Network

Plus, the FCC is looking to make changes to broadband consumer labels, localities are partnering with private-sector businesses to expand Internet access, Oklahoma has launched new broadband work, and more.

Plus, New Mexico and Indiana are both expanding access to broadband, a federal government shift to paperless checks may widen digital inequities, and more.

An early-morning disruption for Amazon Web Services caused widespread errors across key cloud systems — a reminder of how dependent state and local agencies have become on centralized infrastructure.

Allo Fiber will use nearly 100,000 business and residential access points to create a network for students to access on school-issued devices at home, local businesses and other public places.

Plus, North Carolina has set standards for digital literacy, Alabama has launched a workforce initiative to improve digital skills, Massachusetts is investing $23 million to expand device access, and more.

The endeavor, led by utility workers from Merit Network, will bring swift Internet to Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan. The system will connect major public facilities and will likely be operational later this year.

Plus, a digital inclusion nonprofit filed a lawsuit challenging the repeal of the Digital Equity Act, a new class of Vermont broadband technicians have graduated, New Mexico is expanding public Wi-Fi, and more.

Connecting the West is an initiative being led by transportation departments in the three states, to form a 1,200-mile network across their terrain. Technology interoperability is key, an official said.

Broadband consultants reflect on the current state of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, while officials in two states report on their progress in rolling out high-speed Internet.

A digital resource fair hosted by the city’s Community Council is intended to convene service providers, digital experts and community organizations with residents, to look into affordability and access.

Plus, Maryland has brought Internet access to Smith Island; Hawaii has launched a Digital Navigator Program; students in El Paso, Texas, will receive digital and AI skills instruction, and more.

The city of Brownsville, Texas, was given that designation in 2014. Since then, officials have made investments to change its status, including supporting the deployment of a fiber network.

The communications giant has rolled out a priority 5G slice, a 50 percent bigger drone fleet, satellite texting and more deployables aimed at keeping first responders connected throughout emergencies.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $5.2 million in new state grants awarded to Connectivity Innovations projects. The funding is intended to expand mobile service in Nassau, Otsego, Schenectady and Warren counties.

More than 2,000 Xfinity customers lost Internet access early Sunday, and it continued into Monday. Multiple causes were determined including power outages and network damage, and service was being restored.

The local government is in line to receive the funding through New York state’s ConnectALL Deployment Program. It will expand Internet access to nearly 1,300 unserved households, businesses and community facilities.

Nearly all locations in the state, or 99.5 percent, can now reach high-speed Internet — and work on the remainder is ahead of schedule, officials said. That includes Smith Island, which now has reliable Internet.

Plus, Puerto Rico is offering free technical training — ranging from cloud computing to AI — through a new partnership, Arlington County, Va., aims to build digital skills with a new navigator program, and more.