Connected Nation Develops More Maps of Rural and Remote Areas to Help States Maximize Broadband Stimulus

Washington, D.C.--Connected Nation, using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, has released more statewide maps of rural and remote areas in three states and one U.S. territory to support applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Press Release

The State of Nevada Names Connected Nation as Its Designated Eligible Entity for Broadband Mapping and Planning Stimulus Funding

Carson City, NV – Yesterday, Connected Nation met with broadband stakeholders from across Nevada to discuss its role in creating a comprehensive broadband availability map for the state. This meeting marks the beginning of Connected Nation’s newly-formed relationship with the state since Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons notified the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that Connected Nation will serve as the state’s designated eligible entity under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program pursuant to P.L. 110-385. Connected Nation’s designation coincides with Gov. Gibbons’ creation of the Nevada Broadband Task Force, which is charged with identifying and removing barriers to broadband access and identifying opportunities for increased broadband applications and adoption in unserved and underserved areas of Nevada. Press Release

Texas Partners with Connected Nation to Map Broadband Availability and Prepare for Federal Stimulus Funding

Austin, TX –Yesterday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced a partnership between the Texas Department of Agriculture and Connected Nation, a national nonprofit, to create a broadband initiative called Connected Texas and to develop a detailed broadband inventory map to better position Texas for competitive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The map, which will feature the information of participating broadband providers large and small, is expected to serve as a key asset for the state as it prepares for federal stimulus funding to support broadband investment.
Press Release

Connect Minnesota Launches New Maps and Data Tools for Tapping Broadband Stimulus Dollars

St. Paul, MN: At 4 p.m. EDT, Connect Minnesota will release a new suite of publicly available data tools to enhance Minnesota’s statewide broadband inventory map and provide GIS assistance for broadband stimulus applicants. Using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, Connect Minnesota has developed an interactive mapping feature for applicants to determine the number of households without broadband availability by Census Block. Additionally, a new map depicts rural and remote areas in relation to non-rural areas. These geographic data are required criteria for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Press Release (pdf)

Connected Nation Develops Maps of Rural and Remote Areas to Help States Maximize Broadband Stimulus

Washington, DC: At 4 p.m. EDT, Connected Nation, using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, will release statewide maps of rural and remote areas in seven states to support applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Connected Nation will also release Census Block-level broadband data, both in downloadable form and through an interactive online mapping tool, for the state of Minnesota.
Press Release (PDF)

Connected Nation Develops New Data Tools for Tapping Broadband Stimulus Dollars

Washington, DC: Connected Nation, with the help of ArcGIS technology from ESRI, has developed a new interactive on-line mapping tool to equip states with Census Block level broadband data which will enable applicants to comply with the reporting requirements of the applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Press Release

Connected Nation Uses GIS to Identify State Broadband Coverage Gaps

Redlands, California: Broadband coverage maps created with geographic information system (GIS) technology are providing a competitive advantage during the funding application process for $4 billion in broadband grants and loans available through the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The maps are produced with the help of Connected Nation, a nonprofit corporation, using ArcGIS technology from ESRI. To view the press release, click here.

Telecommunications Titan Joins Connected Nation

Washington, DC: Today, Connected Nation, an international leader in broadband strategy and programming, announced the engagement of Debra R. Covey as senior strategic advisor, where she will provide strategic and operational guidance for Connected Nation’s broadband initiatives work that stems from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As Connected Nation works to implement broadband mapping, planning, and demand side programs, Ms. Covey brings a wealth of strategic leadership and tactical execution experience from the telecom sector and beyond.
Press Release(PDF)

Senate Confirms Connected Nation Board Member Martinez for Obama Administration Role

Recently, the United States Senate confirmed Kathleen Martinez, a Connected Nation board member and executive director of the World Institute on Disability, as the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy for the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The agency develops and implements policies and practices for the hiring of people with disabilities in both the public and private sectors. Press Release (PDF)

North Carolina Legislature Releases Broadband Inventory Maps as First Step to Maximize Federal Stimulus

Raleigh, NC –Today, Rep. Bill Faison and other legislative and executive branch leaders joined high-speed Internet service providers, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Connect North Carolina to announce the release of the state’s first accurate broadband inventory map that illustrates the extent of broadband services available across North Carolina. Press Release

Connected Nation Hosts More Than 300 State Leaders for Broadband Stimulus Webinar

Washington, DC – Connected Nation recently hosted a comprehensive webinar for state government leaders and agencies across the country regarding the release of the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) as outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

The webinar provided state officials with detailed information about the NOFA as well as ways to become better positioned for the competitive grants. Connected Nation, which currently operates broadband initiatives in 16 states, offers a wealth of experience in broadband map creation and broadband demand side initiatives. During the webinar several state decision-makers cited as a challenge the tight timeline established by the NOFA, particularly for meeting the requirements associated with creating broadband maps.

Press Release (PDF)