Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and Heartland Forward are working on a new planning and capacity-building program to help Tennessee communities leverage historic broadband infrastructure funding for community-driven broadband expansion.
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‘Whole nation’ effort needed to build broadband workforce
Federal investment could mean the creation of up to 150,000 broadband-related jobs, but state and local leaders must build robust apprenticeship programs and commit to diversity to make it happen.
Read MoreNow is the time to close the Latino digital divide
Only 67% of Hispanic adults reported owning a computer and only 65% said they have internet service at home. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program is underutilized, but that’s a problem we can solve.
Read MoreFast Company recognizes the American Connection Corps on their annual list of World Changing Ideas
Launched in 2021, the ACC, a pillar of the American Connection Project, builds capacity in communities to get better connected to broadband internet in an increasingly digital world
Read MoreProgram expands broadband internet in Illinois
Illinois is moving forward to expand access to broadband in the state, with Jackson County one of six communities in the initial launch. It is called the Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Planning Program. It helps develop high-speed internet plans based on local needs and will help expand access to certain residents. Hosted in collaboration with Heartland Forward and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the six communities are the City of Springfield, Jackson County, Knox County, Mercer County, Whiteside County, and the Village of Elsah.
Read MoreGov. Pritzker Announces Inaugural Cohort Of Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Program
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband announced today the six communities selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Planning Program. Hosted in collaboration with Heartland Forward and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the six communities are the City of Springfield, Jackson County, Knox County, Mercer County, Whiteside County, and the Village of Elsah.
Read MoreOpinion | It’s essential for Tennessee to use historic internet access funding effectively
Tennessee will receive funds in the coming months that have the potential to truly transform the lives of the more than 492,000 Tennesseans who currently lack adequate internet access and boost the future economic potential of our state.
Read MoreIllinois communities getting broadband infrastructure assistance
Illinois communities are preparing for a broadband infrastructure investment after Governor J.B. Pritzker announced last month they’re pushing for internet access to all communities in the state. This is the Accelerate Illinois program, led by the Illinois Office of Broadband and the Benton Institute and funded by Heartland Forward.
Read More‘Not a Pipe Dream’: New Report Offers Roadmap to Eliminate Internet Affordability Gap for Students
Almost two years into the pandemic, over 18 million households lack high-speed internet access. Even if it’s available, they can’t afford it, according to a new report released Thursday from nonprofit EducationSuperHighway.
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Maddie Long is already doing that work [to expand access]. Heartland Forward, a think tank focusing on the needs of states in the middle of the country, is funding the position to help reduce the digital divide.
Read MoreNonprofits Partner to Enroll Latinos in FCC Broadband Program
Heartland Forward and the League of United Latin American Citizens on Thursday announced they will partner to help Latinos sign up for a Federal Communications Commission broadband benefit program as enrollment lags.
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