Washington State Department of Commerce’s Post

The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program for Louisiana has officially received full approval from the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)! As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's "Internet for All" initiative, Louisiana will be the first state to begin implementing the BEAD Program, which will upgrade or deploy broadband networks throughout the state to ensure all citizens have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. Once these deployment goals are met, any remaining funding will be utilized for high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development. This effort was led by ConnectLA, which seeks to coordinate federal, state, and municipal efforts to identify the best practices and tactics to expand internet coverage. The Internet has become a vital piece of our infrastructure, as it keeps us in contact with loved ones, instantly transmits information, and ignites economic growth and competitiveness. ConnectLA estimates 5,000 jobs will be created throughout the state to build and sustain these broadband networks. Gov. John Bel Edwards John Bel Edwards reports that shovel-ready projects will begin implementation in 2024 under the BEAD Program. To read the full press release, visit: https://ow.ly/BOWK50Ql6Km To discover more on ConnectLA, visit https://ow.ly/o53550Ql6Kj

Hawaii’s recent approval of the BEAD initial proposal marks a significant milestone in expanding broadband access. This approval is set to boost connectivity and bridge gaps in underserved areas across the state. https://lnkd.in/gPQqsap9 It's great to see such progress and support these vital initiatives. Enhancing broadband infrastructure is key to fostering economic growth and digital inclusion. #BroadbandExpansion #BEADProgram #DigitalInclusion 

Mississippi is on a mission to close the digital gap, identifying homes and businesses without high-speed internet to provide financial aid through grants. This initiative is part of the broader Internet for All effort, aiming to ensure every American has access to reliable and affordable Internet service. As we strive for digital inclusivity, let’s discuss innovative ways to support this endeavor and share success stories. How can we further drive connectivity in our communities? https://lnkd.in/daWinyWK #InternetForAll #DigitalInclusivity

Investment in our technological & communication infrastructure are key measures that keep North Carolina a strategic player in our developing global economy.

Today Verizon and the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA), in a joint op-ed published in Multichannel News, urged Congress to act now to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to ensure that high-speed broadband is affordable for everyone. By providing a subsidy for broadband service, the ACP has made unprecedented progress in closing the digital divide, helping 23 million households get and stay connected. But funding for the ACP is about to run out. While federal funding is available to build broadband networks to unserved and underserved areas through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, broadband deployment is only part of the equation. To make the most of the investment in BEAD, and to support good jobs and maintain broadband service, we must ensure that everyone - regardless of income - stays connected. It's not too late to save the critical ACP. We urge Congress to act immediately to renew ACP funding. #ACP #BEAD #Congress

ICYMI: On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the $50 million New York State Digital Equity Plan to close The State of New York's digital divide. The plan outlines a statewide strategy to increase its capacity to improve digital literacy and digital job readiness skills, facilitate access to affordable internet and devices, enhance digital privacy and safety, and make government services more accessible through the internet. The announcement follows the plan’s approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), making The State of New York eligible to apply for a $36.8 million federal Capacity Grant to implement the Plan, and builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to making affordable broadband accessible to all New Yorkers. #winwin #digitaldivide #telecom #digitalinclusion #ntia

On Tuesday, the House Communications & Technology Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the progress of the BEAD program. While the goal is to bridge the digital divide, the program is facing several challenges, including accurate mapping, technology deployment, permitting, and workforce shortages. Want to learn more about these challenges and what was covered in the hearing? Check out our latest article for an in-depth look at the hearing’s key takeaways and share your thoughts on the BEAD program's progress in the comments! https://lnkd.in/gzU_YPbD #BEADProgram #BEAD #BroadbandAccess #BroadbandConsulting #MissionBroadband 

Where are we on Arizona's BEAD Program? Hello, Arizona community and fellow broadband enthusiasts! Working in the broadband industry right now is exciting and continuously developing. I thought those of you not in the industry would like an update on the latest developments on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in Arizona. 🔍 Where We Stand: Arizona is making significant strides in the BEAD program, aiming to ensure that every community has access to reliable, high-speed internet. The map challenge process ended on May 14th, a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of our broadband maps. The State Broadband Office is now finalizing these maps to reflect our community’s needs accurately. ⏳ What’s Next: With the maps soon to be completed, the next phase involves creating proposed project areas. This will pave the way for the selection of internet service providers (ISPs) who will undertake the buildout in various regions. This selection will be a major step towards beginning the physical deployment of broadband infrastructure, bringing us closer to our goal of statewide connectivity. 📅 Timeline: We anticipate moving from planning to action by the end of this year. Rest assured, every step is taken to maximize the program’s impact and efficiency. 🔗 Learn More: For those looking for more detailed information or who wish to track our progress, please visit the State Broadband Office’s page on the BEAD program: https://lnkd.in/gU23XFHp. Together, we're connecting Arizona to a brighter, more inclusive digital future. #BEADProgram #BroadbandAccess #DigitalDivide #ArizonaBroadband #ConnectivityForAll #LIPostingDay

As the May 2024 funding deadline nears for the Affordable Connectivity Program, policymakers and regulators are springing into action and looking to address the persisting questions around the program’s future. This week alone: - Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wrote a letter to U.S. lawmakers announcing that the FCC will begin sharing guidance for consumers, internet providers, and other stakeholders about the Affordable Connectivity Program’s wind-down. - The FCC released some guidance for winding down the program, including requirements for notifying subscribers and a February 8 enrollment freeze date. - 6 members of Congress, across both parties and chambers, introduced the “Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024” which would provide an additional $7 billion for funding. Connectivity is essential to participating in today’s world, and the ACP has helped households in need access internet services. NaLA will continue to advocate for the program’s continued existence. Read Masha Abarinova's article on the situation for more: https://lnkd.in/dYeH8tKj

More developments coming in on the fate of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Masha Abarinova brings in analyst perspectives, at Fierce Telecom