- Arizona Initiative Launches
- FCC Urges Network Security After Attack
- More States Awarded Federal Funding
- 37 N.C. Counties to Gain Internet Access
- Washington County Funds Digital Skills Training
ARIZONA INITIATIVE LAUNCHES
Arizona has launched a new initiative, ConnectAllAZ, to coordinate efforts to expand broadband connectivity throughout the state. The initiative, first announced last week, unites various broadband efforts taking place in Arizona — including the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
The endeavor centralizes information about broadband availability. For example, its website features the new Arizona State Broadband Map; this map provides a visual of unserved and underserved communities in the state and allows users to explore Internet access at every address in Arizona. The resource is available to the public, but also aims to support and inform state, local and federal work.
“We are grateful to Governor Hobbs for her leadership on ConnectAllAZ, which will increase economic opportunity for Arizonans, especially in rural and tribal communities,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, in a statement.
In addition to the BEAD program — which represents the largest broadband investment in Arizona state history — other state broadband work includes the Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program and the Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Program. The first allocates $100 million for broadband infrastructure projects in the state and includes 17 awardees to date. The second is a public-private partnership aiming to support broadband expansion along “broadband corridors,” specifically focused on Interstate 17, Interstate 19 and Interstate 40.
"All Arizonans, no matter where they live, should have the tools they need to thrive,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement.
More information about various broadband efforts in the state can now be found on the ConnectAllAZ website.
FCC URGES NETWORK SECURITY AFTER ATTACK
On Dec. 4, foreign actors infiltrated at least eight U.S. communications companies. The incident, known as the Salt Typhoon cyber attack, compromised sensitive systems and exposed vulnerabilities in critical telecommunications infrastructure. It underlined the need for robust cybersecurity in the telecommunications sector.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under the leadership of Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, has issued a draft Declaratory Ruling addressing requirements for telecommunications carriers to secure their networks. The FCC action would also require service providers to annually submit certification to the FCC on cybersecurity risk management.
As Rosenworcel said in a statement, “... we need to put in place a modern framework to help companies secure their networks and better prevent and respond to cyber attacks in the future.”
MORE STATES AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDING
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved and recommended award applications from several new entities, allowing them to request access to funding to implement their digital equity plans. The funding comes from the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.
As of Thursday morning, awards have been made to Florida, Guam, Iowa, Maine, Montana, the Northern Mariana Islands, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C., building on the growing list of states that have received funding.
“D.C. will use the $3.8 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant funds to enhance our residents’ digital skills and expand access to essential digital devices across the district, further bridging the digital divide,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement.
The initiative is one of three grant programs established through the Digital Equity Act; NTIA will continue announcing awards on a rolling basis.
37 N.C. COUNTIES TO GAIN INTERNET ACCESS
North Carolina is expanding Internet access to 37 counties in the state with American Rescue Plan Act funding.
This week, the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity posted Completing Access to Broadband Program scopes of work. The projects will expand Internet access at approximately 67,724 eligible locations.
This builds on previously announced work through this program, including a Nov. 26 announcement that would serve more than 93,000 locations in 44 counties. The program establishes a partnership between state government, county leaders and Internet service providers.
More information can be found on the NCDIT's broadband division’s website.
WASHINGTON COUNTY FUNDS DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING
In other local news, Pierce County, Wash., is leveraging funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to support digital skills training opportunities.
The city has awarded $495,000 in funding to the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center; the organization will offer workshop trainings, device access — including refurbished laptops and hot spots — and post-training support. The organization will also provide a year of home Internet service for eligible families.
This project is one example of a trend occurring nationwide in recent years: the rise of digital inclusion training programs. Partnerships play an essential role in the digital equity space at large, and notably, in cities.
