Telecommunications and tech services company C Spire will build 90 miles of fiber and infrastructure in Meridian, bringing multi-gigabit-speed fiber Internet to thousands of homes. Construction for some neighborhoods will wrap as soon as June.
Almost everything we do requires Internet connectivity, from applying to a job, fulfilling work obligations, booking doctor’s appointments, banking, watching TV and even staying connected with family.
Plus, more states see their digital equity plans accepted, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance unveils a low-cost plan model as an alternative to the ACP, and more.
Contracts and federal grant monies aim to rapidly bring high-speed Internet to many of the state’s 67 counties. The developments follow last-mile broadband work paid for by more than $82 million in state funding.
Infrastructure investment firm Meridiam will develop, build and run a $230 million network connecting 53,000 households and businesses in six counties. Developer Yellowhammer Networks, owned by Meridiam, will fund the project.
Plus, Pennsylvania announces millions of dollars in new broadband funding, the FCC aims to expand Internet choice for residents of apartment buildings, and more.
Plus, support remains strong for continuing the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Massachusetts planning program expands and Alabama gets $150 million in broadband funding.
A new survey of Affordable Connectivity Program users detailed the financial hardships recipients face in affording broadband, and found more than half access government services online.
The state’s new Digital Equity Plan highlights goals and strategies to provide IT capabilities to all individuals and communities. It’s now being reviewed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Plus, Maine is the first state to have its digital equity plan accepted, the NTCA is calling for a more effective challenge process for the national broadband map, and more.
