses. But too many communities in America, especially rural ones, lag behind with access to high-speed internet. And cost can be an issue: according to a 2021 AARP survey, 60 percent of adults age 50 or older say high cost is a problem.

Gigi Sohn is a senior fellow at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, a Board Member at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the first the Executive Director of the American Association for Public Broadband. She also served as the co-founder of Public Knowledge.