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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 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. 
  • June 27, 2022 Digital Access Resource Presentation: In lieu of a presentation the following people introduced themselves and their organizations:
       --- Rafael Casellas, LightSpeed - Nokia Director West Region
rcasellas@lightspeedt.com 303-898-3005
       --- Corey Christians, Yavapai County Free Library District Director corey.christians@yavapaiaz.gov 928-442-5384
       --- Mauricio Orozco, Care1st Health Plan Arizona Manager,  Community Engagement morozco@care1staz.com 480-282-3631
       ---  Amy Purdy, Kajeet, Business Development apurdy@kajeet.com 520-820-7811
       ---  Tracy Rexroat, Az Department of Education, Program Specialist tracy.rexroat@azed.gov 602-364-0322
       ---  Jenny Rickel, Native Network,  Inc,  COO jrickel@nativenetwork.com
509-300-0102 509-661-5100
  • 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 
  • Mark Goldstein: Mark has collected NTIA’s Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program seven core documents and merged them with a custom table of contents into a convenient collection. Download Here. Note: Future updates to come.  
  • The Arizona Department Of Education Office of Digital Teaching and Learning has released an “Interest Form” inviting Arizona Local Education Agencies to participate in the Arizona Cooperative Program, a group effort to drive savings in the purchase of devices (laptops, desktops, tablets, etc.) plus services on those devices (accidental damage protection, white glove services and others).  The Arizona Cooperative Program is administered by the State Procurement Office and is open to school districts, libraries, charter schools, community colleges and other non-profit educational institutions. Members also include non-profit organizations and other political subdivisions. 
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:
  •  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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)  
April 18, 2022
  • 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)  
April 11, 2022
  • 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.
April 4, 2022 March 28, 2022 March 21, 2022
  • 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) 
March 14, 2022
  • 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 
Resource Announcements
  • 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
March 7, 2022
  • 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.
​​February 28, 2022 February 14, 2022 February 7, 2022
  1.  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
  2. ​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
January 31, 2022 January 24, 2022 January 10, 2022 January 3, 2022
2021 and Prior
Mar 15 2021 COVID-19 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Mar 22 2021 COVID 19 Task Force Report.pdf
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March 1, 2021 COVID Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Mar 8 2021 COVID-19 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Feb 22, 2021 COVID Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
File Size: 294 kb
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Gene Carl Cox Pres Feb 22 2021.pptx
File Size: 24939 kb
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ZOOM Recording of Gene Carl's Presentation
Feb 8 2021 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
File Size: 507 kb
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Rick Gibson Sustainabilty Partners Task Force Feb 8 2021.pptx
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ZOOM Recording of Rick Gibson's Presentation
Feb 1 2021 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Jan 25 2021 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
File Size: 299 kb
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Jan 4 Covid-19 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Jan 11 Covid-19 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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December 14 COVID-19 Task Force Meeting report.pdf
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Dec 7 Task Force Meeting report.pdf
File Size: 260 kb
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Paul Ross Phoenix Network Presentation Dec 7, 2020.pdf
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Stand For Education Monsalvo Digital Divide Dec 2020_.pdf
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Dominic Papa Task Force Presentation_11.30.2020.pdf
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Nov 16 COVID-19 Task Force Meeting report.pdf
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Nov 30 COVID-19 Task Force Meeting report.pdf
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Nov 9 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Nov 2 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Oct 12 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Oct 5 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Oct 26 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Oct 19 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Sept. 28 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Sept 21 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Sept 14 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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June 29 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Aug 17 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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June 22, 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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Aug 24 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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July 13 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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July 27 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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July 20 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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June 15, 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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AZBSN COVID 19 Sun Corridor To AZBSN June 2020.pdf
File Size: 1089 kb
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June 8, 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
File Size: 266 kb
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insight Detection Prevention With Connected Platform.pdf
File Size: 950 kb
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Mala State Library Report June 8, 2020.pdf
File Size: 188 kb
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June 1, 2020 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
File Size: 313 kb
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May 18 2020 COVID-19 Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
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ED2 Platt 5G May 18, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force .pdf
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May 11 2020 COVID-19 Task Force Report.pdf
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Apr 27 2020 COVID-19 Task Force Report.pdf
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May 4 2020 COVID-19 Task Force Report.pdf
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