Osage Nation’s Post

The benefits of public-private partnerships are clear here at ITS, but what makes them work? 💭 In his contribution to the below article with Fibre Provider, our Head of Public Sector, Andrew Bell, states that engagement and collaboration from the beginning, alongside a proper understanding and education on the benefits of digital transformation, are critical. We're incredibly proud of our existing public sector partnerships, including the first UK concession agreement with Hammersmith and Fulham, our joint ventures with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to form LCRConnect, and DG Cities to form Digital Greenwich Connect. For more information on how we can work with you to unlock the potential of your communities, click here: https://lnkd.in/ePkuSTsc #JointVenture #DigitalInclusion #SmartCities #FullFibre #DigitalInfrastructure

The BEAD program is a major investment in ensuring all Americans have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. It targets closing the digital divide by funding projects in building infrastructure, developing broadband action plans, and supporting programs to promote user adoption. But the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently sent a management alert to the NTIA with a notification of what they identified as “risks” that could affect broadband programs administered by the agency. The American public deserves a more comprehensive analysis of the BEAD program that includes the thoughts and recommendations of the public interest community. #digitaldivide #digitalequity #technologyequity Read More 👇 https://lnkd.in/evjVbHyR

#Congratulations to ConnectLA, Veneeth Iyengar, and #Louisiana for being the first state to gain US Department of Commerce, NTIA approval for its initial #BroadbandEquityAccessAndDeployment (#BEAD) plan. In today's digital age, access to reliable high-speed internet has become critical, enabling individuals and communities to thrive in various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, business, and beyond. The approval of Louisiana's initial Broadband Equity Access and Deployment plan is a testament to the state's meticulous planning, innovative strategies, and dedication to fostering digital equity and inclusion. By developing comprehensive strategies to expand broadband infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and skills training, and prioritizing underserved communities, Louisiana is setting a shining example for other states to follow. #BroadbandUSA #InternetForAll #BroadbandInfrastructure #PublicPrivatePartnerships #BroadbandDeployment

ICYMI: check out NCTA’s new piece in Total Telecom on the critical role public-private partnerships play in the fight for #InternetForAll. Smart policymaking, coupled with public and private leader collaboration, is essential if we want to close the rural broadband gap: “[P]olicymakers must ensure that they are prepared to maximise – not mismanage – the massive sums of BEAD funding coming their way to extend connectivity… [The private sector’s] massive team of skilled professionals are equipped with the technical, managerial, and financial expertise needed to not only build these networks, but to maintain and upgrade them through decades to come.”   Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/ecjv7xd7   #BEAD #Connectivity #CableIndustry #10G #InternetForAll 

Hot on the heels of announcing Simon Burckhardt as our new non-executive director, we’re thrilled to have expanded our capabilities with Code powers granted by Ofcom, to enable us to help facilitate the deployment of infrastructure. This milestone not only marks a significant period of growth, but plays a key role in addressing the pressing issue of limited broadband access in overlooked communities too. See how we’re helping to bridge the digital divide in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and multi-business units (MBUs): https://bit.ly/3tmzJUl #CodePowers #FTTP #Connectivity #MDUs #DigitalDivide

Analysis of 17 states’ broadband grant data from 2014-2020 reveals key trends about where funding is going to help expand access to high-speed internet: 🌐 Smaller internet service providers 🏠 Rural communities 🛠️Building fiber optic infrastructure Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning’s Natassia Bravo and Mildred Warner argue these insights, “suggest that our country needs a broader approach to broadband access and digital equity.” With billions in federal dollars being allocated for broadband equity, access, and deployment under the #BEADProgram, states can use their data to refine future strategies. https://pew.org/3vwHOX2

With network expansions under construction across the country, here are a few projects that are working towards the national goal of connecting every American 🇺🇸 https://hubs.li/Q02tywSG0

Peace, I'm thrilled to share that earlier today National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a momentous $811 million in funding to promote digital equity and inclusion nationwide! States, territories, and tribal entities can apply for funding to enact their Digital Equity Plans. It’s exciting to know that the work my colleagues and I do will help bridge the digital divide and allow millions of others to take full advantage of opportunities offered by the digital world. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/exeJCzik #DigitalEquity #internetforall #InvestingInAmerica

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its Broadband Equity and Deployment (BEAD) plan presents a significant opportunity to bridge the #digitaldivide and bring broadband #Internet to underserved areas across the nation. Comcast is fully committed to playing a pivotal role in this crucial endeavor, not only by providing the necessary infrastructure but also by fostering long-term community vitality.    As the rollout begins, it's essential to consider the sustainability and innovation that go “beyond the build.” In this article, my colleague David Don, Senior VP Public Policy, lays out six key ISP capabilities that are crucial for communities to prioritize when selecting potential BEAD partners–things like scale, security, and track record of community service. As David articulates, Comcast is ready and eager to collaborate with communities across the country to ensure a prosperous digital future for all: https://comca.st/3ZFHiB4 #DigitalEquity

With a record $42.5 billion in broadband infrastructure funding available from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (#BEAD), states are racing to take advantage of funding to improve digital equity across the nation. But first, they must figure out to clear complex program requirements to access funds, including the development of detailed #broadband project plans that ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. This week on our blog, Tilson's Broadband Consulting experts take a closer look at how states can navigate funding requirements - from planning to implementation - to ensure every American has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet: https://bit.ly/3I9wm70. #onamission