Task Force Meetings and Minutes
Next Meeting - 3:00 -4:15 p.m. - March 27 2023
New Task Force meeting time 3:00 -4:15 pm Monday Afternoon
New Task Force meeting time 3:00 -4:15 pm Monday Afternoon
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March 20, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: March 20, 27 New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates and upcoming events, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
--- City of Phoenix, Community and Economic Development Dept $700,000 --- Promise Arizona $251,000 --- Navajo County
The meeting included:
March 13, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: March 20, 27 New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon march_13_2023_azbsn_chat_transcript.pdf Meeting Update For details about updates and upcoming events, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
The meeting included:
March 6, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: March 6, 13, 20, 27 New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates and upcoming events, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
March 6 Meeting Review The meeting included:
Dr. Bryan Carter, Project Principal Investigator and Director of the Center for Digital Humanities at the University Of Arizona provided an overview of this awesome University of Arizona $3M NTIA Connecting Minorities Communities Pilot Program grant to expand Internet and Digital Inclusion in Southern Arizona. The details of that plan include: 1) Creating “equipment bundles” that can be checked out by students from UA Libraries. The equipment bundles will include hotspots, laptops, headphones and webcams; 2) Expanding UA network and classroom technologies; 3) Providing support personnel at education sites in rural Arizona. The grant will provide broadband internet access and equipment and help to facilitate educational opportunities and resources for project subrecipients Dunbar Pavilion and the Tucson Urban League, as well as the surrounding community. About the Connecting Minorities Communities Pilot Program: The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program is a $268 million grant program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel. NTIA has awarded more than $175 million to 61 colleges and universities as part of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC). These new awards cover colleges and universities in 29 states and four territories. With these grants, all funding from this Internet for All grant program has been awarded to 93 universities. Including 43 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 24 Hispanic Serving Institutions, 21 Minority Serving Institutions, and five Tribal Colleges and Universities. These grants will help expand community technology hubs, upgrade classroom technology, and increase digital literacy skills at their minority serving colleges and universities. This program specifically directs $268 million from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 for expanding high-speed Internet access and connectivity to eligible HBCUs, Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and other Minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Arizona Grant recipients:
February 27 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: March 6, 13, 20, 27 New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates and upcoming events, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
February 27 Meeting Review The meeting included:
February 13, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: February 27. No Meeting February 20 (Presidents Day) New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates and upcoming events, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
February 13 Meeting Agenda The meeting included:
February 6, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: February 6, 13, 27. No Meeting February 20 (Presidents Day) New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
February 6 Meeting Agenda The meeting included:
January 30, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: January 30. February 6, 13, 27. No Meeting February 20 (Presidents Day) New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
January 30 Meeting Agenda The meeting included:
January 23, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: January 30. February 6, 13, 27. No Meeting February 20 (Presidents Day) New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
January 23 Meeting Agenda The meeting included:
Additional Updates
January 9, 2023 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: January 9, 23, 30. No meeting January 16 (Martin Luther King Day) New Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
The meeting included:
December 19, 2022 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: December 19 January 9, 23, 30. No meeting December 26 & January 2, January 16 (Martin Luther King Day) Beginning in January, new Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
Beginning January 9 the Task Force will meet at 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon
instead of our 7:30 meeting time. Why you ask? Due to conflicting meetings on Monday mornings, Sandip Bhowmick the Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority and: Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth OICG for Arizona, may not be able to attend many of our Task Force meetings. Because of the all the BEAD, Digital Equity, Mapping, state planning, and other funding and initiatives, it is important that they can attend and provide regular briefings. We felt that we should schedule around Sandip and Nicole's availability. Steve talked with them, and they felt the best time was Monday afternoon @ 3:00. So, beginning in January we will meet @ 3:00 Monday afternoon. Look for updated meeting announcement for new meeting times beginning in January. Updating the AZBSN Comprehensive Statewide 2020 Digital Access Strategy Report & input into AZ Bead and Digital Equity Planning
In November 2020, the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report that includes short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the Internet and other digital access needs of all Arizona citizens. Lots has changed. With transitions for Governor, State School Superintendent, and the Arizona Legislature, as well as the BEAD and Digital Equity planning and funding, we felt It is time for a refresh. We will initiate a process to update the plan and explore how AZBSN will provide input into AZ Bead and Digital Equity Planning. John Kelly a Principal with Triadvocates, Karen Ziegler Owner Karen Ziegler Consulting Services, and Jan Schiller a Partner with Berkshire Consulting will lead the process. They reported on the tentative process that we felt needs to be concluded no later than mid to end of January. The tentative plan is to create the following Teams:
Review and download the plan here. FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment On Requests To Allow The Use Of E-Rate Funds For Advanced Or Next-Generation Firewalls And Other Network Security Services. (DA No. 22-1315).
Reply comments dues February 13, 2023 (Dkt No 13-184). WCB seeks comment on petitions requesting that the Commission permit the use of E-Rate funds to support advanced or next-generation firewalls and services, and network security services . Comments Due: 2023-02-13. Reply Comments Due: 2023-03-30. WCB. Contact: Joseph Schlingbaum at (202) 418-0829, email: Joseph.Schlingbaum@fcc.gov. DA-22-1315A1.docx DA-22-1315A1.pdf DA-22-1315A1.txt The FCC has opened a rulemaking proceeding to provide E-rate support for these necessary expenses. Eligible Services list for 2023-24 for E-Rate: E-rate reimburses Schools and Libraries for their internet and internal connections to use the internet. Only prescribed services are eligible for reimbursement. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-1315A1.pdf. SEE APPENDIX in the 2023 list Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition Joins Other Organizations to Urge E-rate Modernization in Light of Recent Cyberattacks on Schools The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN); State E-rate Coordinators' Alliance (SECA); State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA); and Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition on the recent cyber-attack on the LA Unified School District: "The recent cyber-attack on the LA Unified School District, along with hundreds of similar attacks on schools, libraries, and other educational institutions over the past few years, highlights the urgent need for federal officials to take immediate action to protect our nation's educational entities from cyber-attacks. The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) have previously warned that educational networks are soft targets and vulnerable to cyber-criminal behavior, but the US government has not done enough to protect these networks from harm. The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN); State E-rate Coordinators Alliance (SECA); State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA); and Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition jointly call upon the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to immediately modernize its definition of "firewalls" to allow E-rate funding to be used to safeguard school and library networks. We also urge the FCC to open a rule-making proceeding and take comment on the Petition filed by our organizations in February 2021 to adopt long-term solutions to this growing cyber security crisis." Attached are SHLB’s (Schools Health Libraries Broadband) and SECA ( State E-rate Coordinators) Ex Parte filing. We need the FCC to consider long-term solutions and not do it piece-meal. Discussion and special AZBSN meeting to discuss Arizona’s response to the National Broadband Map and Mapping challenge process.
NTIA & FCC are looking for input to the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. We will convene a meeting (s) to discuss Arizona input into the process. Paul Ross, AVP and CIO at Phoenix College and Rory Conaway Triad Wireless Managing Partner / CEO, with input by Sandip, Nicole, Mala and Milan, will lead the meeting. Date TBA. Deadline for input: November 18, 2022-January 13, 2023 - Best opportunity for eligible entities to submit challenges in time for the FCC to include corrections in the final version of the map that will be used to allocate Internet for All funding in the summer of 2023. Note, several states, including Arizona, have requested deadline extension The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement of a timeline for the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. By law NTIA will allocate BEAD funds according to a formula derived from the map data. NTIA coordinates closely with the FCC to ensure that this data is accurate and reliable and will continue to do so. NTIA will engage in a comprehensive outreach effort to support the FCC in its efforts to ensure that every state that wishes to file a challenge can do so. This effort will include: 1) Technical assistance to state broadband officials and governors’ offices as they prepare challenges; 2) Webinars for members of the public wishing to learn more about how to participate in the challenge process; 3) Regular engagement with state officials to identify and resolve issues. The latest FCC National Broadband Map is available: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. See additional Mapping Challenge Process info below. The latest FCC National Broadband Map is available: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home Timeline:
Additional Information From FCC Press Release: The Federal Communications Commission announced that it will unveil a pre-production draft of new broadband maps on November 18, 2022. This version is the first release of the map required by the Broadband DATA Act and will begin an ongoing, iterative process that will improve the data submitted by providers by incorporating challenges from individuals and other stakeholders. Broadband availability will be based on data submitted by providers during the initial Broadband Data Collection filing window and will reflect services available as of June 30, 2022. When published, the draft maps will display location level information on broadband availability throughout the country and will allow people to search for their address, and review and dispute the services reported by providers at their location. The FCC will also accept bulk challenges to the reported availability data from state and Tribal governments and other entities. As a result, this map will continually improve and refine the broadband availability data relied upon by the FCC, other government agencies, and the public. The pre-production draft map release is an important first step forward in building more accurate, more granular broadband maps, which are long overdue and mandated by Congress. Historically, the FCC’s maps have been based on broadband availability data collected at just the census block level rather than the location level, which kept unserved locations hidden if they were in partially served census blocks. To generate this version of the map, providers’ availability data has been matched to the location information contained in the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric). The Fabric is a common dataset of all locations in the United States where fixed broadband internet access service is or can be installed. To improve the accuracy of the FCC maps, the Commission began accepting challenges to Fabric information from providers, states, local and Tribal governments starting in September. Once the draft maps launch, individuals will also be able to submit challenges, or request corrections, to Fabric locations directly through the map interface. They will also be able to request missing locations be added. Information from those challenges will be incorporated in future versions of the Fabric. For more information about the BDC, please visit the Broadband Data Collection website at https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData. NTIA/Arizona Industry Listening Sessions
Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth OICG for Arizona, in cooperation with the Arizona Broadband Office, will convene Industry Listening Sessions to get input from industry representatives regarding BEAD funding. Listening Sessions tentatively scheduled for January 11 and again January 18 have been postponed. Look for email announcements later. January 26th, 2023 3rd Annual National DataCenter & SmartCity IoT Edge Summit
Join Business & Government Leaders from some of the MOST Innovative Companies & Organizations in the World! Learn, Engage & Network in a Collaborative Environment to Maximize the Creation of STEM Jobs & Promote Global Sustainability. Information and Registration December 12, 2022 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: December 19 January 9, 23, 30. No meeting December 26 & January 2, January 16 (Martin Luther King Day) Beginning in January, new Task Force meeting time 3:00 pm Monday Afternoon Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
If Abbott and Costello were around today...
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello's famous sketch "Who's on first?" might have turned out something like this: COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT . . . . ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou. ABBOTT: Your computer? COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou. ABBOTT: What about Windows? COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows? COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look in the windows? ABBOTT: Wallpaper. COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software. ABBOTT: Software for Windows? COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What have you got? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything? ABBOTT: I just did. COSTELLO: You just did what? ABBOTT: Recommend something. COSTELLO: You recommended something? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: For my office? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yes, for my office! ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows. COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, lets just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need? ABBOTT: Word. COSTELLO: What word? ABBOTT: Word in Office. COSTELLO: The only word in office is office. ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows. COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows? ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W". COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. OK, forget that. Can I watch movies on the Internet? ABBOTT: Yes, you want Real One. COSTELLO: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I watch is none of your business. Just tell me what I need! ABBOTT: Real One. COSTELLO: If it's a long movie I also want to see reel 2, 3 & 4. Can I watch them? ABBOTT: Of course. COSTELLO: Great! With what? ABBOTT: Real One. COSTELLO: OK, I'm at my computer and I want to watch a movie. What do I do? ABBOTT: You click the blue "1". COSTELLO: I click the blue one what? ABBOTT: The blue "1". COSTELLO: Is that different from the blue w? ABBOTT: The blue "1" is Real One and the blue "W" is Word. COSTELLO: What word? ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows. COSTELLO: But there's three words in "office for windows"! ABBOTT: No, just one. But it's the most popular Word in the world. COSTELLO: It is? ABBOTT: Yes, but to be fair, there aren't many other Words left. It pretty much wiped out all the other Words out there. COSTELLO: And that word is real one? ABBOTT: Real One has nothing to do with Word. Real One isn't even part of Office. COSTELLO: STOP! Don't start that again. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: I need money to track my money? ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer. COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer? ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge. COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much? ABBOTT: One copy. COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money? ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy money. COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money? ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT! A FEW DAYS LATER . . ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off? ABBOTT: Click on "START December 5, 2022 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: December 5, 12, 19. No meeting December 26 & January 2 Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
At the meeting the agenda included:
RFQ for Broadband Consulting Services
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced Request for Qualifications (RFQ) # 2023-12 to identify vendor(s) to provide Broadband Consulting Services. Scope Of Work - Program Requirements: ACA is seeking assistance to build its capacity to execute a number of broadband initiatives and major deliverables:
To request a copy of the RFQ and be added to the notification list for this solicitation, click here. Solicitation Point of Contact: Teri Orman, Procurement/Grants Manager (602) 845-1245 | procurement@azcommerce.com RFP for Arizona Middle-Mile Fiber Infrastructure Operations, Maintenance, and Commercialization (“OMC”) Services The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is pleased to announce the opening of Request for Proposals (RFP) # 2023-06. The purpose of this RFP is to identify Operations, Maintenance, and Commercialization (“OMC”) Entities to provide OMC Services for Arizona’s Middle-Mile Fiber Infrastructure. This RFP is being issued by the ACA in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation (“ADOT”). ACA is seeking a well-qualified OMC Entity capable of operating and maintaining the Fiber Infrastructure which includes, but not limited to I-17, I-19, and I-40 West. Additionally, the ACA is seeking an OMC Entity with the ability and experience to commercialize the excess capacity (i.e., MicroDucts, dark fiber, etc. - Commercialization Assets) to offset the O&M costs associated with the ADOT network and generate revenue for the ACA. Given the criticality of the Fiber Infrastructure and ongoing expansion efforts, the ACA requires a firm that is flexible and adaptable to changes and can provide OMC Services at a high level of service and reliability. To request a copy of the RFQ and be added to the notification list for this solicitation, click here. Solicitation Point of Contact: Teri Orman, Procurement/Grants Manager (602) 845-1245 | procurement@azcommerce.com FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program A great overview video of the ACP Outreach Grant Program is available from NDIA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chBLHqxx6_k The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity. November 28, 2022 Meeting Recap
Meeting Schedule: November 28, December 5, 12, 19. No meeting December 26. Meeting Update For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
As you may already know, after a national search, Sandip Bhowmick, the current Assistant Broadband Director, has been promoted to Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Sandip provided an overview of: the status of the BEAD and Digital Equity applications; his vision and plans for Arizona and the Broadband Office; the plan to release an RFQ for organizations to apply to lead planning for: 1) BEAD 2) Digital Equity, 3) Mapping; and more. Following his presentation there was considerable discussion about the the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. See below FCC announces timeline for the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement of a firm timeline for the National Broadband Map and mapping challenge process. NTIA expects to communicate Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) allocation levels to eligible entities (states and territories) by June 30th. Also today, NTIA has announced more details on how the FCC’s mapping process will impact the BEAD program. Here is the BEAD timeline Key Dates Description
As the Biden-Harris Administration is required by law to allocate BEAD funds according to a formula derived from the map data, NTIA coordinates closely with the FCC to ensure that this data is accurate and reliable, and will continue to do so. NTIA’s efforts to date include: 1) Calling every single Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the United States to remind them of their obligations relating to the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) process, register any concerns or technical assistance requests, and relay those to the FCC; 2) Engaging in sustained outreach with Governors’ offices, state broadband offices, and stakeholder communities to share technical assistance resources, solicit feedback, and relay major areas of concern; and 3) Producing and sharing materials to break down the process with key dates and deadlines for affected stakeholders. NTIA will engage in a comprehensive outreach effort to support the FCC in its efforts to ensure that every state that wishes to file a challenge can do so. This effort will include: 1) Technical assistance to state broadband officials and governors’ offices as they prepare challenges; 2) Webinars for members of the public wishing to learn more about how to participate in the challenge process; 3) Regular engagement with state officials to identify and resolve issues. |
FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program - AZBSN Meeting
The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here. Since there is no state agency review or state plan required, and any eligible organization can apply, we thought it might be beneficial to identify which organizations plan to submit an application, and to explore the feasibility of a voluntary and collaborative application. Steve will convene a meeting the week after Thanksgiving (date TBA) for all interested parties.
Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here
The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here. Since there is no state agency review or state plan required, and any eligible organization can apply, we thought it might be beneficial to identify which organizations plan to submit an application, and to explore the feasibility of a voluntary and collaborative application. Steve will convene a meeting the week after Thanksgiving (date TBA) for all interested parties.
Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here
November 21, 2022
Meeting Schedule: November 28, December 5, 12, 19. No meeting December 26.
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
As you may already know, after a national search, Sandip Bhowmick, the current Assistant Broadband Director, has been promoted to Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Sandip provided an overview of: the status of the BEAD and Digital Equity applications; his vision and plans for Arizona and the Broadband Office; the plan to release an RFQ for organizations to apply to lead planning for: 1) BEAD 2) Digital Equity, 3) Mapping; and more.
Meeting Schedule: November 28, December 5, 12, 19. No meeting December 26.
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
- November 21, 2022 meeting recording
- November 21, 2022 Registration List
- November 21, 2022 Chat
- November 21, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (coming later) (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
As you may already know, after a national search, Sandip Bhowmick, the current Assistant Broadband Director, has been promoted to Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Sandip provided an overview of: the status of the BEAD and Digital Equity applications; his vision and plans for Arizona and the Broadband Office; the plan to release an RFQ for organizations to apply to lead planning for: 1) BEAD 2) Digital Equity, 3) Mapping; and more.
FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program - AZBSN Meeting
The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here. Since there is no state agency review or state plan required, and any eligible organization can apply, we thought it might be beneficial to identify which organizations plan to submit an application, and to explore the feasibility of a voluntary and collaborative application. Steve will convene a meeting the week after Thanksgiving (date TBA) for all interested parties.
Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here
The FCC has released their Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program Notice Of Funding Opportunity NOFO. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here. Since there is no state agency review or state plan required, and any eligible organization can apply, we thought it might be beneficial to identify which organizations plan to submit an application, and to explore the feasibility of a voluntary and collaborative application. Steve will convene a meeting the week after Thanksgiving (date TBA) for all interested parties.
Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here
November 14, 2022
Meeting Schedule: November 14, 21, 28
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
November 14 Digital Access Presentation
Digital Equity and Digital Divide Research, Data Sources, Future Research Planning presented by Paul Ross, Phoenix College AVP CIO on Special Assignment, Executive Director Phoenix DECC & Chief Architect/Implementation Agent, and Ph.D. student at Grand Canyon University.
Experienced and witnessed over the last two years, there has been tremendous funding and growth in solutions and discussions connected to the 'Digital Divide.' Paul discussed some of the research discovered, data sources available, and future research planning, and outline why there needs to be a broader conversation and recognition that the space is multifaceted and interdisciplinary, extending beyond internet access to include digital equity reflecting the environment, the individual and society as a whole. The digital divide is present from the cloud to the closet to the classroom, from the formation of cells to supercentenarians.
Contact: O: 602.764.1859, Paul.Ross@PhoenixCollege.edu
Meeting Schedule: November 14, 21, 28
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
- November 14, 2022 meeting recording
- November 14, 2022 Registration List
- November 14, 2022 Chat
- November 14, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
November 14 Digital Access Presentation
Digital Equity and Digital Divide Research, Data Sources, Future Research Planning presented by Paul Ross, Phoenix College AVP CIO on Special Assignment, Executive Director Phoenix DECC & Chief Architect/Implementation Agent, and Ph.D. student at Grand Canyon University.
Experienced and witnessed over the last two years, there has been tremendous funding and growth in solutions and discussions connected to the 'Digital Divide.' Paul discussed some of the research discovered, data sources available, and future research planning, and outline why there needs to be a broader conversation and recognition that the space is multifaceted and interdisciplinary, extending beyond internet access to include digital equity reflecting the environment, the individual and society as a whole. The digital divide is present from the cloud to the closet to the classroom, from the formation of cells to supercentenarians.
Contact: O: 602.764.1859, Paul.Ross@PhoenixCollege.edu
FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program
Mala, Muralidharan, E-rate Administrator for Public Libraries with the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records provided an overview of the FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program NOFO that was recently released. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here
Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here
Contact mala@azlibrary.gov, Cell: 480-221-5120
Mala, Muralidharan, E-rate Administrator for Public Libraries with the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records provided an overview of the FCC Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program NOFO that was recently released. Application Submission Deadline: January 9, 2023. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application to CGB for funding consideration before the application submission deadline which consists of standard forms and program-specific forms. See Details Here
Recognizing the importance of effective outreach to eligible households from trusted messengers to historically underserved communities, Congress authorized the FCC to establish the Outreach Grant Program. The Outreach Grant Program provides eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among those eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity.
See Details Here
Contact mala@azlibrary.gov, Cell: 480-221-5120
November 7, 2022
Meeting Schedule: November 14, 21, 28
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
University of Arizona Information Assurance and Security Education Center: Paul Kealey, Lecturer in Management Information Systems at the University of Arizona, and Associate Director, Information Assurance and Security Education Center
Paul is a professor in the MIS Department which is part of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. He specializes in data communications and information risk assessment. He is also the Associate Director of the Information Assurance and Security Education Center.
Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, IASEC offers faculty, students, and the community, resources to study and address the cyber vulnerabilities of our nation’s information infrastructure. The IASEC team works collaboratively to promote responsible information and cybersecurity practice through curriculum development, industry partnerships, cutting-edge research and community outreach.
Paul will provided an overview of the Information Assurance and Security Education Center and then shared opportunities for AZBSN to collaborate with Paul and Center. Contact: kealey@arizona.edu
Meeting Schedule: November 14, 21, 28
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
- November 7, 2022 meeting recording
- November 7, 2022 Registration List
- November 7, 2022 Chat
- November 7, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
University of Arizona Information Assurance and Security Education Center: Paul Kealey, Lecturer in Management Information Systems at the University of Arizona, and Associate Director, Information Assurance and Security Education Center
Paul is a professor in the MIS Department which is part of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. He specializes in data communications and information risk assessment. He is also the Associate Director of the Information Assurance and Security Education Center.
Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, IASEC offers faculty, students, and the community, resources to study and address the cyber vulnerabilities of our nation’s information infrastructure. The IASEC team works collaboratively to promote responsible information and cybersecurity practice through curriculum development, industry partnerships, cutting-edge research and community outreach.
Paul will provided an overview of the Information Assurance and Security Education Center and then shared opportunities for AZBSN to collaborate with Paul and Center. Contact: kealey@arizona.edu
October 31, 2022
Meeting Schedule: November 7, 14, 21, 28
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
Meeting with Paul Kealey, Lecturer in Management Information Systems at the University Of Arizona, and Associate Director, Information Assurance and Security Education Center. Steve reported on a meeting with Paul to learning more about the Center and to explore opportunities for collaboration
Two Digital Access Presentations:
Meeting Schedule: November 7, 14, 21, 28
Meeting Update
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed below
- October 31, 2022 meeting recording
- October 31, 2022 Registration List
- October 31, 2022 Chat
- October 31, 2022, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
Meeting with Paul Kealey, Lecturer in Management Information Systems at the University Of Arizona, and Associate Director, Information Assurance and Security Education Center. Steve reported on a meeting with Paul to learning more about the Center and to explore opportunities for collaboration
Two Digital Access Presentations:
- AARP Foundation Grant to Help Older Adults Build Digital Skills
- Possible FCC ACP Pilot Project
AARP Foundation Grant to Help Older Adults Build Digital Skills
Bring Digital Skills Training to Older Adults in Your Community
The AARP Foundation has received a grant to Help Older Adults Build Digital Skills and to bring Digital Skills Training to Older Adults in Your Community. The AARP Foundation is seeking non-profit community organizations to implement the Digital Skills Ready@50+ trainings in Arizona to provide essential workplace skills training to older adults living with low-income, with a focus on women and people of color.
AARP Foundation, through a generous grant from Google.org, is partnering with OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) by AARP to train older adults in basic technology and digital skills through the Digital Skills Ready@50+ initiative. We are seeking community partners to help us provide essential workplace skills training to older adults living with low-income, with a focus on women and people of color. In partnership with Senior Planet/OATS by AARP, the Digital Skills Ready@50+ curriculum offers foundational digital courses like Remote Work Basics, Tools for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, and Workplace Productivity Tools, that are designed to help participants find jobs, change careers, or explore entrepreneurship.
AARP Foundation is seeking non-profit community organizations to implement the Digital Skills Ready@50+ trainings in Arizona.
We are looking for organizations that: 1) Can each serve 75-200 people over the course of the initiative; 2) Have the capacity to deliver the trainings and track and support outcomes; 3) Share our commitment to supporting older adults; 4) Demonstrate that equity and inclusion are core to their work.
Funding is available from $4,000 to $10,000 to support training implementation. Please click here to complete an application. Questions? Email digitalskillsready@aarp.org
Bring Digital Skills Training to Older Adults in Your Community
The AARP Foundation has received a grant to Help Older Adults Build Digital Skills and to bring Digital Skills Training to Older Adults in Your Community. The AARP Foundation is seeking non-profit community organizations to implement the Digital Skills Ready@50+ trainings in Arizona to provide essential workplace skills training to older adults living with low-income, with a focus on women and people of color.
AARP Foundation, through a generous grant from Google.org, is partnering with OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) by AARP to train older adults in basic technology and digital skills through the Digital Skills Ready@50+ initiative. We are seeking community partners to help us provide essential workplace skills training to older adults living with low-income, with a focus on women and people of color. In partnership with Senior Planet/OATS by AARP, the Digital Skills Ready@50+ curriculum offers foundational digital courses like Remote Work Basics, Tools for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, and Workplace Productivity Tools, that are designed to help participants find jobs, change careers, or explore entrepreneurship.
AARP Foundation is seeking non-profit community organizations to implement the Digital Skills Ready@50+ trainings in Arizona.
We are looking for organizations that: 1) Can each serve 75-200 people over the course of the initiative; 2) Have the capacity to deliver the trainings and track and support outcomes; 3) Share our commitment to supporting older adults; 4) Demonstrate that equity and inclusion are core to their work.
Funding is available from $4,000 to $10,000 to support training implementation. Please click here to complete an application. Questions? Email digitalskillsready@aarp.org
Possible FCC ACP Pilot Project
At this meeting we discussed a possible ACP Pilot project with the FCC and Lisa Gustinelli. Lisa contacted AZBSN about collaboration on an ACP demonstration project. She has been collaborating with Lyle Ishida (Chief, Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission).
Lyle contacted her about a huge ACP push in Florida and Arizona in January of 2023. Lisa is the Innovator in Residence, ASU ShapingEDU, Arizona State University Broadband Access and Equity project, but lives in Florida. She suggested that we form a working committee for Arizona.FYI Lisa has been doing amazing ACP work in Florida and has lots of “lessons learned”. For example, she did a huge signup event October 15th in West Palm Beach, Florida. She thought it may be of interest to the task force because it was done at the Caridad Center in West Palm Beach. The center is the largest free medical clinic in Florida serving mostly the Hispanic community. They are holding a health fair on October 15th for Hispanic Heritage month and I she had an ACP signup table at their fair. They provided two tables and five bilingual volunteers for the signup. They expect 600-1000 people at the fair!!! It is a good model for getting health clinics involved in signups. She also coordinated a signup for Mexican migrant workers in Belle Glade Florida. Lisa has presented in the past to AZBSN about the work she is doing in Belle Glade Florida, and her collaboration with Lyle and the FCC.
Contact Lisa Gustinelli, lisanigaragustinelli@gmail.com 561-901-5089
At this meeting we discussed a possible ACP Pilot project with the FCC and Lisa Gustinelli. Lisa contacted AZBSN about collaboration on an ACP demonstration project. She has been collaborating with Lyle Ishida (Chief, Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission).
Lyle contacted her about a huge ACP push in Florida and Arizona in January of 2023. Lisa is the Innovator in Residence, ASU ShapingEDU, Arizona State University Broadband Access and Equity project, but lives in Florida. She suggested that we form a working committee for Arizona.FYI Lisa has been doing amazing ACP work in Florida and has lots of “lessons learned”. For example, she did a huge signup event October 15th in West Palm Beach, Florida. She thought it may be of interest to the task force because it was done at the Caridad Center in West Palm Beach. The center is the largest free medical clinic in Florida serving mostly the Hispanic community. They are holding a health fair on October 15th for Hispanic Heritage month and I she had an ACP signup table at their fair. They provided two tables and five bilingual volunteers for the signup. They expect 600-1000 people at the fair!!! It is a good model for getting health clinics involved in signups. She also coordinated a signup for Mexican migrant workers in Belle Glade Florida. Lisa has presented in the past to AZBSN about the work she is doing in Belle Glade Florida, and her collaboration with Lyle and the FCC.
Contact Lisa Gustinelli, lisanigaragustinelli@gmail.com 561-901-5089
October 24, 2022
Meeting Schedule: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21, 28
Monday October 24 Task Force Zoom Meeting Fiasco
For those of you that attempted to join our meeting on Monday and couldn’t get connected, sorry about that. We used the same link and login info we have used for the past 2 years. To make a long story short, Zoom did an update that caused the problem. I think it is now fixed! I have done several tests and it seems to be working, although there may still be a problem if you try to login using the Zoom app on your phone. I will be working on that. FYI, a few of our collaborators were able to login using the Zoom website and others called in by phone. We did have a short meeting anyway, and the recording is available below. BTW, if you haven’t done so, please update your
desktop app to the latest version.
Meeting Update
A special thanks to Karen Ziegler, Owner, Karen Ziegler Consulting Services for stepping up to be our newest sponsor. Karen has been with us long before AZBSN and long before the Task force. She has been a valuable partner and leader with the Task Force and a great resource for the state of Arizona. . Karen provides community and broadband planning and grant writing.
Karen worked for the State of Arizona for 30 plus years, and retired then contracted back with the Department of Administration (DOA), and ran the Arizona FirstNet and state 911 programs. She also worked on the rural broadband initiative and formed a group to develop the state rural broadband strategic plan at that time to help us position ourselves for additional federal funding and kind of give a roadmap for the work that we knew that needed to be done in Arizona to expand broadband. She left DOA in 2020, and then started her own consulting firm. She provides a lot of financial and grant management consulting for public safety agencies across the country. She is affiliated with Community Broadband Advocates, and John Lucas, who she partnered with back in 2020, to work specifically on rural broadband projects. And so they have a lot of great projects that they are working with across the state.
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
Meeting Schedule: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21, 28
Monday October 24 Task Force Zoom Meeting Fiasco
For those of you that attempted to join our meeting on Monday and couldn’t get connected, sorry about that. We used the same link and login info we have used for the past 2 years. To make a long story short, Zoom did an update that caused the problem. I think it is now fixed! I have done several tests and it seems to be working, although there may still be a problem if you try to login using the Zoom app on your phone. I will be working on that. FYI, a few of our collaborators were able to login using the Zoom website and others called in by phone. We did have a short meeting anyway, and the recording is available below. BTW, if you haven’t done so, please update your
desktop app to the latest version.
Meeting Update
- October 24, 2022 meeting recording
- October 24, 2022 Registration List - Due to Zoom issue no list available
- October 24, 2022 Chat - - Due to Zoom issue no Chat is available
- October 24, 2022, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
A special thanks to Karen Ziegler, Owner, Karen Ziegler Consulting Services for stepping up to be our newest sponsor. Karen has been with us long before AZBSN and long before the Task force. She has been a valuable partner and leader with the Task Force and a great resource for the state of Arizona. . Karen provides community and broadband planning and grant writing.
Karen worked for the State of Arizona for 30 plus years, and retired then contracted back with the Department of Administration (DOA), and ran the Arizona FirstNet and state 911 programs. She also worked on the rural broadband initiative and formed a group to develop the state rural broadband strategic plan at that time to help us position ourselves for additional federal funding and kind of give a roadmap for the work that we knew that needed to be done in Arizona to expand broadband. She left DOA in 2020, and then started her own consulting firm. She provides a lot of financial and grant management consulting for public safety agencies across the country. She is affiliated with Community Broadband Advocates, and John Lucas, who she partnered with back in 2020, to work specifically on rural broadband projects. And so they have a lot of great projects that they are working with across the state.
For details about updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
October 17, 2022
- October 17, 2022 meeting recording
- October 17, 2022 Registration List
- October 17, 2022 Chat
- October 17, 2022, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21, 28
-
October 3, 2022
For details about the ASU & Maricopa County Digital Equity Initiative, and other updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
- October 3, 2022 meeting recording
- October 3, 2022 Registration List
- October 3, 2022 Chat
- October 3, 2022, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: October 17, 24,31
- October 3 Digital Access Resource Highlight Recap: - Do to Zoom issue there was no presentation at this meeting
See ASU Announcement
Erin and Derek provided an overview of the recently announced ASU & Maricopa County $34.6 million Digital Equity Initiative. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will provide ASU, and its collaborators, $34.6 million through 2026 to advance broadband, community support, equipment and training across Maricopa County, which includes the metro Phoenix area. The funding makes ASU home to the largest university-led digital equity initiative in the country. ASU Enterprise Technology, Sun Corridor Network and the 501(c)(3) Digital Equity Institute will lead the effort along with hundreds of faculty, students and staff to bolster digital proficiency and distribute internet-connected devices to those in need. A broadband task force convened under the umbrella of The Connective, Greater Phoenix’s smart region consortium and an initiative of the Partnership for Economic Innovation.
The group consisted of government officials, Maricopa County and a technical advisory team led by ASU and the Digital Equity Institute. The nearly $35 million in funding to ASU comes through the American Rescue Plan package, awarded by Maricopa County. Moving forward, collaboration will remain at the center. ASU Enterprise Technology, Sun Corridor Network and the Digital Equity Institute will partner to connect community anchor institutions, such as schools, health clinics and other neighborhood assets, and provide educational programs that support communities’ journeys from digital inequity to full participation.
Contacts: Erin Carr-Jordan Erin, ecj@digitalequityinstitute.org, Derek Masseth dmasseth@suncorridor.org
For details about the ASU & Maricopa County Digital Equity Initiative, and other updates, see the Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
September 26, 2022
For details about Nicole's presentation, and other updates, see the
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
October 7 Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense “Help Our Community Connect” ACP sign-up event
Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense are teaming up for an event called “Help Our Community Connect” during Digital Inclusion Week in Phoenix to help even more families get connected. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and activities for kids as well. Please bring anyone you’d like along.
WHO: Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense Media
WHAT: Help Our Community Connect
WHERE: Central Park Recreation Center in Phoenix, 140 E. Tonto, Phoenix
WHEN: October 7th, 3-7 p.m.
Families that receive free and reduced school lunch, WIC, or SNAP benefits, or are enrolled in other programs like Medicaid, Head Start, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are eligible for the program.
We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping on the day of the ACP event. Volunteer Here
Download the following ACP Event Documents
- September 26, 2022 meeting recording
- September 26 Registration List
- September 26, 2022 Chat
- September 26, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Download Nicole Umayam's Digital Access Presentation here
- Meeting Schedule: October 3,10,17, 24,31
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- September 26 Digital Access Presentation: Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer – Arizona, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce
Download Nicole's presentation here
Most of you will remember Nicole, who was the Digital Inclusion Consultant with the Arizona State Library. Nicole did a great job setting up the Connect Arizona Web site and the State Library Digital Navigator project, among many other accomplishments. Nicole is now a Federal Program Officer (FPO) with NTIA, supporting the grant administration, development, and implementation of the IIJA broadband programs in Arizona. This discussion will include an overview of the broadband programs in Arizona, the role of coordination, and key priorities for AZBSN members. She will focus on the structures NTIA has established to support States, the nature of the Federal Program Officer (FPO) roles, and how the AZBSN can be involved in Arizona’s planning and implementation.
You probably know that NTIA, located within the Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible by law for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA administers four high-speed Internet programs enacted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes an investment of $65 billion to close the digital divide and ensure all Americans have access to reliable, high speed, and affordable broadband.
Contact: Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer – Arizona, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce 202-308-7160 | numayam@ntia.gov
For details about Nicole's presentation, and other updates, see the
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
October 7 Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense “Help Our Community Connect” ACP sign-up event
Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense are teaming up for an event called “Help Our Community Connect” during Digital Inclusion Week in Phoenix to help even more families get connected. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and activities for kids as well. Please bring anyone you’d like along.
WHO: Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense Media
WHAT: Help Our Community Connect
WHERE: Central Park Recreation Center in Phoenix, 140 E. Tonto, Phoenix
WHEN: October 7th, 3-7 p.m.
Families that receive free and reduced school lunch, WIC, or SNAP benefits, or are enrolled in other programs like Medicaid, Head Start, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are eligible for the program.
We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping on the day of the ACP event. Volunteer Here
Download the following ACP Event Documents
September 19, 2022
Thank You Jeff Sobotka
This morning Jeff announced that he will be leaving his position as State Broadband Manager. He is heading out for a much needed rest and long delayed honeymoon. Jeff, as you heard this morning, we will miss you and greatly appreciate your leadership, friendship and amazing accomplishments. Arizona is a better place because of your hard work. We will miss you but wish you the best.
September 19 Digital Access Presentation: Coconino County SpaceX StarLink project
PJ Way | Coconino County Information Technology Rural Broadband and Special Initiatives
Coconino County has been working with SpaceX in the StarLink project to deliver high speed connectivity to rural areas of the county within the Navajo Nation. I would like to share a little background to how this relationship came to exist, the model used, and the results/current status. Please join in the conversation. I look forward to presenting more. Thank you
Contact pway@coconino.az.gov Direct: 928-607-4373| IT Service Desk: 928-679-7900
For details about the Coconino County SpaceX StarLink project, and other updates, see the
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
October 7 Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense “Help Our Community Connect” ACP sign-up event
Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense are teaming up for an event called “Help Our Community Connect” during Digital Inclusion Week in Phoenix to help even more families get connected. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and activities for kids as well. Please bring anyone you’d like along.
WHO: Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense Media
WHAT: Help Our Community Connect
WHERE: Central Park Recreation Center in Phoenix, 140 E. Tonto, Phoenix
WHEN: October 7th, 3-7 p.m.
Families that receive free and reduced school lunch, WIC, or SNAP benefits, or are enrolled in other programs like Medicaid, Head Start, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are eligible for the program.
We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping on the day of the ACP event. Volunteer Here
Download the following ACP Event Documents
- September 19, 2022 meeting recording
- September 19 Registration List
- September 19, 2022 Chat
- September 19, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: September 26 October 3,10,17, 24,31
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
Thank You Jeff Sobotka
This morning Jeff announced that he will be leaving his position as State Broadband Manager. He is heading out for a much needed rest and long delayed honeymoon. Jeff, as you heard this morning, we will miss you and greatly appreciate your leadership, friendship and amazing accomplishments. Arizona is a better place because of your hard work. We will miss you but wish you the best.
September 19 Digital Access Presentation: Coconino County SpaceX StarLink project
PJ Way | Coconino County Information Technology Rural Broadband and Special Initiatives
Coconino County has been working with SpaceX in the StarLink project to deliver high speed connectivity to rural areas of the county within the Navajo Nation. I would like to share a little background to how this relationship came to exist, the model used, and the results/current status. Please join in the conversation. I look forward to presenting more. Thank you
Contact pway@coconino.az.gov Direct: 928-607-4373| IT Service Desk: 928-679-7900
For details about the Coconino County SpaceX StarLink project, and other updates, see the
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
October 7 Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense “Help Our Community Connect” ACP sign-up event
Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense are teaming up for an event called “Help Our Community Connect” during Digital Inclusion Week in Phoenix to help even more families get connected. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and activities for kids as well. Please bring anyone you’d like along.
WHO: Chicanos Por La Causa and Common Sense Media
WHAT: Help Our Community Connect
WHERE: Central Park Recreation Center in Phoenix, 140 E. Tonto, Phoenix
WHEN: October 7th, 3-7 p.m.
Families that receive free and reduced school lunch, WIC, or SNAP benefits, or are enrolled in other programs like Medicaid, Head Start, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are eligible for the program.
We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping on the day of the ACP event. Volunteer Here
Download the following ACP Event Documents
September 12, 2022
Pima County’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Action Plan
Michelle provide an overview of Pima County’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Action Plan and planning process. PCPL, the largest provider of free technology and internet access in the county, has been integral to the creation of Connect Pima. Connect Pima’s mission is that all Pima County community members will have equitable access to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet to successfully participate in our democratic society.
This work has resulted in a highly collaborative group of partners from local, state, and national organizations, internet service providers, and governmental entities focused on developing broadband infrastructure, implementing digital literacy initiatives, and increasing access to devices and tools for connectivity throughout Pima County.
Michele was joined by Cindy Hogan, Connect Pima Co-Chair, Digital Inclusion Committee who provided an overview of the work of that Committee. Pima County is the first Arizona county to tackle digital equity with a strategic planning effort.
Contact: Michelle Simon (520) 594-5654 michelle.simon@pima.gov, Cindy Hogan 520-891-1285 cindyhogan333@gmail.com
For details about Pima Connects, and other updates, see the
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
- September 12, 2022 meeting recording
- September 12 Registration List
- September 12, 2022 Chat
- September 12, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: September 19, 26 October 3,10,17, 24,31
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
Pima County’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Action Plan
- Michelle Simon, Deputy Director of Support Services, Pima County Public Library and Steering Committee Co-Chair of Connect Pima
- Cindy Hogan, Connect Pima Co-Chair, Digital Inclusion Committee
Michelle provide an overview of Pima County’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Action Plan and planning process. PCPL, the largest provider of free technology and internet access in the county, has been integral to the creation of Connect Pima. Connect Pima’s mission is that all Pima County community members will have equitable access to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet to successfully participate in our democratic society.
This work has resulted in a highly collaborative group of partners from local, state, and national organizations, internet service providers, and governmental entities focused on developing broadband infrastructure, implementing digital literacy initiatives, and increasing access to devices and tools for connectivity throughout Pima County.
Michele was joined by Cindy Hogan, Connect Pima Co-Chair, Digital Inclusion Committee who provided an overview of the work of that Committee. Pima County is the first Arizona county to tackle digital equity with a strategic planning effort.
Contact: Michelle Simon (520) 594-5654 michelle.simon@pima.gov, Cindy Hogan 520-891-1285 cindyhogan333@gmail.com
For details about Pima Connects, and other updates, see the
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
Download Pima County’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Action Plan
| Pima County’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Action Plan 2022 |
October 4 Pima Connect Virtual Digital Literacy Forum “Why Digital Literacy Matters”
Featuring Francella Ochillo, Executive Director of Next Century Cities
Registration And Information
Cindy announced the virtual Digital Literacy Forum on Tuesday October 4, 2022 as we explore “Why Digital Literacy Matters”. Without digital skills training (digital literacy) many are not comfortable using devices or confident about going online. Connect Pima plans to develop five digital literacy initiatives with community partners to reach new learners who need access to skills training. We hope you will join us to learn more about the importance of digital literacy and to find out how you and your organization can join Connect Pima in our efforts to close the “digital divide”. Contact Cindy Hogan for additional information 520-891-1285 cindyhogan333@gmail.com
Featuring Francella Ochillo, Executive Director of Next Century Cities
Registration And Information
Cindy announced the virtual Digital Literacy Forum on Tuesday October 4, 2022 as we explore “Why Digital Literacy Matters”. Without digital skills training (digital literacy) many are not comfortable using devices or confident about going online. Connect Pima plans to develop five digital literacy initiatives with community partners to reach new learners who need access to skills training. We hope you will join us to learn more about the importance of digital literacy and to find out how you and your organization can join Connect Pima in our efforts to close the “digital divide”. Contact Cindy Hogan for additional information 520-891-1285 cindyhogan333@gmail.com
Launch of Pima County Library Telehealth Demonstration Initiative and
Arivaca Community Health Day
Saturday, October 1st from 9am –12pm Arivaca Historic Schoolhouse ~ 17180 W Fourth St
Network with YOUR community resources in Arivaca, FREE Health Screening, Eye Screening & Covid Testing; Get connected to the internet with resources and discounts thru the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP); Exciting Telehealth Technology Demonstrations; Check out the new telehealth resources available for you at the Caviglia-Arivaca Branch Library
This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
For more info contact the Arizona Telemedicine Program @(520)626-0131 or jmajor@telemedicine.arizona.edu
Arivaca Community Health Day
Saturday, October 1st from 9am –12pm Arivaca Historic Schoolhouse ~ 17180 W Fourth St
Network with YOUR community resources in Arivaca, FREE Health Screening, Eye Screening & Covid Testing; Get connected to the internet with resources and discounts thru the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP); Exciting Telehealth Technology Demonstrations; Check out the new telehealth resources available for you at the Caviglia-Arivaca Branch Library
This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
For more info contact the Arizona Telemedicine Program @(520)626-0131 or jmajor@telemedicine.arizona.edu
| Arivaca Telehealth And Community Health Day Oct 2022 |
Download Telehealth Resources, Grants and Connectivity September 2022
The attached file provides the September 2022 Distance Learning/Telehealth Calendar of Events for the Arizona Telemedicine Program/Southwest Regional Telemedicine Resource Center and other national events and resources
| Telehealth Resource, Events and Connectivity |
August 29, 2022
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
- August 29, 2022 meeting recording
- August 29, 2022 Registration List
- August 29, 2022 Chat
- August 29, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: August 29, September 12, 19, 26. No meeting Labor Day September 5
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- August 29 Digital Access Presentation: Instead of our usual presentation, the following 6 people provided a brief introduction about themselves and their organization:
--- Aaron Ball, Center for the Future of Arizona, Director of College and Career Pathways aaron.ball@arizonafuture.org 520 271 4497
--- Will McCullen, Pima Community College, program manager for the IT Center of Excellence , jwmccullen@pima.edu, 520-300-1985
--- Shelby Brown, Arizona Department of Education, Erate Coordinator and collaborator with the ADOE Office of Digital Teaching and Learning shelby.brown@azed.gov, 801-388-4418
--- Jan Schiller. Berkshire Consulting, LLC, Partner jschiller@berkshire-consulting.com, 414-31-59797
--- Vaughn Croft, Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center, Business Community Liaison croft.vaughn@jobcorps.org 520-879-9265
--- Fernando Roman Communications Workers of America, Campaign Lead,
Froman@cwa-union.org 520-709- 7199
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
August 22, 2022
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
- August 22, 2022 meeting recording
- August 22, 2022 Registration List
- August 22, 2022 Chat
- August 22, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: August 29, September 12, 19, 26. No meeting Labor Day September 5
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- August 22 Digital Access Presentation – TEALS Microsoft Technology, Education, and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program presented by Regional (Reggie) Carrillo, Arizona Regional Manager for the Microsoft Philanthropies Technology, Education, and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program
Reggie provided an awesome overview of the TEALS program, his engagements with schools in Arizona, and the many other digital inclusion initiatives he is engaged in. Reggie works to continue to expand computer science (CS) opportunities and pathways to build educator capacity to teach CS at the high school level for historically excluded students. TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) is a FREE Microsoft Philanthropies program that builds sustainable computer science programs in high schools.
Reggie has transitioned to this role with Microsoft from being a former educator to continue to focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM. Reggie’s goals as Regional Manager role is to strengthen Arizona’s STEM culture in educational spaces and the surrounding communities as well as empowering students to be able to see a professional future for themselves in Arizona’s up and coming digital and tech landscape. He knows that diversity is our strength and collaboration is a key component when it comes to utilizing STEM to address issues at the forefront of Arizona’s community. Reggie is currently engaged with a number of high schools in Arizona. He is interested in supporting and partnering with other digital inclusion organizations in Arizona.
Contact: regional@tealsk12.org | Cell: 623-999-7784 | Work: 602-805-8999 microsoft.com/TEALS.
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files listed above
August 15, 2022
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files
- August 15, 2022 meeting recording
- August 15, 2022 Registration List
- August 15, 2022 Chat
- August 15, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Meeting Schedule: : August 22, 29, September 12, 19, 26. No meeting Labor Day September 5
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- August 15 Digital Access Presentation – WanRack Blake Mayfield, Director of Business Development
Download Presentation
Blake provided an overview of Wanrack and the services they are providing in Arizona. WANRack, headquartered in the Kansas City, is a turn-key middle mile and last mile infrastructure provider. Our team has been engineering, constructing, and maintaining fiber networks across the nation for a decade! WANRack’s executive management team has deep experience in the telecommunications industry with a history of successful completion of large and complex fiber-optic construction projects for school districts, counties, municipalities, wireless carriers, and private enterprises.
WANRack’s model is designed for Open Access Networks (OANs). Under our open access model, WANRack seeks to build a twenty-first-century fiber network in which multiple services can be offered over the network. WANRack is also a certified E-Rate service provider. WANRack offers Commercial & Wholesale services as well as a full fiber to the home solution tailored to meet the needs of your community.
WANRack has built more than a dozen private fiber networks in Arizona. In fact, out of the 23 states WANRack operates in, our largest fiber footprint resides in Arizona. WANRack looks forward to the opportunity to provide your community with a free quote! Contact: Blake Mayfield, Director of Business Development, 913-660-6085 blake.mayfield@wanrack.com - Holly Henley announced that, until they find a permanent replacement for Nicole Umayam, the State Library will be contracting with Cindy Hogan to support Connect Arizona, the digital navigators and our digital inclusion projects.
- Common Sense ACP awareness campaign: Ilana Lowery announced that Common Sense will launch their ACP awareness campaign Aug. 15. They are partnering with the Digital Equity Institute and ASU's Experience Center on a Phoenix pilot for their ACP campaign. For information Ilana Lowery Common Sense Media, Arizona Director, ilowery@commonsense.org 623-341-0177
Download Common Sense ACP Fliers - From Sherika Jackson: Join us for the Inaugural Future Stars, Inc Fundraiser: Adult STEM Party with a Purpose on September 9,2022 from 6pm-8pm at Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ. Your ticket price includes first-floor access to Arizona Science Center, Hands on STEM activities, light hors 'oeuvres, and a fabulous Silent Auction. Your chance to be a kid again! Best of all we will award five laptop scholarships during the event. All proceeds benefit the operational expansion of Future Stars, Inc.
Information and Registration - Mark Goldstein: The Arizona Technology Council is drafting their 2023 Public Policy Guide and will refine and lock down the content by late August. We want your input for this year’s update. See and download 2002 Policy Guide or download Word Version for editing here. Please review and send me any suggestions or markups to markg@researchedge.com
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files
August 1, 2022
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files
- August 1, 2022 meeting recording
- August 1, 2022 Registration List
- August 1, 2022 Chat
- August 1, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Steve's Vacation And Meeting Schedule. Steve will be on vacation from July 14 - August 11. During that time he will coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we will skip a couple of meetings. Meeting Schedule: August 15, 22, 29
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- Valley TeleCom Group Update
Download Presentation
June and July came with big announcements which will lead to massive fiber expansion for SE Arizona. Tune in to hear about Valley’s $45M Rural Utility Service (RUS) loan to fund its commitment to the FCC’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM II) for Universal Service (USF) Fund reimbursement and Valley’s three ACA AZ State Broadband Development Grant Projects. Cochise, Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties will all be benefiting by getting more fiber internet through these two programs. Contact: Heather Floyd (520) 384-8912 Office (520) 349-6658 Cell heather.floyd@teamvtg.net. Website www.vtc.net - August 5, 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time FCC ACP Open Meeting: The FCC will be considering two important ACP-related items at our next Open Meeting, to be conducted on August 5, 2022 beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. These items include: 1) Consideration of a Second Report and Order which would establish the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program to provide eligible governmental and non-governmental entities funding to conduct outreach to increase awareness of and encourage participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among eligible low-income households. And; 2) Consideration of a Third Report and Order which would establish the one-year Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program with the goal of increasing awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program among recipients of federal housing assistance and facilitating enrollment in the ACP by providing targeted assistance with the ACP application.
Both items have the potential to positively influence our work together toward building greater awareness and enrollment into the ACP from eligible households. If passed more information about these new opportunities will be shared in the near future. We encourage your virtual (or in-person) attendance at the meeting. - Holly Henley announced that, until they find a permanent replacement for Nicole Umayam, the State Library will be contracting with Cindy Hogan to support Connect Arizona, the digital navigators and our digital inclusion projects.
- Ilana Lowery announced that Common Sense will launch their ACP awareness campaign Aug. 15. They are partnering with the Digital Equity Institute and ASU's Experience Center on a Phoenix pilot for their ACP campaign. Please let her know if you can help spread the word. For information Ilana Lowery Common Sense Media, Arizona Director, ilowery@commonsense.org 623-341-0177
Download Common Sense ACP Fliers - From Shereka Jackson: Join us for the Inaugural Future Stars, Inc Fundraiser: Adult STEM Party with a Purpose on September 9,2022 from 6pm-8pm at Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ. Your ticket price includes first-floor access to Arizona Science Center, Hands on STEM activities, light hors 'oeuvres, and a fabulous Silent Auction. Your chance to be a kid again! Best of all we will award five laptop scholarships during the event. All proceeds benefit the operational expansion of Future Stars, Inc.
Information and Registration - From Kelly Greene: Arizona SciTech Festival September 27 - STEM & Innovation Summit at Arizona Science Center. Sponsor, Exhibitor and panel opportunities available. Contact: kgreene@scitechinstitute.org
- From Kelly Krusee: Erate questions (and other questions!) in Digital Office Hours, from Office of Digital Teaching & Learning, Arizona Department of Education:https://azed-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlf-qhqT0qGtYWppOsTkOUKRsEOv-HWAKS. Digital Office Hours are drop in, Thursdays, 11am-1pm MST. https://www.azed.gov/odtl/odtl-digital-office-hours
- From: Mark Goldstein: Commnet Broadband plans to acquire Sacred Wind Enterprises uniting two broadband providers focused on serving tribal areas in the Four Corner area. See Telecompetitor article
Meeting recording, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files
July 18 2022
- July 18, 2022 meeting recording
- July 18, 2022 Registration List
- July 18, 2022 Chat
- June 18, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Steve's Vacation And Meeting Schedule. Steve will be on vacation from July 14 - August 10. During that time he will coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we will skip a couple of meetings. Meeting Schedule: July 18, August 1, 15. No meetings July 25 and August 8
- Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- July 18 Task Force Briefing: Arizona Broadband and Digital Inclusion Planning
Jeff Sobotka, Vice President & State Broadband Director, Arizona Commerce Authority.
Jeff provided an excellent update on Arizona Broadband and Digital Inclusion initiatives including funded broadband projects, Bead planning, the mapping initiative, onboarding consultants & the initial paperwork to receive our planning funds for the IIJA programs and more. This was an extended presentation rather than just his usual 10-15 minute briefing.
Jeff Sobotka, Vice President & State Broadband Director. Contact: 602-845-1287 jeffs@AZcommerce.com - See other updates
- For details about Jeff's, and other updates, see the meeting recording and Zoom Transcript
July 11 2022
- July 11, 2022 meeting recording
- July 11, 2022 Registration List
- July 11, 2022 Chat
- June 11, 2022 ZOOM Transcript (Note: We are experimenting with the use of OttorAI for a meeting transcript. Much better than the Zoom Transcript but still needs work. Does not identify the speakers. Anyway check it out.
- Steve's Vacation And Meeting Schedule. Steve announced that he will be on vacation from July 14 - August 10. During that time he will coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we will skip a couple of meetings. Meeting Schedule: July 18, August 1, 15. No meetings July 25 and August 8
- Nicole Umayam, State Library Digital Inclusion Library Consultant moved on to bigger and better things. Nicole: Congratulations and Thank you! Nicole left the State Library for a position as Arizona BEAD representative with NTIA.
Thank you Nicole for all the great work you did with Connect-Arizona. - Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- Arizona Digital Inclusion Planning. The Arizona Commerce Authority is contracting with Erin Carr-Jordan, Executive Director and the Digital Equity Institute to lead the development of the state Digital Inclusion plan. Erin provided an update about the planning and Institute initiatives
- Digital Access Resource Presentation – Microsoft Digital Equity Dashboard
Ryan Palmer, Global Digital Equity Strategist on the Microsoft Airband team
We are in discussion with Microsoft about opportunities to collaborate with them on their digital inclusion dashboard, broadband and other digital inclusion opportunities and resources. As a starting point Ryan provided a brief overview of of at their soon-to-be-released Digital Equity Dashboard They will emphasize insights it can provide and what you and other practitioners can do with the information.
As part of Microsoft’s cross-company focus on digital equity, Microsoft has developed the Digital Equity Dashboard to help policymakers and digital inclusion practitioners identify areas within a state with high digital inequities, using a data-driven approach to maximize resources and investments in the communities most impacted by the digital divide. The Dashboard will be free and publicly available; it generates visualizations based on data from the Census, the FCC, Microsoft, and BroadbandNow.
Link To Dashboard: Here is the link to the Dashboard. Please note that it is a work in progress and has been not been officially released so they have asked that you do not share this link with others
Contacts: Ryan Palmer 425.421.5333, M 206.962.1171, Allen Kim (Director of Data Analytics with Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab, Maile Martinez (Program Manager, Airband US)
June 27 2022
- June 27, 2022 meeting recording (Sorry no recording available)
- June 27, 2022 Registration List
- June 27, 2022 Chat
- June 27, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Sorry no transcript available)
- Steve's Vacation. Steve announced that he will be on vacation from July 11 - August 10. During that time I tentatively plan to coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we may go to every other week. Dates TBA.
- Tentative Meeting Schedule: July 11, 25, August 8, 15. No meeting July 4
- Nicole Umayam, State Library Digital Inclusion Library Consultant is leaving. Nicole: Congratulations and Thank you! Nicole is leaving the State Library for a position as Arizona representative with NTIA.
Thank you Nicole for all the great work you did with Connect-Arizona. We - Digital Inclusion Library Consultant: The Arizona State Library is hiring! Please share this link with your networks.
- June 27, 2022 Digital Access Resource Presentation:
June 20 2022
- June 20, 2022 meeting recording
- June 20, 2022 Registration List
- June 20, 2022 Chat
- June 20, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Steve's Vacation. Steve announced that he will be on vacation from July 11 - August 10. During that time I tentatively plan to coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we may go to every other week. Dates TBA.
- Tentative Meeting Schedule: June 20, 27. July 11, 25, August 8, 15. No meeting July 4
- June 20, 2022 Digital Access Resource Presentation: Connect-Arizona (Download Presentation Here) – Nicole Umayam, Digital Inclusion Library Consultant with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records provided an update on the Connect-Arizona website and resources. Connect Arizona is a digital inclusion initiative led by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. Our activities are informed by a network of community partners, government agencies, broadband stakeholders, leaders in education, and the people we serve. This initiative has two primary aims: (1) To connect Arizonans with information resources needed for affordable home internet access, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs and (2) To inspire digital empowerment in Arizona via Digital Navigators, a free library service for individuals to develop digital and web literacy skills, find internet service, get technical assistance, and become confident users of technology. See the Connect-Arizona website here.
- AZBSN NTIA Internet For All Workshop. We were tentatively planning an ASBSN Workshop to provide an overview of the complex NTIA Internet For All initiative for their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program ($42.5 billion); Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program ($1 billion); State Digital Equity Act programs ($1.5 billion). See the https://www.internetforall.gov/ web site where you can access the three new NTIA Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Drew Garner, State Broadband Policy Fellow with Common Sense, Mala and Cindy are working on summary presentation of these complex programs. We decide that since NDIA and many other organizations are providing webinars, including Q&A, instead of providing our own webinar, we would prepare an email and web page, with links to the many existing webinars and downloads to the presentations being developed by Drew/Mala/Cindy and Cindy. In the meantime see:
--- National Digital Alliance webinar recording and slides here
--- NTIA past events archived here where you can find a reverse chronologic list of webinars linking to their slide decks and video playback.
--- NTIA Chief Answers 5 Burning Broadband Funding Questions: NTIA recently unveiled the rules that will apply to $45 billion in broadband funding, opening the door to an influx of investment. However, the rules, which were presented in a series of Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) releases, seem to have raised as many questions as they answered. Speaking at the Mountain Connect conference NTIA chief Alan Davidson tackled a range of queries in both a keynote session and a media roundtable. Davidson said there was a lot of information that was not included in the NTIA’s NoFOs and it plans to issue additional guidance around topics such as supply chain and workforce issues. (Mountain Connect) Here’s what he had to say about five key issues. See Fierce Telecom Article: NTIA Chief Answers 5 Burning Broadband Funding Questions - National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC) Telehealth Technology Report
Submitted be Janet Major - Download Here Survey Description and Trends Overview. The National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC) conducts a biennial technology survey. This survey consists of 17 questions with a goal of identifying: 1. Telemedicine Technologies that are currently being used in telemedicine programs, 2. Telemedicine Technologies that may be of interest for future assessment, 3. How TTAC can best provide relevant information and technology resources to telemedicine users. TTAC uses the results of this survey to direct assessments, outreach, and future work.
June 13, 2022
- June 13, 2022 meeting recording
- June 13, 2022 Registration List
- June 13, 2022 Zoom Chat
- June 13, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Steve's Vacation. Steve announced that he will be on vacation from July 11 - August 10. During that time I tentatively plan to coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we may go to every other week. Dates TBA.
- Cyber Security: Ryan Murray, Deputy Director/Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer, State of Arizona Department of Homeland Security | Cyber Command provided an overview and discussion regarding the CISA, Federal Cyber Security And Infrastructure Security Agency will be providing $1 billion for State and Local Cybersecurity Grants Ryan will provide an overview, and discuss the $200 million worth of federal cybersecurity grant money slated to come to state and local governments this year, with another $800 million arriving over the next three years. Localities are to be the biggest recipients — with 80 percent of the funds promised to them. See the Government Technology Article for more info.
- AZBSN NTIA Internet For All Workshop. We were tentatively planning an ASBSN Workshop to provide an overview of the complex NTIA Internet For All initiative for their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program ($42.5 billion); Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program ($1 billion); State Digital Equity Act programs ($1.5 billion). See the https://www.internetforall.gov/ web site where you can access the three new NTIA Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Drew Garner, State Broadband Policy Fellow with Common Sense, Mala and Cindy are working on summary presentation of these complex programs. We decide that since NDIA and many other organizations are providing webinars, including Q&A, instead of providing our own webinar, we would prepare an email and web page, with links to the many existing webinars and downloads to the presentations being developed by Drew/Mala/Cindy and Cindy. In the meantime see the National Digital Alliance webinar recording and slides here.
June 6, 2022 Meeting Agenda: In lieu of a resource presentation, our agenda included:
ASU ShapingEDU's Global Virtual Summer Space Camp. Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU is looking for presenters for the June 21-23 ASU’s ShapingEDU Global Virtual Summer Space Camp. Education 2030 session is where we have the most availability for speakers.
About ASU ShapingEDU: Formed in 2018 by ASU CIO Lev Gonick, we are now a global community of over 4,000 passionate and insightful educators, students, researchers, storytellers, edtech creators and education futurists, all of whom are dedicated to creating change so that lifelong learners may thrive in the digital age. Learn More: https://shapingedu.asu.edu/. Stephanie invited everyone to join ShapingEDU. They meet virtually every Tue @ 1:00 Arizona time. Sign-up Here or contact Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU, ASU Technology Office, Creative + Communications. 702-858-7200, stephanie.pierotti@asu.edu
About the Space Camp: At the first two half-day sessions of this year’s “Summer Camp”, we’ll explore the latest in edtech tools, advances in teaching and learning, our path to Education 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 4) and we’ll hear about what’s working in education systems from around the globe. We’ll then take what we learned the first two days and – starting with a blank slate - work in teams to develop an education system for Mars. After developing this utopian system, we’ll consider ways to get a bit closer to that right here on Earth.
Here’s how we’re positioning the tracks for the first two days: Teaching & Learning: Check out some of the latest and greatest discoveries from changemakers who are paving the way for the future of education.
EdTech Tools: Discover tips and tricks from both the ShapingEDU Community and the developers of new EdTech tools. Education 2030: What will learning look like less than 10 years from now? Stargaze into the EdTech universe to explore the possibilities and best prepare for 2030 and beyond. Learn More: https://shapingedu.asu.edu/event/shapingedu-global-virtual-summer-camp Contact: Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU, ASU Technology Office, Creative + Communications. 702-858-7200, stephanie.pierotti@asu.edu
- Regular Task Force Updates
- We are planning to schedule a Task Force Networking event similar to the networking event we hosted just about a year ago April 22, 2022. Proposed dates were June 15, 16, 22, 23 or 24. Based on the poll conducted at the meeting, the preferred date was June 15. Also, morning rather than AfterHours was preferred. Unfortunately June 15 is just a week away, which doesn't provide much lead time.
- Recap of AZBSN meeting with Lyle Ishida, Chief, Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission. Thanks to an introduction from Lisa Gustinelli, Innovator in Residence, ASU ShapingEDU, Arizona State University Broadband Access and Equity project, Cindy, Lisa and Steve met with Lyle to explore opportunities to partner with Lyle and the FCC to explore Arizona becoming a statewide Affordable Connectivity Program implementation demonstration project. Lisa provided a great overview of the lessons learned from her ACP "supermarket demonstration event" in Belle Glade Florida. The supermarket program is a grassroots effort to get local consumers in underserved communities connected to broadband through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Lyle was very interested in partnering with the Task Force, and suggested that we meet regularly to develop a plan. Lyle offered to come to Arizona, attend ACP sign -up sessions, train local people, and more. We agreed that we would convene a small group of people from the Task Force to draft a plan before meeting again with Lyle.
- We are tentatively planning an ASBSN Workshop to provide an overview of the complex NTIA Internet For All initiative for their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program ($42.5 billion); Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program ($1 billion); State Digital Equity Act programs ($1.5 billion). See the https://www.internetforall.gov/ web site where you can access the three new NTIA Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Drew Garner, State Broadband Policy Fellow with Common Sense, Mala and Cindy are working on summary presentation of these complex programs. In the meantime see the National Digital Alliance webinar recording and slides here.
- Request for presenters: Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU is looking for presenters for the June 21-23 ASU’s ShapingEDU Global Virtual Summer Space Camp. Education 2030 session is where we have the most availability for speakers. She also extended an invitation for everyone to join ShapingEDU. They meet virtually every Tue @ 1:00 Arizona time. Sign-up Here or contact Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU, ASU Technology Office, Creative + Communications. 702-858-7200, stephanie.pierotti@asu.edu (See see details about Space Camp and Shaping EDU below)
- Discussion: What’s next for AZBSN & the Task Force? Name change, Subject/Action Teams, etc. There seemed to be consensus that we should maintain the AZBSN identity and work on creating Task Teams similar to the teams we had when we first started the Task Force. Task Teams may include Digital Inclusion, Cyber Security, etc. We also need to launch a major funding campaign.
- June 6, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Steve's Vacation. Steve announced that he will be on vacation from July 11 - August 10. During that time I tentatively plan to coordinate the Task Force meetings, however, we may go to every other week. Will let you know.
- ATIC Award: Mark Goldstein provided a recap of the June 1 Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC, https://www.hlc.org/) annual Redefining American Healthcare Award presentation to
- ATIC, the Arizona Telecommunications & Information Council, is one of AZBSN’s lead organizations. View the ceremony here. You can see a photo of the award presentation in Janet Major’s LinkedIn post and stream the event recap (33 minutes) at https://swtrc.wistia.com/medias/jhcwtjs6m6
ASU ShapingEDU's Global Virtual Summer Space Camp. Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU is looking for presenters for the June 21-23 ASU’s ShapingEDU Global Virtual Summer Space Camp. Education 2030 session is where we have the most availability for speakers.
About ASU ShapingEDU: Formed in 2018 by ASU CIO Lev Gonick, we are now a global community of over 4,000 passionate and insightful educators, students, researchers, storytellers, edtech creators and education futurists, all of whom are dedicated to creating change so that lifelong learners may thrive in the digital age. Learn More: https://shapingedu.asu.edu/. Stephanie invited everyone to join ShapingEDU. They meet virtually every Tue @ 1:00 Arizona time. Sign-up Here or contact Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU, ASU Technology Office, Creative + Communications. 702-858-7200, stephanie.pierotti@asu.edu
About the Space Camp: At the first two half-day sessions of this year’s “Summer Camp”, we’ll explore the latest in edtech tools, advances in teaching and learning, our path to Education 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 4) and we’ll hear about what’s working in education systems from around the globe. We’ll then take what we learned the first two days and – starting with a blank slate - work in teams to develop an education system for Mars. After developing this utopian system, we’ll consider ways to get a bit closer to that right here on Earth.
Here’s how we’re positioning the tracks for the first two days: Teaching & Learning: Check out some of the latest and greatest discoveries from changemakers who are paving the way for the future of education.
EdTech Tools: Discover tips and tricks from both the ShapingEDU Community and the developers of new EdTech tools. Education 2030: What will learning look like less than 10 years from now? Stargaze into the EdTech universe to explore the possibilities and best prepare for 2030 and beyond. Learn More: https://shapingedu.asu.edu/event/shapingedu-global-virtual-summer-camp Contact: Stephanie Pierotti Director, ShapingEDU, ASU Technology Office, Creative + Communications. 702-858-7200, stephanie.pierotti@asu.edu
May 23, 2022
- May 23, 2022 meeting recording
- May 23, 2022 Attendance List
- May 23, 2022 Zoom Chat
- May 23 Digital Access Resource Highlight: ED2 Corp: Network Infrastructure Hardware for 5G telecommunications: Ricardo Platt, Vice President, Sales and Business Development;
Joe Schmelzer, Chief Marketing Officer, ED2 Corporation
Download Presentation
ED2 is an emerging technology company based in Tucson, serving both the commercial and defense sectors. In the commercial space, we focus primarily on developing network infrastructure hardware for 5G telecommunications. We are currently ramping up high-volume manufacturing of our mmW and C-Band repeaters with our go-to-market partner Wilson Electronics. Repeaters enable the extension of the network edge at significant savings in CAPEX and OPEX vis-à-vis the installation of additional small cells, reducing the overall costs of 5G deployments. They talked about how their technology can enable you to extend your Internet into the communities you serve. - Contact: Ricardo Platt, ricardo@ed2corp.com, 520-231-7276 ;
Joe Schmelzer, joe@ed2corp.com, 858-829-6751 - May 23, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
May 16, 2022
April 25, 2022
2021 and Prior
- May 16, 2022 meeting recording
- May 16, 2022 Attendance List
- May 16, 2022 Zoom Chat
- May 16 Digital Access Resource Highlight: Arizona Cyber Security Alliance For Digital Inclusion
Steve Peters, Coordinator, AZBSN Digital Access Task Force, and leader of
Arizona Cyber Security Alliance created in 2003
--- Download Presentation Here
--- azsecurity.org website
--- AZ Security Alliance Proposal May 2004
In the past few months the Task Force has recognized that as we provide connectivity, distribute devices, and provide training, Cyber Security needs to be an important part of our Digital Inclusion Strategy. On May 16 the Task Force continued our discussion about cyber security for digital inclusion. In 2003 Steve led the development of an Arizona Cyber Security Alliance that may provide a starting point to create an Arizona Cyber Security Alliance For Digital Inclusion. We knew that many individuals, businesses and community organizations do not have basic protection such as virus protection and firewalls, much less security, business continuity and disaster recovery plans and policies. The statewide Cyber Security Alliance was created to help the Arizona community understand the rising security threats and develop strategies to reduce personal, customer and business risks. The Alliance was particularly targeting IT professionals and executives of small business and nonprofit organizations. This broad-based public and private Alliance included large and small businesses, non-profits, law enforcement, government, and information technology and security professionals. We also coordinated with other Arizona business and security organizations. The Task Force developed a statewide Cyber Security plan and the azsecurity.org website. While the site is not live now, it is available on the “wayback machine” a website where you can find archived sites that are no longer live. See the azsecurity.org web site on the wayback machine here. I think we did a great job on that site if I do say so myself. - May 16, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- May 9, 2022 meeting recording
- May 9, 2022 Attendance List
- May 9, 2022 Zoom Chat
- May 9 Digital Access Resource Highlight: Ryan Murray, the Deputy Director/Deputy State Chief Information Officer from AZ Department of Homeland Security
As we provide connectivity and distribute devices, the Task Force has recognized that Cyber Security needs to be an important part of our Digital Inclusion Strategy. Ryan will provided an overview of Arizona’s new Cyber Command Center and we began a discussion on a strategy to address the cyber security needs associated with Digital Inclusion. The Cyber Command Center is Arizona's headquarters for coordinating statewide cybersecurity operations. The center will be a central location for cybersecurity professionals and local, state and federal agencies to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. It will provide an ideal location to enhance public-private partnerships to protect Arizonans against cyberthreats.
Contact: Cell: (602) 625-8279 | Email: rmurray@azdohs.gov - May 9, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- May 12, 2022 Ninth Annual Cybersecurity Summit presented by The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA)
- May 2, 2022 meeting recording
- May 2, 2022 Attendance List
- May 2, 2022 Zoom Chat
- May 2 Digital Access Resource Highlight: Several members of the Task Force provide a 3-5 minute introduction about themselves and their organization. What they do? What they need? Partnering opportunities, more. See the meeting video to view these presentations.
- May 2, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- May 12, 2022 Ninth Annual Cybersecurity Summit presented by The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA)
April 25, 2022
- April 25, 2022 meeting recording
- April 25, 2022 Attendance List
- April 25, 2022 Zoom Chat
- April 25 Digital Access Resource Highlight Presentation: Digital Equity Institute Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. Executive Director. The Digital Equity Institute (DEI) is a non-profit, civic organization dedicated to improving quality of life for people around the globe through digital equity and inclusion. DEI, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is structured to be your trusted government partner to help your city, region, state, or school district advance sustainable digital equity programs at scale. We are an alliance of dedicated public, private, and academic partners working collectively to ensure everyone is connected and participating and that greatest value and impact is reached. Contact erobins@asu.edu, Phone: 480-884-1966 | Cell: 602-321-3304
- April 25, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- May 12, 2022 Ninth Annual Cybersecurity Summit presented by The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA)
- The April 18, 2022 meeting recording
- The April 18, 2022 Attendance List
- April 18, 2022 Zoom Chat
- April 18 Digital Access Resource Highlight Presentation: T-Mobile Home Internet and more in AZ
T-Mobile USA: William Davin, Government Account Manager, David Perdichizzi, Sales Engineer and; Justin Ugalino: So, by now you have probably been hearing about T-Mobile’s Home Internet. Fast, reliable internet for only $50/month. No price hikes or hidden fees. $0 at sign-up with qualifying credit. Regulatory fees included in monthly price for qualified accounts. No annual service contracts. Simple setup in 15 minutes or less plus 24/7 support. Long-term commitment not required. You will hear more from Will about Home and Business Internet, how it works, speeds, where is it available, and more. You will also hear about other T-Mobile initiatives to address the Digital Divide. Contact: m 602-570-0810 William.davin@t-mobile.com - April 18, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- May 12, 2022 Ninth Annual Cybersecurity Summit presented by The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA)
- The April 11, 2022 meeting recording
- The April 11, 2022 Attendance List
- April 11, 2022 Zoom Chat
- April 11 Digital Access Resource Highlight Presentation: Mikhail Sundust, Executive Director
The Digital Connect Initiative, a nonprofit organization created by Gila River Telecommunications, is a Collaborative Work to help disenfranchised individuals and communities use digital communications technologies to CONNECT with each other, with creative expressions of language, history, and culture, and with greater vocational, economic, and social opportunities. DCI addresses many urgent needs within the Gila River Indian Community, and other indigenous, underserved, and disenfranchised communities to support: Bridging the Digital Divide; Digital Literacy; Digital Heritage Preservation; Diversity In High Tech Industries; Telehealth & Telemedicine; STEA⁴M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Architecture, Agriculture, Astronomy and Mathematics). Contact: Mikhail Sundust, Executive Director, Digital Connect Initiative, msundust@gilarivertel.com, Mobile (520) 610-1879 www.digitalconnect.org - April 11, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors
- Announcement: From Mark Goldstein: 9:00 AM April 13 Drew Clark at Broadband Breakfast will interview NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson on “Preparing for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” as a live lunch event in DC with remote hybrid access Details and free registration here The fireside chat will be posted for streaming within a couple of days if you want to access it asynchronously later.
- The April 4, 2022 meeting recording
- The April 4, 2022 Attendance List
- April 4, 2022 Zoom Chat
- Download April 4 Digital Access Resource Highlight Presentation: Kelly Krusee, Program Manager, Office of Digital Teaching and Learning, Arizona Department of Education; The Arizona Department of Education Office of Digital Teaching and Learning has officially released the Digital Teaching & Learning Strategy and the 2021 Opportunity Assessment Analysis! The findings from this assessment inform their 2023-2024 strategic plan. The strategy includes three areas: community, data and solutions. Kelly will provided an overview and requested input from the Task Force on the Strategy and Assessment Analysis. The Office of Digital Teaching and Learning serves Local Education Agencies in a consultative role by building a community of educators and solution experts dedicated to supporting the vision of achieving digital equity for all students to achieve their full potential. ADE. Contact: kelly.krusee@azed.gov, Office Phone: 602.364.2212, www.azed.gov/odtl
- Introduction: Sandip Bhowmick, Assistant Broadband Director, Arizona Commerce Authority, 602-806-1776, M 310-923-5524
sandipb@AZcommerce.com - April 4, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors
- The March 28 meeting recording
- The March 28 Attendance List
- Big Data Southwest’s April 6, 2022 DataCenter & SmartCity IoT Infrastructure Summit. Kirk Busch, CEO of BigData Southwest. Kirk is coordinating the April 6 Summit. Join Business & Government Leaders from some of the MOST Innovative Companies & Organizations in the World! Learn, Engage & Network in a Collaborative Environment to Maximize the Creation of STEM Jobs & Promote Global Sustainability! Kirk is collaborating with Mark Goldstein to create an ATIC Broadband a Provider Working Group with the launch in a special breakout session at the April 6 Summit.Contact: kirk.busch@bigdatasw.org 480-334-4997
- Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- March 28 Zoom Chat
- ADE Office of Digital Teaching and Learning Digital Teaching & Learning Strategy and the 2021 Opportunity Assessment Analysis! Kelly Krusee, Program Manager, Office of Digital Teaching and Learning, Arizona Department of Education kelly.krusee@azed.gov, Office Phone: 602.364.2212, www.azed.gov/odtl
- March 28 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- The March 21 meeting recording
- The March 21 Attendance List
- Update: Drew Garner Common Sense Media State Broadband Policy Fellow: As Arizona stakeholders navigate the use of federal broadband funds, Common Sense is here to help. We have a long and established track record of working to close the digital divide and the Homework Gap and; we are excited by this opportunity to finally ensure that every home and business in Arizona have access to affordable high-speed internet. We’ve created tools to support state policy strategies, boost statewide enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and equip teachers and parents with proven digital inclusion materials. We’re also in close contact with federal policymakers at the FCC and NTIA and are able to raise your concerns about program rules, guidance, and implementation. We’d also like your input as we prepare to conduct additional polling and research on states and the digital divide. If you’d like to explore ways to tailor these resources to your state, please connect with us at dgarner@commonsense.org.
Here are a few examples of our recent initiatives and recommendations: (1) Promote the ACP at scale with a text-based program: We promoted the EBB and the transition to the ACP on our website, GetMyACP.org, and through our texting service, Tech Balance. Tech Balance is a free service designed for English- and Spanish-speaking parents. It’s easy to sign up — simply text “kids” to 21555 — and subscribers receive weekly tips about healthy tech habits and government benefits, like the ACP. We’ve found that texting is a good way to reach people in the digital divide because it doesn’t require the internet, it is a familiar and accessible form of communication, and it provides information that can be accessed at the receiver’s leisure (good for busy parents). If you would like to discuss how Tech Balance can be used in your communities, please let me know; We also recommend promoting the ACP through existing government texting programs. If your state’s WIC, SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid programs have the ability to text their participants, consider using these channels to promote the ACP. Not only are these participants already eligible for the ACP, but better connectivity will improve their access to the programs’ online resources. Consider using federal funds to pay for texting expenses, and direct participants to enrollment support so that the enrollment burden does not fall on the program that issued the texts. If you are interested in this approach, we would be happy to share the successful language and techniques developed by Tech Balance; (2) Use U.S. Department of Treasury’s flexibility to your state’s advantage: State plans for Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund are due by Sept. 24 2022, and Recovery Funds are available now. We recommend that states use Treasury funds in underserved areas and reserve their BEAD funds for unserved areas. We make this recommendation for two reasons: Treasury's funds are more flexible than BEAD funds. Treasury encourages (but does not require) infrastructure projects to target areas with less than 100/20Mbps, whereas BEAD requires projects to first target areas that lack 25/3Mbps. If you want to address redlining and reach the majority of the households in the digital divide (which are in underserved areas), Treasury programs are your best option; States that use Treasury funding in unserved areas may get less BEAD funding. BEAD’s formula is based on the number of unserved households in a state. If you use Treasury funds to connect these unserved households, then BEAD’s formula may result in a smaller allocation for your state.
Additional Resources: We offer a suite of digital literacy resources for kids and parents. Tell us how we can use these to support your goals or tailor them to your community; We have recently published a blog for state broadband administrators, and we also have a guide for federal funding programs and a primer on policies to close the homework gap.
Our Requests: We’d like your input on two upcoming research projects Common Sense is conducting: (1) An examination of the technical requirements for essential services like education and telehealth, and; (2) Interviews with ECF administrators about the program’s importance and the ongoing need to support student connectivity; If you can participate in these projects, please contact us. Ilana Lowery, Director | Common Sense – Arizona M: 623-341-0177 e: ilowery@commonsense.org. Drew Garner dgarner@commonsense.org 314-803-7187 - Big Data Southwest’s April 6, 2022 DataCenter & SmartCity IoT Infrastructure Summit. Kirk Busch, CEO of BigData Southwest. Kirk is coordinating the April 6 Summit. Join Business & Government Leaders from some of the MOST Innovative Companies & Organizations in the World! Learn, Engage & Network in a Collaborative Environment to Maximize the Creation of STEM Jobs & Promote Global Sustainability! Kirk is collaborating with Mark Goldstein to create an ATIC Broadband a Provider Working Group with the launch in a special breakout session at the April 6 Summit.Contact: kirk.busch@bigdatasw.org 480-334-4997
- Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- March 21 Zoom Chat
- March 21 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- The March 14 meeting recording
- The March 14 Attendance List
- View Kirk Bush LinkedIn for March 14 Digital Access Resource presentation:
Kirk Busch, CEO of BigData Southwest.
Kirk Busch is the CEO of BigData Southwest and Chairman of Az4Solar. Org. BigData Southwest is a Consulting/Media Group Advocating for the adoption of IoT & Cloud Technologies. Kirk has over 30 years of experience in the Global Semiconductor & Aerospace Industries. For the last decade, Kirk has focused on Economic Development in the Energy and Data Center Industries. In addition to being an active participant in the Task Force, Kirk currently serves on the Board of AzSTEM, Co Chairs the IoT Committee of the Arizona Technology Council & Chairs the Data Center Advisory Board of the Arizona Energy Consortium.
Kirk is coordinating the April 6, 2022: Big Data Southwest’s DataCenter & SmartCity IoT Infrastructure Summit Join Business & Government Leaders from some of the MOST Innovative Companies & Organizations in the World! Learn, Engage & Network in a Collaborative Environment to Maximize the Creation of STEM Jobs & Promote Global Sustainability!
Kirk is collaborating with Mark Goldstein to create an ATIC Broadband a Provider Working Group with the launch in a special breakout session at the April 6 Summit. Kirk also facilitated discussion about this Working Group at the March 14 Task Force meeting. Contact: kirk.busch@bigdatasw.org 480-334-4997 - Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- March 7 Zoom Chat
- March 7 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Download Flyer: April 23, 2022 Future Stars 7th Annual Hands On STEM Fair; Shereka Jackson, Task Force member is looking for volunteers, sponsors, and stem activity vendors for the April 23, 2022 7th Annual Hands On STEM Fair. Sponsorships available ranging from $150 - $5,000. Shereka is an IT professional for the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation and founder and CEO of Future Stars that provides stem workshops in college readiness and the hands on stem program. Contact: Shereka futurestarsaz@hotmail.com
- From Mala Muralidharan: ArcGis Maps EBB Enrollment by Eligibility, US Map
- ACP Household Enrollments by county: Apache County 11,032; Cochise 3,449; Coconino 3,999; Gila 859; Graham 475; Greenlee 36; La Paz 167; Maricopa 90,063; Mohave 4,550; Navajo 11,563; Pima 14,216; Pinal 8, 094; Santa Cruz 2,028; Yavapai 2,516; Yuma 8,912
- From Andy Sinclair: The updated ACP Enrollment and Claims Tracker
- From Nicole Umayam: Current offers and ACP-qualifying plans in Arizona: https://connect-arizona.com/internet-offers
- From: Cindy Hogan: Notes from National Digital Inclusion Alliance Net Inclusion Conference Cindy attended in Portland Feb 15-17
- From Cindy: NDIA's Net Inclusion Conference Notes from Workshop: Partners Bridging the Digital Divide
- Mark Goldstein: FCC Broadband Map is available. Their legacy mapping tool based on biannual Form 477 data. Still useful for baseline analysis of regional broadband availability at different speed thresholds.
- Mark Goldstein: NTIA Indicators of Broadband Need (IBN) Map Integrating demographics, crowd sources results, and various data sets with the FCC collected coverage information making it the go to public tool for first stage evaluation of broadband gaps and needs.
- From John Kelly: OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- eX² Technology, a single source solution for those seeking to build, scale or future proof their communications infrastructure, announces its partnership with Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) to provide commercialization services for communications infrastructure along APS's right of way. During the three-year term, eX² Technology will exclusively market and offer dark fiber, conduit, regeneration and colocation space, laterals and access points and other wireline and wireless assets to those seeking to expand their services within the APS service territory. APS's communications infrastructure follows a secure 2,700-mile fiber optic network backbone that links to Flagstaff, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Yuma, Ariz., while passing numerous rural unserved and underserved communities along the route. "We are excited about this partnership and the potential benefits for the broadband industry," said Jay Jorgensen, COO, eX² Tec. Additional information about APS's dark fiber assets is available online at www.ex2technology.com/network-expansion-opportunities
- The March 7 meeting recording
- The March 7 Attendance List (Maybe soon - Zoom lost it)
- Download March 7 Digital Access Resource presentation: Alan Smith, Manager of Community Leadership at Consumer Reports. Alan provided an overview about the work that Consumer Reports is doing to make Broadband more accessible, affordable, and equitable around the country. CR's work at the national level in support of Broadband-friendly bills like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has served to connect us with organizers, activists, and other broadband-interested people. In trying to figure out how to best support these folks in their local work, we're piloting a new "hub" model, where we attempt to bring activists together to first educate and then engage with local policy. To this end, we're working with ShapingEDU to use a four-part class to educate a cohort of interested folks, and then working over the next few weeks to see how they can plug in to the complex tableau of action around Broadband already taking place in Arizona. Contact: alan.smith@consumer.org (914) 378-2000 (ext 2662) || Mobile: 347 786-0371
- Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- March 7 Zoom Chat
- March 7 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Janet Major: Download Arizona Telemedicine Program/ Southwest Telehealth Resource Center
Events Calendar January-November 2022 - Download Flyer: April 23, 2022 Future Stars 7th Annual Hands On STEM Fair; Shereka Jackson, Task Force member is looking for volunteers, sponsors, and stem activity vendors for the April 23, 2022 7th Annual Hands On STEM Fair. Sponsorships available ranging from $150 - $5,000. Shereka is an IT professional for the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation and founder and CEO of Future Stars that provides stem workshops in college readiness and the hands on stem program. Contact: futurestarsaz@hotmail.com
- Summary U.S. Federal Broadband Infrastructure Funding Opportunities: Mark Goldstein: Updated summary of all the current & pending U.S. Federal Broadband Infrastructure Funding Opportunities, with a graphic timeline and a bullet for each that hopefully helps folks more readily understand the broadband infrastructure $ flowing these next few years. Several of those will flow through to the states for regionally-designed and managed project and grant opportunities.
- The February 28 meeting recording
- The February 28 Attendance List
- Download February 28 Digital Access Resource presentation: EJ John, Research & Policy Analyst,
American Indian Policy Institute, Arizona State University. AIPI is a non-teaching research institute at ASU with a primary focus on public policy analysis and research. We are working at the intersection of Tribal policy, advocacy, and research. Our expertise is in Tribal telecommunications, communications, broadband, digital inclusion, technology for language retention, and technology as the backbone for community and economic development, and communications technology. Contact: Ej.John@asu.edu - February 28 Zoom Chat
- February 28 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Summary U.S. Federal Broadband Infrastructure Funding Opportunities: Mark Goldstein: Updated summary of all the current & pending U.S. Federal Broadband Infrastructure Funding Opportunities, with a graphic timeline and a bullet for each that hopefully helps folks more readily understand the broadband infrastructure $ flowing these next few years. Several of those will flow through to the states for regionally-designed and managed project and grant opportunities.
- The February 14 meeting recording
- The February 14 Attendance List
- Download February 14 Digital Access Resource presentation: Rory Conaway CEO and Katrina Parker Business Account Manager, Triad Wireless Triad Wireless, LLC, is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona is a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) and a RF/Network engineering firm. Contacts: Rory Conaway CEO, 602-426-0542, rory@triadwireless.net, and Katrina Parker Business Account Manager katrina@triadwireless.net 602-426-0542, m 773-470-9368
- Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- February 14 Zoom Chat
- February 14 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- The February 7 meeting recording
- The February 7 Attendance List
- View February 7 Digital Access Resource presentations:
- Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan - Jeff Sobotka State Broadband Manager, Arizona Commerce Authority presented/discussed the
Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan Contact: jeffs@azcommerce.com - Arizona Education Funding - Aggregate Expenditure Spending Limit : John Kelly, Principal, Triadvocates Lobbying, Policy and Advocacy; Government Marketing; and Economic Development Consultants; Sophia Braham (Mayberry), Arizona Department Of Education; Joy Whiting, Apache County Superintendent presented and lead a discussion regarding the Arizona Legislature allowing schools to exceed the Aggregate Expenditure Limit. Contacts: john@triadvocates.com 602-761-2767 mobile 602-639-0852; Sophia.mayberry@azed.gov 602-542-5423;
joy.joywhiting@gmail.com 928-337-7539
- Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- February 7 Zoom Chat
- February 7 ZOOM Transcript: Note: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- The January 31 meeting recording
- The January 31 Attendance List
- Download January 31 Digital Access Resource presentation: Common Sense Media representatives Amina Fazlullah, Senior Director, Equity Policy Common Sense; Ilana Lowery, Arizona Director, Common Sense Media; Drew Garner Common Sense State Broadband Policy Fellow provided an overview of their work in Arizona and discussed their research into the K-12 digital divide and how current federal funding can be used to address this issue. They also will discuss their recently released state policy primer and federal funding guide, which are designed to help state administrators maximize this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Contact: afazlullah@commonsense.org, 650.814.8003; ilowery@commonsense.org 623-341-0177 and Drew Garner, dgarner@commonsense.org 314-803-7187 - Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- January 31 Zoom Chat
- January 31 ZOOM Transcript: Note: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- The January 24 meeting recording
- The January 24 Attendance List
- January 24 Digital Access Resource presentation: Affordable Connectivity Program
FCC Supermarket Program Lisa Gustinelli, Innovator in Residence, ASU ShapingEDU, Arizona State University Broadband Access and Equity Initiative - Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- January 24 Zoom Chat
- January 24 ZOOM Transcript: Note: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- The January 10, 2022 meeting recording
- The January 10 Registration list
- Brian Daly’s 5G, 6G Digital Access Resource presentation
- Mala Muralidharan’s State Library Erate Update Report
- January 10 Zoom Chat
- Zoom Meeting Transcript (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
- Download January 3, 2022 Meeting Report
- View January 3, 2022 Meeting Recording
- Link to Draft Task Force Plan Discussed at January 3 meeting
2021 and Prior
- Download December 13, 2021 Task Force Meeting Report
- View December 13, Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download December 6, 2021 Task Force Meeting Report
- View December 6, 2021 Meeting Recording
- Download December 6, 2021 Digital Inclusion Resource Presentation: Andy Sinclair, Community Action Programs Capacity Development Coordinator, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services Contact: Andy Sinclair, asinclair@azdes.gov, 480-263-2271
- Download November 29, 2021 Task Force Report
- View November 29, Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download November 22, 2021 Task Force Meeting Report
- View November 22, 2021 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download November 22, 2021 Digital Access Resource Highlight: Digital Equity Act of 2021 (DEA), Cindy Hogan, Literacy Connects, Digital Inclusion Ambassador, cindyhogan333@gmail.com, 520-891-1285
- Download November 15, 2021 Task Force Report
- View November 15, 2021 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download November 15 Digital Access Resource Highlight presentation: Valley TeleCom Group
Heather Floyd, Public Relations Specialist: heather.floyd@teamvtg.net
Office: 520-384-8912, Cell: 520-349-6658 - Download November 8, Task Force Report
- Download November 8 Digital Access Resource Highlight presentation: Center for the Future of Arizona Career Pathways, Aaron Ball, Director of College and Career Pathways & Southern Arizona Liaison. aaron.ball@arizonafuture.org 520-271-4497
- View November 8 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download November 1, 2021 Task Force Report
- View November 1 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download October 25, 2021 Task Force Report
- View October 25, 2021 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download October 25 Air Comm Wireless Communications and Solutions Provider Presentation
Presented by Camille Butler, Solutions Specialist - Download October 18, 2021 Task Force Report
- View October 18, 2021 Meeting Recording
- Download October 4, 2021 Task Force Meeting Report
- View October 4, 2021 Meeting Recording
- Download October 4 Presentation: Chris Richardson CIO, Arizona Department Of Education
Office OF Teaching And Learning - Download September 27, 2021 Task Force Meeting Report
- View September 27, 2021 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download ALLO Communications September 27, 2021 Task Force Presentation
- Download September 20 Task Force Report
- View September 20 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download September 13 Task Force Report
- View September 13 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download September 13 Digital Access Presentation: Featuring Katie Boddy, Manager, Local First Economic Recovery Center: Funding, technical assistance and planning resources for your broadband and digital access initiatives
- Download August 30 Task Force Report
- View August 30 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download August 30 Digital Access Resource Presentation: Featuring: Gila Local Exchange Carrier, Inc. (GLEC), DBA Alluvion Communications, and Alluvion’s nonprofit Digital Connect subsidiary: David Ackerman | General Manager , Alluvion Communications and Amanda MacDonald, M.Ed. | Program Manager, Digital Connect Initiative
- Download August 23 Task Force Report
- View August 23 Task Force Meeting Recording
- The Arizona Technology Council (https://www.aztechcouncil.org/) is actively working to draft their 2022 Public Policy Guide and will refine and lock down the content in late August. At the August 23 meeting Mark Goldstein provided an overview, and solicited input regarding the draft State & Federal Broadband Policy Issues & Recommendations. See the following 2 documents: The original document, and a revised document, with suggested additions and changes. If you have additional input, please contact Mark ASAP: 602-470-0389, Mobile: 602-670-6407, markg@researchedge.com
- Download August 16 Task Force Report
- View August 16 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download Cindi Ptak, Arizona EDA Economic Development Representative presentation Investing in America’s Communities U.S. Department of Commerce EDA Economic Development Administration 3 Billion Grants Program
- Download August 9 Task Force Report
- View August 9 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download Janet Major's August 9 Arizona Telemedicine Program (ATP) Presentation
- Download July 26 Task Force Report
- View July 26 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download July 26 Municipal Networks Presentation: Karen Ziegler, Principal, Karen Ziegler Consulting Services; John Lucas, President, Community Broadband Advocates; Paul Ross, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Phoenix College
- Download July 19 Task Force Report
- View July 19 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download July 12 Task Force Report
- View July 12 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download June 28 Task Force Report
- View June 28 Task Meeting Recording
- Download June 21 Task Force Report
- View June 21 Task Meeting Recording
- Download June 14 Task Force Report
- View June 14 Task Meeting Recording
- Download June 7 Task Force Report
- Download Mala, Muralidharan June 7 Digital Access Resource Emergency Connectivity Fund Presentation
- View June 7 Task Meeting Recording
- Download May 24 Task Force Report
- View May 24 Task Meeting Recording
- Download May 17, Task Force Meeting Report
- View May 17 Meeting Recording
- Download May 10, Task Force Meeting Report
- Download May 3 Task Force Meeting Report
- View May 3 Meeting Recording
- Download April 26 Task Force Report
- View April 26, Meeting Recording
- Download April 19 Task Force Report
- April 19, 2021 Task Force Meeting Recording
- Download April 12 Task Force Report
- April 12 Task Force Meeting Recording
- April 5, 2021 COVID Task Force Report
- April 5 Milan Eaton Presentation - eRate, Arizona Department Of Education
- April 5, 2021 COVID Task Force Report
- April 5 Milan Eaton Presentation - eRate, Arizona Department Of Education
- March 29, 2021 COVID Task Force Report
- March 22 AZ Student Opportunity Collaborative Glen Linebery AZBSN Presentation
- Recording: March 22, 2021Glen Lineberry AZ Student Opportunity Collaborative Presentation March 22, 2021 Recording
- March 29, 2021 Senior2Senior Presentation-Bill Gerski
- Recording of February 1 Task Force conversation with Congressman Tom O'Halleran re: federal legislation and funding
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