Network

A new study rejects the idea that provider networks held up quite well for Americans during the pandemic. This research, as well as state broadband leaders, think upload speeds must be better for America’s future.

Rural residents have lagged behind in Internet access, a divide made even more clear last year when rural residents needed to do remote learning, work from home and use telemedicine to consult with their doctors.

The FCC just released a new map showing mobile broadband coverage from the nation’s four major providers. The map aims to improve on previous data and is the first test of the criteria from the Broadband DATA Act.

Niagara and Orleans counties in New York will both take advantage of American Rescue Plan funding to bring broadband to rural homes within their borders. A wireless provider will be working with the counties.

The 21st Century Broadband Deployment Act, introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson of the state’s 8th congressional district, establishes grant programs to improve Internet access in underserved communities.

This week, the Texas comptroller announced the creation of a Broadband Development Office, which will help the state in its effort to bring broadband access to unserved and underserved areas.

The port of Skagit is working with company Ziply Fiber to construct an open-access network in a rural segment of Skagit County. The fiber network is expected to connect 1,200 homes and businesses.

Oklahoma would receive more than $5 billion for roads, bridges, electric vehicle charging stations and rural broadband expansion under the infrastructure bill being debated this week in the U.S. Senate.

Pharr, Texas — which is located in the Rio Grande Valley — will soon begin the first of three phases to install fiber-optic cable and provide Internet access to all local residents, working to bridge the digital divide.

According to a recent study, the expansion of high-speed Internet service across the United States is worth around $160 billion in economic gains, mostly benefiting the middle-class, professional workforce.

The five members of the new Vermont Community Broadband Board will funnel resources to local communications union districts, amplifying their efforts to extend reliable Internet to the farthest reaches of the state.

Yesterday, Cisco hosted a roundtable discussion about Internet access featuring local, regional and international perspectives. The speakers covered everything from accountability of leadership to Wi-Fi innovation.

One state representative wants to ensure rural Pennsylvanians have access to high-speed Internet — particularly since the pandemic has made the persisting digital divide more apparent and problematic for those who don't.

Plus, Michigan announces $15.3 million boost to grants for projects that improve resident connectivity, San Jose, Calif., launches a community-built platform to connect youth with mental health services, and more.

Gov. Ralph Northam has announced a plan to invest $700 million toward broadband infrastructure for unserved areas in Virginia. The funding for this investment comes from the American Rescue Plan.

Maryland announced Tuesday that its Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Statewide Broadband would be administering grants totaling nearly $30 million to support network infrastructure projects.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Tuesday to spend $6 billion over the next three years expanding broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved, underserved and rural communities.

Lawmakers had previously decided on leadership for a new broadband agency equipped with $150 million and tasked with a mandate to achieve universal high-speed Internet throughout all of Maine.