Broadband

Plus, a new Arizona partnership aims to expand Internet access in the state along Interstate 17; Cook County, Ill., is planning a learning symposium event for Digital Inclusion Week; and more.

Orange County and its wireless broadband partner have fallen short of a 2022 promise to deliver higher Internet speeds to all of the rural homes that currently lack reliable service.

Gov. Jeff Landry has written U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, asking if remaining Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant money could go to “state-led initiatives” in artificial intelligence and elsewhere.

Plus, Baltimore’s new AI computer lab aims to bring digital skills to the community, stakeholder groups have submitted comments to the FCC on the state of U.S. broadband deployment, and more.

Plus, Hawaii has announced a Digital Aloha Month campaign, California is piloting improvements to an affordable broadband initiative, Santa Barbara launched a digital resource hub, and more.

Officials received the money through a grant originating with American Rescue Plan Act funds. One part will bring fiber Internet to Starbuck residents; the other will improve emergency communications.

Plus, members of Congress are calling for clarity on the use of nondeployment funds under the BEAD Program, New York is investing millions in broadband, and people who are incarcerated are learning digital skills.

The project has already connected its first users. Ultimately, it will add 325 miles of fiber to the county, on the shore of Lake Michigan, and bring high-speed Internet to about 2,500 homes and businesses.

Plus, tribal nations face connectivity gaps, Durham, N.C., is delivering hot spots to residents, Nebraska libraries expand skills training, and fiber expansion provides connectivity to states in the Midwest.

Nearly 23 miles of “high-capacity middle-mile broadband infrastructure” have been built, after a 2021 state bill provided $3.25 billion in funding. The endeavor will connect thousands of residents in the Hoopa Valley area.

Plus, Massachusetts is investing more than $31 million to get residents connected, a Cleveland digital inclusion nonprofit is coming to Detroit, a new resource outlines a blueprint for AI literacy, and more.

Historically Black colleges and universities are often located in broadband deserts, impacting their ability to give students the tools they need on campus. Strong partnerships and ongoing funding sources are key.

Plus, a U.S. senator is calling on Arielle Roth to fund NTIA programs as Congress authorized, federal broadband legislation could create more accountability, Kansas is investing in digital literacy training, and more.

The funding will come via the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans program. It includes nearly $49,000 for five solar-powered benches with free public Wi-Fi, for the Emporia Public Library.

The Cyberinfrastructure Alliance for Oregon is part of a larger effort to develop computing infrastructure across public state universities and enable research and innovation in next-gen tech like machine learning and AI.

The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program includes satellite technology. But experts said it may not be the best choice in highly populated areas, where higher customer concentrations could sap its speed.

Plus, a program will provide Internet access to low-income New Yorkers, New Mexico has seen gains in broadband speeds, the National Governors Association is calling on Congress to fund broadband investments, and more.

The City Council has approved a non-exclusive installation deal with the technology provider, allowing it to install its equipment. Its fiber is now only available in limited areas of Cobb County.