Iowa Gets $3.5 Million to Improve Statewide High-Speed Internet Service and Use

Des Moines, IA – Iowa will expand its efforts to improve high-speed Internet service across the state with the help of a new federal grant of $3.5 million. On Monday, Connect Iowa was awarded the Recovery Act funds as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. Connect Iowa is working closely with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) and Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board (IBDGB) to facilitate more broadband availability and use in Iowa.

The newly awarded SBDD grant will support further data collection by Connect Iowa for three additional years, as it continues to track the state’s broadband market. This broadband improvement project will also provide training to and support for the coordination of 14 regional planning teams across Iowa. The teams will benchmark technology use across relevant community sectors; set goals for improved technology use within each sector; and develop a plan for achieving its goals, with specific recommendations for Web-based application development and demand creation.

“Quality high-speed Internet services are critical to Iowa’s future competitiveness in the national and global economies,” explains IUB Board Member and IBDGB Chair Krista Tanner. “These funds will better position us, through the work of the IBDGB and the Connect Iowa initiative, to increase our broadband capacity for both our homes and businesses.”

The new broadband expansion work will build upon the important advances already completed by the Connect Iowa initiative. In late December 2009, Connect Iowa was awarded approximately $1.7 million to complete the state’s first broadband availability map and maintain it for two years. The map was publicly unveiled in June and is now available at http://www.connectiowa.org/. Most recently, the Iowa Utilities Board unveiled a statewide broadband market assessment produced using the data gathered by Connect Iowa.

“The new federal dollars will improve our broadband expansion planning and building efforts as well as help us focus on bringing the benefits of high-speed Internet service to residents who have broadband service available to them, but may not realize the ways in which using it can enrich their lives,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Iowa’s parent company, Connected Nation. “The regional planning teams that this grant money now allows for will ensure all Iowans have access to vital services like telemedicine, higher education opportunities, and improved e-government.”

All Iowa residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Iowa Web site, http://www.connectiowa.org/, to join in this important initiative and offer feedback. The Web site gives residents a one-stop portal where they can find broadband providers able to serve their address, check their current Internet speeds, notify officials of unserved areas, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives. To access a summary of the new grant project, please visit: http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-iowa.

Download press release

South Carolina Receiving $2.3 Million for Additional Broadband Mapping and Planning Initiatives

New Funding Will Increase the Scope of the Program And Facilitate Broadband Adoption Efforts

Columbia, SC — South Carolina will receive approximately $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to further implement broadband initiatives for a full five-year award period through Connect South Carolina, the designated entity for broadband mapping in the state.

The additional funding will allow mapping efforts under the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) program to continue for three additional years, while the initiative also focuses on projects that relate to broadband planning activities, such as the identification of barriers to the adoption of broadband and information technology services, the creation and facilitation of local technology planning teams, and the establishment of computer ownership and Internet access programs.

“Broadband is a vital tool for our students and workforce in today’s modern economy,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect South Carolina’s parent organization, Connected Nation. “This grant will allow Connect South Carolina to promote the investment of broadband in areas that have been overlooked and to create opportunities for increased broadband adoption where subscribership remains low. Through this collaborative, public-private effort, we will have the benefit of working across all sectors to advance South Carolina’s technological priorities and make sure its citizens can enjoy the full impact of a connected community.”

Connect South Carolina will continue to engage in broadband data collection activities that will capture complete and up-to-date datasets from the state’s broadband providers and will result in regularly-scheduled maintenance and further enhancements to South Carolina BroadbandStat, the state’s interactive broadband map.

The Connect South Carolina initiative released the state’s first interactive broadband map in May 2010, and this funding will enable the state to prioritize and track progress over a longer period of time. South Carolina’s BroadbandStat interactive mapping tool is now available at www.connectsc.org. The data represented there will also support the National Broadband Map scheduled to be unveiled by NTIA in February 2011.

To view a summary of the new grant project please visit: http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-south-carolina.

Download press release

Connected Nation Programs Receive Funds to Accelerate Broadband-Based Economic Impact

Recovery Act Funds Will Enable Public-Private Efforts to Accelerate the Impact of Broadband Across State and Local Economies

Washington, DC – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has announced grants to Connected Nation for programs in 11 states and one U.S. territory. The funding enables Connected Nation to extend its comprehensive broadband mapping and planning efforts to include grassroots efforts to accelerate the impact of broadband across state and local economies in those states. The states partnering with Connected Nation are Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, along with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

The funds are a part of the NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. Awards are as follows:

Alaska: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Alaska, is awarded $4,457,388.

Florida: The Florida Department of Management Services is awarded $6,308,570.

Iowa: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Iowa, is awarded $3,515,682.

Kansas: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Kansas, is awarded $4,397,431.

Michigan: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Michigan, is awarded $2,989,930.

Minnesota: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Minnesota, is awarded $2,761,171.

Nevada: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Nevada, is awarded $2,565,115.

Ohio: The Ohio Office of Information Technology is awarded $5,253,023.

Puerto Rico: The Office of the Governor is awarded $1,108,957.

South Carolina: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of South Carolina, is awarded $2,293,429.

Tennessee: Connected Tennessee is awarded $2,722,118.

Texas: Connected Nation, the designated entity on behalf of the State of Texas, is awarded $4,997,835.

“In today’s global economy, job creation and economic development begins with broadband. At Connected Nation, we are continually striving to increase broadband capacity where it’s needed and stimulate demand through community collaboration,” said Brian Mefford, chief executive officer of Connected Nation. “Through our work in our state-based initiatives, we have seen first-hand that communities want to help drive efforts in their states - they simply need the resources. With these funds, our state programs will empower that community spirit: gathering the critical data, and working with state, public, and private partners to carry out a strategic plan for better broadband and greater impact in the state and local economies.”

Since late 2009, Connected Nation has worked in these states in broadband mapping efforts under the SBDD. This work comprises approximately 42 percent of the country’s landmass and encompasses approximately 39.5 million households.

Already, data collection and market analysis efforts have had a direct impact on generating broadband awareness and fostering collaboration within local communities. In Michigan, the Connect Michigan initiative helped one local community gain much-needed high-speed Internet access.

After reading about Connect Michigan’s work in a regional magazine, Steven Kostyshyn contacted the staff, expressing his frustration with his lack of broadband access in his small town of Cedar. His town is just 7 miles from Traverse City, a major commercial hub.

“After moving just seven miles out of Traverse City last fall there was no question in my mind that some form of high-speed Internet would be available,” said Kostyshyn, an artist and businessman. “Boy, was I wrong.”

Connect Michigan reached out to Cherry Capital Connection (CCC), a local broadband Internet service provider, and within a week a solution was found to provide Kostyshyn and his neighbors reliable and affordable broadband service. (See, “Nonprofit Helps Fast Internet Reach Rural Leelanau, WWJ 950”.)

While this kind of success story highlights the important work Connected Nation does in community collaboration, the data collection is vital to building an actionable state strategy.

In early September, Connect Iowa released “Iowa Broadband: Current Market Analysis & Initial Recommendations for Acceleration of Iowa’s Broadband Market.” This report is a key element in developing a clear action plan for broadband growth in the state. The market analysis helps the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board plan to increase high-speed Internet access and adoption across the state, outline current broadband availability in the state, analyze where and why gaps in availability exist, and produce extensive policy recommendations to build the state’s broadband capacity.

With the additional SBDD funds, Connected Nation’s state-based initiatives will continue expanding their work in the states, focusing heavily on broadband expansion and stimulating demand at the grassroots level.

This kind of grassroots work is not new to Connected Nation. Leveraging work that began in Kentucky, two Connected Nation states — Tennessee and Ohio —have seen tremendous increases in broadband availability and adoption since their programs began in recent years.

Since Connected Tennessee’s inception in 2007, the state has experienced a 35% increase in broadband adoption, with the fastest growth occurring among Tennessee’s low-income residents (133% growth), minorities (113% growth), elderly (76% growth), and rural residents (60% growth).

Since 2008, Connect Ohio has worked on the ground to expand broadband use and impact throughout the state. In its 2010 Residential Technology Assessment, 66% of Ohio residents, or 5.8 million adults, reported they subscribe to broadband service at home, up from 55% at the inception of the program. Additionally, 82% of Ohioans, or 8.8 million adults, report owning a computer at home, up from the 76% previously reported.

Download press release

Connect Alaska Receives ARRA Grant for Broadband Expansion Efforts

New Grant Money Aims at Overcoming Alaska’s High-Speed Internet Challenges

Juneau, AK – New federal dollars will help radically improve the lives of rural residents and remote towns across the Last Frontier. The Connect Alaska initiative is receiving approximately $4.5 million in new funds aimed at overcoming the state’s unique barriers to widespread high-speed Internet service. The grant is funding a new plan to thoroughly assess current broadband services and create sensible solutions to expand high-speed Internet, and the vital services it offers, to everyone across the state.

“Top-notch telecommunications infrastructure is essential to economic growth and sustainability,” said Wanetta Ayers, director of the state’s Office of Economic Development. “Especially for rural Alaskans, high-speed Internet can be a valuable lifeline to the outside world and all the opportunity that brings.”

With the support of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Connect Alaska launched the first major step in this undertaking on September 1, 2010, with the unveiling of the state’s first broadband inventory map. The map is currently available to everyone through the www.connectak.org website. The map is the result of an initial two-year project that the new federal grant is now expanding into a five-year project.

“This new grant now changes the focus and scope of the Connect Alaska initiative,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Alaska’s parent company, Connected Nation. “Connect Alaska will be able to not only pinpoint the state’s broadband problem areas, but work with the public and private sectors to fix the problems. The result will be better access to vital services like telemedicine, higher education opportunities, e-government, business, and personal communication for people living in Alaska’s remote towns and villages.”

The grant money, which is administered by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, comes to Connect Alaska through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. The funds will support the initiative in:

• Helping to organize regional technology planning
• Offering technical assistance to communities and providers that are expanding broadband services
• Developing quality e-government applications that will make government services easily available to all residents
• Continued collection of imperative broadband market data

The purpose of SBDD is to assist states in pinpointing local broadband availability for inclusion in the development of the National Broadband Map. NTIA, as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will make a national broadband map publicly available by February 17, 2011. The grant money is also intended to help improve statewide broadband capacities so that states can stay competitive in the digital economy through improved planning for broadband availability and adoption.

For more information about Connect Alaska, please visit www.connectak.org.

To learn more about the grant project, please visit http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-alaska.

Download press release

Nevada Broadband Efforts Boosted by $2.5 Million in Federal Funds

Carson City, NV – The effort to spread high-speed Internet across Nevada got a major boost today with approximately $2.5 million in federal funding. Connect Nevada received the funding as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program.

Connect Nevada was formed in 2009 with approximately $1.4 million in funding from the SBDD to promote broadband expansion and adoption that is vital for economic growth and greater quality of life.

“Equitable access to high-speed Internet for all Nevadans is the cornerstone of vibrant twenty-first century communities and individuals,” says Daphne DeLeon, chairperson of the Governor’s Nevada Broadband Task Force and State Librarian.

Connect Nevada, a nonprofit organization, works in collaboration with the Nevada Broadband Task Force to gather data and promote the spread of affordable broadband service across the state. Its efforts in that regard have focused on producing the first comprehensive maps of broadband service across Nevada, (see www.connectnv.org), as well as ongoing planning activities over a five-year period.

“The new federal grant money will allow Connect Nevada to partner with the Governor’s Broadband Task Force and the State Librarian in order to ensure that all residents have access to the life-altering services that high-speed Internet provides,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Nevada’s parent company, Connected Nation. “Telemedicine, higher education opportunities, and improved government services are just some of the benefits that broadband provides. Our regional planning teams will work to make sure these vital services are available to all Nevadans by focusing on the areas of the state that currently have the lowest rates of broadband availability and adoption.”

The new funds will be used on four priorities:

• Continuation of the current broadband data collection and producing updated broadband maps during the remainder of the five-year program period.
• To establish a central, state level program office to work in coordination with and in support of the Nevada Broadband Task Force to ensure broadband related strategies and activities are developed as part of a cohesive and comprehensive statewide effort.
• To offer technical assistance tools and resources for broadband expansion to communities across the state through a combination of county and state-level research on technology usage, needs, and barriers to adoption.
• To support regional planning teams in the 14 counties with the lowest rates of broadband availability and adoption. Planning Teams will meet at local libraries and will be composed of volunteers representing a cross-section of the community.

In June, Connect Nevada unveiled its broadband map through BroadbandStat, an interactive Web application that allows policy makers and consumers to search and view broadband coverage across the state. Connect Nevada, in collaboration with the state’s broadband providers, is updating the map on a routine basis to reflect “real-time” broadband availability.

The SBDD program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provided $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband services in the United States.

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.

To access a summary of the grant project please visit http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-nevada.

Download press release

Connected Texas Garners New Grant to Extend Broadband Expansion Efforts in Texas

Recovery Act Grant Will Extend Mapping Efforts and Fund the Creation of Regional Technology Planning Teams to Address Broadband Barriers

Austin, TX – Connected Texas, a nonprofit initiative, will receive $4.9 million in federal funding to support efforts to increase broadband across Texas. Among the objectives of the new project, Connected Texas, in coordination with the Texas Department of Agriculture and local leaders, will establish approximately 29 regional technology planning teams across the Lone Star State. Each team will establish benchmarks, goals, and a strategic plan that will dramatically improve services in unserved and underserved communities. The grant funds come to the Connected Texas initiative by way of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program.

The newly awarded SBDD grant will support Connected Texas’ work in four vital areas including:

• Collection of crucial broadband market data at a local level
• Centralizing and streamlining efforts to build new broadband capacity across Texas
• Technical assistance to communities and providers working to expand broadband services
• Fostering awareness and development via regional technology planning teams and “Community Champions”

The impact of Connected Texas’ work is beginning to be felt in communities like Chireno, Texas. As a recent San Antonio Express-News article explains, the Connected Texas initiative is ready to help community leaders with custom problem-solving solutions for small towns like Chireno that need, but currently lack, broadband service. The grant funding will allow Connected Texas to help make quality broadband service a reality for all Texans by providing wireless assessments, cost feasibility help, and other technical and planning assistance to areas in dire need.

“This is great news for the push to expand broadband across rural Texas. With this funding we will be able to take efforts to the next level and form more than two dozen regional teams that will help pinpoint and address local broadband challenges all across the state,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Texas’ parent organization, Connected Nation. “As more investments are made into Texas’ broadband capacity, rural Texans, in particular, will feel the impact with improved access to services like telemedicine, higher education opportunities, and easy access to government services that will greatly enrich their quality of life.”

In January 2010, Connected Texas was awarded $2.5 million to create the state’s first broadband availability map and update revisions with the help of public and broadband provider feedback validations. Connected Texas released the map’s first draft iteration in June 2010 at www.connectedtx.org. The additional SBDD funds will now enable Connected Texas to maintain broadband validation work and updates to the map for a total of five years. The map will enable state leaders, community decision makers, and the general public to better track the progress of broadband expansion over time while prioritizing future projects.

More importantly, the Connected Texas project will help provide data needed to strategically deploy broadband in a sustainable, market-based approach and in a manner that encourages private investment so that Texas can stay competitive in the digital economy. This project will leverage the work of the established Texas Broadband Task Force, seek input from experts from governmental agencies, nonprofits and trade associations, and assess current programs and laws/regulations that can be used to overcome impediments to broadband growth and adoption.

Connected Texas is an independent nonprofit organization that works in public and private partnerships to make technology expansion possible and increase economic growth across the state. Connected Texas works to make technology easily available in order to improve the state’s business environment, help community and economic development, improve healthcare, offer better education opportunities, and create more efficient and transparent government.

For more information about Connected Texas, please visit www.connectedtx.org.

To access a summary of the grant project, please visit http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-texas.

Download press release

Connect Kansas Receives $4.4 Million for Broadband Expansion Efforts

Topeka, KS – Formation of regional technology teams across Kansas, continuing unprecedented broadband mapping across the state, digital literacy training, and many more related initiatives have been funded with almost $4.4 million today by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

“Today’s announcement is great news for Kansas as we continue our efforts to increase broadband availability and adoption across the state,” Governor Mark Parkinson said in a press release. “This additional funding allows us to expand high-speed Internet access, thus bringing economic opportunities and quality-of-life improvements for all Kansans.”

The NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) program awarded Connect Kansas approximately $4.4 million in Recovery Act funds to expand the rural broadband initiative. Connect Kansas was formed in 2009 with approximately $1.9 million in funds from the NTIA to promote and expand broadband across the state over a 5-year period in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Commerce. Its efforts are producing the first comprehensive maps of broadband service across the state as well as planning activities with the goal to promote high-speed Internet, a vital resource for economic and quality of life improvement.

Data compiled by Connect Kansas reveal that approximately 28 percent of Kansas households do not subscribe to home broadband service. The additional funds announced today will promote efforts to drive up home broadband adoption particularly in vulnerable areas.

Specifically, the new round of funding will allow Connect Kansas to continue data gathering vital to planning; enhance its existing program office to ensure that statewide stakeholders are engaged and involved; support the Kansas Broadband Task Force; support various broadband initiatives in the state; conduct digital literacy and broadband adoption activities; and form 7 Regional Technology Planning Teams to provide train‐the-trainer activities at the local level to foster local community planning which will be aggregated to assist statewide efforts.

“Broadband is the driver of today’s modern economy,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Kansas’ parent organization, Connected Nation. “This grant will help Connect Kansas expand the effort to ensure that all rural Kansans have easy access to affordable high-speed Internet. Through the formation of regional technology teams we will be working across all sectors – agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, business, government – to address technology needs and challenges from the various perspectives of the community.”

The SBDD program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provided $7.2 billion to expand broadband access and use in the United States.

For more about Connect Kansas, see www.connectkansas.org. To access a summary of the grant project please visit http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-kansas.

Download press release

Connect Michigan Awarded $3 Million in Recovery Act Funding

Funding will Allow Mapping Efforts Under the SBDD Program to Continue forThree Additional Years — Fulfilling the Five-Year Program

Lansing, MI — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded Connect Michigan approximately $3 million in additional funding, under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBDD), to further implement broadband initiatives over the original five-year award period. Connect Michigan is a statewide broadband expansion initiative and public-private partnership between the Michigan Public Service Commission and Connected Nation.

The additional funding will allow broadband mapping efforts under the SBDD program to continue for three additional years. The program also focuses on projects that relate to broadband planning activities, such as the identification of barriers to the adoption of broadband service and information technology services, the creation and facilitation of local technology planning teams, and the establishment of computer ownership and Internet access programs.

"Since the first broadband grant, we know that individuals, using Michigan's new interactive broadband map, have been successful at convincing broadband providers to expand their services," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu. "The additional funding announced today will implement even more broadband initiatives across the state."

“Jobs and business innovation depend on broadband,” says Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, Connect Michigan’s parent organization. “We are excited to take this initiative to the next level to ensure Michigan’s communities have the broadband capacity to compete in today’s technological economy.”

Connect Michigan will continue to engage in broadband data collection activities that will capture complete and up-to-date datasets from the state’s broadband providers and will result in regularly-scheduled updates and further enhancements to the state’s interactive broadband map.

The Connect Michigan initiative released its first iteration of the map in May 2010 at www.connectmi.org. The additional funding will allow the state to prioritize and track progress over a longer period of time. This data will also be used to 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.

As the designated entity for broadband mapping in the state of Michigan, Connect Michigan is a public-private partnership between the Michigan Public Service Commission and Connected Nation to unite local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state’s underserved areas.

To learn more about this grant please visit http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-michigan.

Related Links:

News: Nonprofit Helps Fast Internet Reach Rural Leelanau, WWJ 950

Press Release: Connect Michigan Releases the First Complete Maps for the Statewide Broadband Initiative

Download Press Release

Connected Tennessee Awarded Additional Recovery Act Funding to Extend Broadband Mapping & Planning Efforts

Grant will extend mapping efforts under the State Broadband Data and Development grant program for three more years

Washington, D.C. – Connected Tennessee will receive $2.7 million in federal funding to extend broadband mapping efforts in the state for three more years. The funds are a part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. The SBDD was initiated to 1) fund statewide efforts to assess broadband availability within a state so that it could be utilized in the development of the National Broadband Map, and 2) support activities that improve statewide capacity to compete in the digital economy through improved planning for broadband availability and adoption.

Last December, Connected Tennessee was awarded $1.8 million in federal funding for broadband mapping and planning, which allowed for the creation and delivery of a comprehensive map of existing broadband service to the state. The additional SBDD funds will enable Connected Tennessee to take this first iteration of the map to the next level, thus allowing the state to prioritize and track progress over a longer period of time.

Connected Tennessee is now in its fourth year of operation and has been met with much success in accelerating the use of high-speed Internet and other technology. Since its inception in 2007, Tennessee has experienced a 35% increase in broadband adoption. Today more than one-half (58%) of all Tennessee adults have broadband service at home, which translates into more than 2.7 million Tennesseans. Particularly noteworthy: broadband adoption has grown fastest among Tennessee’s low-income residents (those with incomes below $25,000), minorities and rural residents; all groups specifically targeted by Connected Tennessee’s eCommunity Leadership Teams (eCS) and the Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program.

“It is gratifying to know that our hard work over the past three years has made a real impact on Tennessee’s broadband landscape,” says Connected Tennessee’s Executive Director, Michael Ramage. “More Tennesseans than ever before are now able to access all of the benefits afforded by a high-speed Internet connection. With this new funding, we are now going to be able to focus on demand side issues and gather critical research at the county level. With our additional mapping and research efforts, we will be able to paint a clearer picture than ever before of where broadband exists and where we still have work to do.”

Connected Tennessee is an independent non-profit organization that works with assorted Tennessee private- and public-sector entities to decrease the cost of technology expansion and increase the ease of doing business in Tennessee. Connected Tennessee aims to accelerate the availability and use of technology statewide to create a better business environment, more effective community and economic development, improved healthcare, enhanced education, and more efficient government.

To view a summary of the new grant project please click here.

For more information about Connected Tennessee, please visit www.connectedtn.org.

Download Press Release

Minnesota Awarded $2.7 Million for Additional Broadband Mapping and Planning Initiatives

Mapping and Planning Efforts Expanded for the Full Five Year Program

St. Paul, MN — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded Connect Minnesota approximately $2.7 million, under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBDD), to further implement broadband initiatives over the original five-year award period.

The additional Recovery Act funding will allow mapping efforts under the SBDD program to continue for three additional years, while the program also focuses on projects that relate to broadband planning activities, such as the identification of barriers to the adoption of broadband service and information technology services.

“This program will meet NTIA’s intent for developing high-quality projects designed to gather granular data on broadband availability, technology, speed, and infrastructure across the state,” according to Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, Connect Minnesota’s parent organization. “Through this project Connect Minnesota will support the work of the 15 member Minnesota Broadband Advisory Task Force in carrying out its functions, including the production of its annual progress report benchmarking progress toward meeting Minnesota’s 2015 broadband goals of a minimum of 10-20 MB to all residents and businesses.”

Connect Minnesota will continue to engage in broadband data collection activities that will capture complete and up-to-date datasets from the state’s broadband providers and will result in regularly-scheduled updates and further enhancements to the state’s interactive broadband map.

Under the SBDD program, the Connect Minnesota initiative released its first iteration of the broadband map in May 2010, and this funding will allow the state to prioritize and track progress over a longer period of time. This 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.

As the designated entity for broadband mapping in the North Star State, Connect Minnesota is a public-private partnership working to unite local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state’s underserved areas.

To access a summary of the grant project please visit http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/connected-nation-minnesota.

Download press release

Chief Information Officer Juan E. Rodríguez Unveils Interactive Map to Increase High-Speed Internet Access and Adoption in Puerto Rico

San Juan, PR – Last week, CIO Juan E. Rodríguez announced the launch of Puerto Rico’s first islandwide broadband availability map. The web-based map gives a preliminary view of the broadband landscape in Puerto Rico. Called BroadbandStat, the application is fully interactive and puts powerful tools and information directly into the hands of anyone interested in knowing what services are available and where the opportunities for expansion exist. The Connect Puerto Rico website featuring BroadbandStat is available in both Spanish and English versions at www.connectpr.org (English) and http://es.connectpr.org/ (Spanish).

Much like the revolutionary impact of harnessing electricity or the telephone, high-speed Internet connection is Puerto Rico’s lifeline to future prosperity. The map development is funded by a federal stimulus grant and is guided by the Connect Puerto Rico initiative, under the Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer; Puerto Rico’s designated entity under the grant award. Connect Puerto Rico is a subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation.

“The Connect Puerto Rico initiative and the BroadbandStat website place Puerto Rico on a trajectory for reaching its broadband goals — goals that will have far-reaching implications for the future of the territory, such as expanding economic opportunities and innovation, increasing trade and productivity, fostering new investments and job creation, and enabling the cost-effective delivery of essential social services to the public at-large. By increasing broadband access and use across the island, Puerto Rico is facing a brighter future, with greater opportunities for enhanced economic empowerment,” said Rodríguez.

“With this unveiling of the preliminary map, we seek to receive public feedback and encourage provider participation. So far, 8 of 16 broadband service providers in Puerto Rico are participating in the initial phase of the mapping project. Of those eight, only four are represented on the map. We would like there to be more and hope that this release will demonstrate to the service provider community the utility and value of this map,” Rodríguez said.

The goal for the initiative is to increase broadband availability and adoption across the island and link every community in Puerto Rico to economic opportunity. Findings in the National Broadband Plan reinforced this goal by indicating that, “Broadband and the Internet make it possible for small businesses to reach new markets and improve their business processes. It is a core infrastructure component for local communities seeking to attract new industries and skilled work forces. As a result, small businesses, workers, and communities must have the broadband infrastructure, training, and tools to participate and compete in a changing economy.”

“Broadband is an integral part of the modern day economy. High-speed Internet enables access to quality jobs, information, education, and vital healthcare services. We are proud to be partners with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, through this initiative, to create an inventory of its broadband capacity and identify the areas where broadband doesn’t exist and enhance the quality of service in areas that are currently being served so that citizens may enjoy the unlimited benefits of a faster connection,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Puerto Rico’s parent company, Connected Nation.

Connect Puerto Rico 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 commonwealth and carry out the work. Under the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development grant program, Connect Puerto Rico is charged with creating islandwide awareness, mapping, maintaining Puerto Rico’s broadband inventory, and conducting planning efforts. These funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NTIA, as required by the ARRA, will use these data to make a national broadband map by February 17, 2011.

Download Press Release

Governor Culver and Iowa Utilities Board Announce Major Step Forward in Iowa’s High-Speed Internet Expansion Effort

Des Moines, IA – Governor Culver and the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) unveiled a major step forward Wednesday in the Connect Iowa initiative. A new, detailed report is now available on the Connect Iowa website (www.connectiowa.org) that offers the state’s first look at key broadband market data that will be used to form a clear, strategic plan for broadband expansion in Iowa. The Iowa Broadband: Current Market Analysis & Initial Recommendations for Acceleration of Iowa’s Broadband Market report is a key element in planning to increase high-speed Internet access and adoption across the state.

“We are engaging citizens and stakeholders statewide as part of the process to build a broadband action plan. The data and analysis in this report point us in the right direction,” said Brian Mefford, Connected Nation’s CEO.

The report provides a detailed review of the current state of broadband in Iowa and is already sparking discussion across multiple broadband stakeholders in the state on key goals and strategies to expand and enhance broadband service.

“While it is encouraging that 95% of Iowa households currently have broadband availability, Connect Iowa’s findings that 34% of residents are not adopting the technology is an area of great concern. This shows that digital literacy, demand stimulation, and technology training efforts will continue to be important for urban, suburban, and rural residents alike,” said Carolyn D. King, urban representative of the Broadband Deployment Governance Board.

The Iowa Utilities Board conducted the initial assessment of the state’s broadband landscape based on the data collected from the Connect Iowa mapping and planning initiative. The report is being used in collaboration with the work of the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board.

“The data contained in this report will be invaluable to the IBDGB as it works toward its goal of stimulating the growth and availability of high-speed broadband in Iowa,” said Krista Tanner, IUB member and chair of the IBDGB. “While the report shows that about 95 percent of Iowans have access to broadband today, the report also highlights that fewer Iowans have access to broadband at the higher speeds that will be necessary to compete in tomorrow’s economy. The IBDGB will use this data as a springboard to engage stakeholders like elected officials, civic leaders, educators, economic developers, and private entrepreneurs to help them better understand Iowa’s broadband challenges. The IBDGB will rely on insights from these key stakeholders as it works to overcome these challenges and create an action plan for Iowa’s future.”

The 58-page assessment gives a snapshot of current broadband availability and usage in Iowa, defines where and why availability gaps exist with detailed supporting research, offers strategy and policy recommendations to close the gaps, and presents a thorough technology assessment of Iowa’s current broadband service infrastructure.

On June 18, 2010, Governor Chet Culver announced the release of the state’s interactive broadband mapping application through the Connect Iowa initiative. 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.

All Iowa residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Iowa website, www.connectiowa.org, to join in this important initiative and offer feedback. The website gives residents a one-stop portal where they can find broadband providers at their address, check their current Internet speeds, notify officials of unserved areas, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives.

Related Links:

Press Release: Governor Culver Announces Launch of Broadband Availability Map

Press Release: Iowa Awarded $2.2 Million For Broadband Initiative

Report Fact Sheet: Iowa Broadband: Current Market Analysis & Initial Recommendations for Acceleration of Iowa’s Broadband Market

Download Press Release

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Connect Alaska Unveils Interactive Map to Increase High-Speed Internet Access

Anchorage – Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Commissioner Susan Bell today announced the launch of Alaska’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 the Last Frontier State.

“We are living in an increasingly digital world, where being connected to the Internet is essential to enhancing our quality of life. This newly completed map paves the way for technology which will create new jobs, increase Alaska’s economic competitiveness, and deliver services that have been previously unavailable to rural areas of the state,” said Commissioner Bell. “No matter where you live in Alaska, high-speed Internet enables access to quality employment, information, and vital services ranging from interactive telemedicine to distance education opportunities. Broadband gives you the opportunity to work from home, take classes online, and market products to the world - all of which have a positive impact on the local economy and quality of life.”

Much like the revolutionary impact of harnessing electricity or the telephone, high-speed Internet connection is Alaska’s lifeline to future prosperity. The development of Alaska’s map is funded by a federal stimulus grant and is guided by the Connect Alaska initiative, in partnership with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED). Connect Alaska is a subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation and is Alaska’s designated entity under the grant award.

Alaska’s newly completed map shows great progress in spreading broadband across the state. Eighteen broadband providers offered data showing that 90.25% Alaskans can access broadband. However, of those, only 77% of residents report using broadband at home. The Connect Alaska initiative will continue the process of getting Alaskans online and accessing the unlimited benefits and economic opportunity associated with broadband.

Full access to Alaska’s interactive map is available now through the Connect Alaska website at www.connectak.org.

“The data you find on the Connect Alaska map reflects the beginning phase of a comprehensive initiative to address the supply and demand side challenges of the state. The goal of the Connect Alaska initiative is to help all Alaskans, particularly those in the remote villages, access the essential benefits of broadband. This effort applies to all sectors – school districts, higher education institutions, health care providers, tourism agencies, businesses, and government entities – each group offers a unique perspective for determining the technological challenges and needs in their communities,” explains Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Alaska’s parent organization, Connected Nation. “It is imperative that the map is as accurate as possible, so we are urging everyone to check the information reflected at your address and report any inaccuracies through our feedback mechanisms.”

All Alaska residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Alaska website, www.connectak.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 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 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.

By increasing broadband access and use across the state, Alaska is facing a bright future, with greater opportunities, and a new throughway to economic empowerment.

Related Links:

Press Release: Alaska Awarded $1.9 Million for Broadband Initiative

All Connect Alaska press releases are also available via the Internet at www.connectak.org/press_release


About Connect Alaska: Connect Alaska is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a non-profit in the state of Alaska. The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Alaska. Connect Alaska was commissioned by the state to work with all broadband providers in the state to create detailed maps of broadband coverage in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Alaska. This work will support developing a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband in the state. For more information visit: www.connectak.org.

Download Press Release

Governor Culver, Iowa Utilities Board Unveil Detailed Assessment of Broadband Market in Iowa

From Iowa's Office of the Governor:

DES MOINES – Governor Culver and the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) are announcing a major step forward in increasing high-speed Internet access and adoption across the state. A new, detailed report titled Iowa Broadband: Current Market Analysis & Initial Recommendations for Acceleration of Iowa’s Broadband Market, http://www.connectiowa.org/_documents/ConnectIowaBroadbandAnalysis082010FINAL.pdf, offers the state’s first look at key broadband market data that will be used to form a clear, strategic plan for broadband expansion in Iowa.

“Broadband service is now available to about 95 percent of Iowa households, which is fabulous, yet only about 66 percent of those households are subscribing to the service,” Culver said. “Further expansion and adoption of quality broadband service in Iowa will ensure the future of quality jobs in our state as well as continued economic competitiveness. High-speed Internet also offers citizens access to vital services like telemedicine, distance learning, and e-government that can improve all Iowans’ quality of life.”

This report provides a detailed review of the current state of broadband in Iowa that will spark discussion between multiple broadband stakeholders in the state on key goals and strategies to expand and enhance the broadband experience for all Iowans. The IUB conducted this initial assessment of the state’s broadband landscape based on the data collected from the Connect Iowa mapping and planning initiative. The report is being used to support the work of the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board (IBDGB). The IBDGB was created by Governor Culver in 2009, as part of the IJOBS initiative. The IBDGB was charged with developing a comprehensive plan to promote the sustainable deployment and adoption of high speed broadband access in Iowa. The IBDGB expects to complete the plan in 2011.

“The data contained in this report will invaluable to the IBDGB as it works toward its goal of stimulating the growth and availability high-speed broadband availability in Iowa,” said Krista Tanner, IUB member and chair of the IBDGB. “While the report shows that about 95 percent of Iowans have access to broadband today, the report also highlights that fewer Iowans have access to broadband at the higher speeds that will be necessary to compete in tomorrow’s economy. The IBDGB will use this data as a springboard to engage stakeholders like elected officials, civic leaders, educators, economic developers, and private entrepreneurs to help it better understand Iowa’s broadband challenges. The IBDGB will rely on insights from these key stakeholders as it works to overcome these challenges and create an action plan for Iowa’s future.”

The 58-page assessment gives a snapshot of current broadband availability and usage in Iowa, defines where and why availability gaps exist with detailed supporting research, offers strategy and policy recommendations to close the gaps, and presents a thorough technology assessment of Iowa’s current broadband service infrastructure.

On June 18, 2010, Governor Culver announced the release of the state’s interactive broadband mapping application through the Connect Iowa initiative. 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.

All Iowa residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Iowa website, www.connectiowa.org, to join this important initiative and offer feedback. The website gives residents a one-stop portal to find broadband providers at their address, check their current Internet speeds, notify officials of unserved areas, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives.

Related Links:

Press Release: Governor Culver Announces Launch of Broadband Availability Map

Press Release: Iowa Awarded $2.2 Million For Broadband Initiative