Task Force Contact: Steve Peters, Coordinator, ​Phone and Text 520-321-1309, ​[email protected]
About    Contacts    Meetings & Minutes    Resources    Updates    Planning

Table of Contents - See Details Below

Events and Webinars 
  • June 30, 2021 Emergency Connectivity Fund - Q&A Session for Arizona Schools
  • June 21: Arizona Lighting Up The Future - The Desert Goes Digital: The Adoption Gap Workshop
  • July 14 Arizona Broadband Workshop: Broadband Adoption and Use - The Secret To Sustainable Networks; 
    Other Recorded Webinars
  • June 23, 24, July 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: 
    ​NTIA Broadband Grants Webinars
  • June 23 and 24 Connecting Minority Communities Webinars
  • ​​July 19, November 8 2021Telemedicine Training Programs​
  • June 15, 2021: Rural Development Finance Webinar: Council of Development Finance Agencies  ​
  • ​August 4-6: Arizona Rural Policy Forum: Local First Arizona & Arizona Rural Development Council
News, Funding Opportunities, Other Resources
  • NTIA Updated Federal Broadband Funding Guide
  • ​$268 Million Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program​
  • ​Arizona  Partnership Opportunity-NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program 21
  • NTIA $1 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband on Tribal Land
  • NTIA $288 Million Broadband Infrastructure Grants
  • $10 Billion Treasury Department Coronavirus
    ​Capital Projects Fund
  • $7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund  - What is it?
Vertical Divider
  • ​Arizona Passes Legislation To Expand Broadband In Arizona
  • NTIA Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide across the Country
  • Proposed BRIDGE Act provides $40 billion to expand broadband access
  • ​AZ Department Of Education $12 million to support Student Equity and Achievement Including Broadband
  • ​​Local First Arizona Arizona Economic Recovery Center - Grants Info
  • ​USDA Rural Development Innovation Center funding opportunities, events and resources 
  • ​ASU American Indian Policy Institute
  • ​Utility Commissioners Broadband Task Force Draft Broadband Recommendations
  • Consortium for School Networking study on students’ at-home Internet connectivity
  • ​Broadband Breakfast Club Weekly Newsletter and Online Events
  • ​Three AARP Articles: Tech Resources for Seniors including Training and and Help to Get or Upgrade Computers and Internet Access
  • Arizona And FCC EBB Emergency Broadband Benefits Program Campaign
  • Arizona And FCC EBB Emergency Broadband Benefits Program Campaign

News, Resources and Events

Events and Webinars
  • June 30, 2021 Emergency Connectivity Fund - Q&A Session for Arizona Schools
  • June 21: Arizona Lighting Up The Future - The Desert Goes Digital: The Adoption Gap Workshop
  • July 14 Arizona Broadband Workshop: Broadband Adoption and Use - The Secret To Sustainable Networks; 
    Other Recorded Webinars
  • June 23, 24, July 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: NTIA Broadband Grants Webinars
  • June 23 and 24 Connecting Minority Communities Webinars
  • ​​July 19, November 8 2021Telemedicine Training Programs​
  • June 15, 2021: Rural Development Finance Webinar: Council of Development Finance Agencies  ​
  • ​August 4-6: Arizona Rural Policy Forum: Local First Arizona & Arizona Rural Development Council
See Details Below
ECF – Emergency Connectivity Fund - Q&A Session for Arizona Schools
June 30, 2021 11:00 AM Arizona
See Info and Zoom Login Below
Milan Eaton
State Erate Director for Schools, Arizona Department of Education
Cell: 623-332-6357, [email protected]

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at noon ET, the ECF funding window will open which will fund equipment and services for the upcoming 2021-22 school year. The first application filing window will be open for 45 days, during which applicants will be able to submit requests for funding for purchases to be made between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 to meet the needs of students, school staff, and library patrons who would otherwise lack access to basic educational opportunities and library services. The FCC’s announcement of the funding window is available on their website.  There will be a second window opening (date TBA) in order to file for procurements made from March 2020 through June 2021. Please have as many students complete the survey as soon possible so you have backup documentation for future inquiries. 
 
If you have an EPC login today, USAC will automatically create a new login to the new portal for filing your Form 471. The portal address is: https://www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org/
  
ECF (Emergency Connectivity Fund) - Q&A Session for Arizona Schools
June 30, 2021 11:00 AM Arizona

Since the ECF window opens June 29th, Milan Eaton will host a webinar June 30th to answer questions or at least attempt to answer questions.  He will hold the call open as long as needed to answer all questions.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 895 9533 9733
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Meeting ID: 895 9533 9733
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keDxqzOeg
Arizona Lighting Up The Future - The Desert Goes Digital 
Close the Adoption Gap
June 21: 4:00-5:00p.m. MT Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/85070362343
​Info and Registration Here
Join the Institute for Digital Progress, Arizona State University, Arizona Commerce Authority, Sun Corridor Network and a coalition of changemakers for the next roundtable in the series -- The Adoption Gap. There are millions of Arizonans who have broadband available to them but who have not adopted broadband in their homes. Indeed, in terms of the number of Arizonans affected, the Adoption Gap is approximately three times larger than the Availability Gap (a total of 750,000). In this virtual roundtable, break out topics will include: digital readiness across communities of need, affordability, device availability, policy for participant inclusion and marketing strategies.
​Info and Registration Here
Arizona Broadband Workshops
  • July 14 10 a.m. - 12 pm: Broadband Adoption and Use - The Secret To Sustainable Networks
  • Other Recorded Webinars
​Arizona Broadband Workshops Website
The Arizona Commerce Authority, in cooperation with BroadbandUSA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Economic Development Administration (EDA) is presenting a new webinar series — the Arizona Broadband Workshops. Sessions will be offered on the first Wednesday of every month from 10 am to 12 pm, March through July. Through interactive exercises and discussions, city officials, economic developers and business leaders who attend will be connected with resources to build a roadmap for planning projects, including identifying funding opportunities and service providers.
  • ​Broadband Adoption and Use - The Secret To Sustainable Networks: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 14 on Zoom: ​This session will draw from national and local models to explore new ways to bridge the digital divide and dive deep on topics such as: digital skills training, WiFi hotspots, broadband subsidies and tech mentoring. Practitioners in education, nonprofits and more will facilitate exercises to identify your community’s underserved segments and partners to reach those populations. REGISTER

Past Webinar Recordings
  • Broadband 101 -  Broadband As A Foundation To Economic Development: Join us for the first session in the Arizona Broadband Workshop series, featuring a variety of experts from the Governor's Office on Tribal Relations, BroadbandUSA and local experts. Learn about  broadband terms, networks, and speed, and hear from others in your community about how broadband is transforming education, healthcare, agriculture and our economy. Then roll up your sleeves  and complete exercises to help you identify the priorities that impact broadband in your community. WATCH
  • Creating Broadband Action Teams and Building Local Partnerships: Arizona has worked collaboratively with public and private partners to coordinate broadband planning across the state. In this session, learn how to create a roadmap for your community’s broadband projects as you build a framework for community priorities, stakeholder engagement, asset inventories and more. WATCH
  • Using Data As A Foundation  For Your Broadband Plan: May 5: Online Soon
    Open public data is readily available to jumpstart your broadband planning efforts. The key is understanding how to use the data effectively to tell your community story. Experts from BroadbandUSA will review the three main broadband data sets and demonstrate tools that you’ll be able to use to access the data for planning, business cases, partnership development, and grant applications. Watch
  • Federal Resources and Local Support For Broadband: June 2.  Online Soon​: Broadband projects often require a mix of investment sources. Our panel of experts will highlight some of the Federal, State, local, and philanthropic programs that could be available to support broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion programs. 
Arizona Commerce Authority Broadband Website
More info about these Workshops: Arizona Broadband Workshops Website
NTIA Broadband Grants Webinars See NTIA Events Web Page For More Info
Telemedicine Training Programs​
​September 13 and November 8 2021
Information and Registration
The Arizona Telemedicine Training Program and the Southwest Telehealth Resource Center offers 1-day training courses on telemedicine and telehealth.  There are two tracks offered throughout the year; 1) Developing a Telemedicine Program and 2) Telemedicine Applications. ATP's staff and colleagues, many of whom are national experts in telehealth, distance education and the business of telemedicine, teach both tracks.  The Arizona Telemedicine Training Program is accredited by the American Telemedicine Association.  Advanced Registration is required to attend ATP training courses.
  • TRACK 1: Developing a Telemedicine Program January 11, May 24, September 13 2021 - This conference gives a broad overview of a variety of telemedicine topics. This course is excellent for individuals or groups who have some telehealth experience and are interested in expanding their services.  It is also a great course for those new to telehealth who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this growing industry.
  • TRACK 2: Telemedicine Applications March 15, July 19, November 8 2021 - This conference covers advanced telemedicine topics through an in-depth look at real-world clinical applications of telemedicine and telehealth. This course is excellent for individuals or groups who have some telehealth experience and are interested in expanding their services.  It is also a great course for those new to telehealth who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this growing industry.
Information and Registration
Rural Development Finance Webinars Series
Council of Development Finance Agencies
CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar Series: The Council of Development Finance Agencies offers a series on financing options to preserve rural communities, investments in health care, broadband, manufacturing, food systems and education.
 CDFA Rural Development Finance Webinar Series
Arizona Rural Policy Forum: Local First Arizona & AZ Rural Development Council 
​August 4-6, 2021
​Sahuarita, AZ
We are are excited to bring back the Rural Policy Forum (In Person!) in  August. Join us, along with over 250 rural leaders and stakeholders, for capacity-building sessions, receptions, hands-on workshops, and keynote presentations. Our goal is to share strategies from national experts as well as learn about success stories around Arizona that will give our rural leaders the tools, resources, and relationships they need to face current challenges. Interested in getting involved in the conversation? 

Tickets and Information
News, Funding and Resources
  • ​NTIA Updated Federal Broadband Funding Guide
  • ​$268 Million Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program​
  • ​Arizona  Partnership Opportunity-NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program 21
  • NTIA $1 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband on Tribal Land
  • NTIA $288 Million Broadband Infrastructure Grants
  • $10 Billion Treasury Department Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund
  • $7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund  - What is it?
  • ​Arizona Passes Legislation To Expand Broadband In Arizona
  • NTIA Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide across the Country
  • Proposed BRIDGE Act provides $40 billion to expand broadband access
  • ​AZ Department Of Education $12 million to support Student Equity and Achievement Including Broadband
  • ​​Local First Arizona Arizona Economic Recovery Center - Grants Info
  • ​USDA Rural Development Innovation Center funding opportunities, events and resources 
  • ​ASU American Indian Policy Institute
  • ​Utility Commissioners Broadband Task Force Draft Broadband Recommendations
  • Consortium for School Networking study on students’ at-home Internet connectivity
  • ​Broadband Breakfast Club Weekly Newsletter and Online Events
  • ​Three AARP Articles: Tech Resources for Seniors including Training and and Help to Get or Upgrade Computers and Internet Access
  • Arizona And FCC EBB Emergency Broadband Benefits Program Campaign
NTIA Updated Federal Broadband Funding Guide
Access the updated BroadbandUSA Federal Funding Guide here! 
NTIA, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, released an updated database with information on more than 80 federal programs across 14 federal agencies whose funding can be used for broadband-related purposes. This comprehensive “one-stop shop” for broadband resources, created with the help of participating federal agencies, supports the Biden Administration’s push for universal high-speed internet access and focus on closing the digital divide. This site also fulfills an obligation in the ACCESS BROADBAND Act to provide a central website for potential applicants seeking federal broadband funding.

Funding opportunities include direct grants, loans, indirect support, and discounts for industry, state and local governments, schools, libraries, small businesses, and other community institutions that are interested in expanding and improving broadband access. Visitors to the website can search for programs by agency, program purpose, and eligible recipients. As agencies release new funding opportunities, NTIA will update the site. The information is also available as a downloadable spreadsheet to allow users to sort the material by selected criteria.

Notably, the current database features many new programs, including the Department of Commerce’s Connecting Minority Communities program, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and Broadband Infrastructure Program. Other new programs include the Department of Treasury’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, of which broadband is an eligible activity; the Department of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants; and the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit program, Emergency Connectivity Fund, COVID-19 Telehealth program, and Connected Care Pilot program.

The launch of this latest round of federal broadband funding updates will help ensure that the public has easy access to the most up-to-date information possible to best facilitate broadband buildout and economic development. Feedback on the site is welcomed; please contact [email protected] to provide input.

Access the updated BroadbandUSA Federal Funding Guide here! ​​
$268 Million Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program​
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released the Final Rule for the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, which will direct $268 million for expanding broadband to eligible historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions (MSIs).
The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Grants will be distributed to help HBCUs, TCUs and MSIs purchase broadband service or equipment, hire IT personnel, operate a minority business enterprise, and facilitate educational instruction. The Final Rule describes the programmatic scope and general guidelines for the program. As directed by the Act, the Final Rule also establishes a method to determine applicant eligibility and identify which eligible recipients have the greatest unmet financial needs.

Requirements for grant applications and other information about the program will be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity that will be subsequently published on grants.gov.

A Series of Webinars NTIA is also holding a series of webinars to further inform the public about the program. The next Connecting Minority Communities webinars will be held on June 23 and 24.
Arizona  Partnership Opportunity -NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program 21 - 
The State of Arizona, through the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), is seeking to formally support an eligible project for the $288 million NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program 21. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced $288 million in grant funding available to states to build broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Infrastructure Program. The grants funded by NTIA will range from $5 million to $30 million. These grants will be awarded to partnerships between the public sector and broadband carriers for fixed broadband service infrastructure projects. The ACA encourages any carrier – or political subdivision with a carrier partner – to submit an expression of interest with an eligible project by Friday, June 18. The ACA intends to select one project as a co-applicant or to receive the State’s full endorsement to the NTIA. The ACA intends to select an eligible project to formally endorse, or serve as a co-applicant for the grant.

Click the link below to submit an expression of interest in the grant. Submissions must be completed by Friday, June 18, 2021.

For Additional Information and To Submit an Expression Of Interest
Please send any questions to Jeff Sobotka at [email protected]
NTIA $1 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband on Tribal Land
NTIA announced the availability of nearly $1 billion in grants to expand broadband access and adoption on Tribal land included in the American Jobs Plan to make affordable high-speed internet available to all Americans.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Grants will be made available to eligible Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities for broadband deployment as well as for digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth and distance learning. These investments will help many Native American, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian communities gain long overdue access to life-saving technologies, economic opportunities, remote learning and countless other benefits.

NTIA is seeking infrastructure projects that expand the availability of broadband services on Tribal lands and prioritize deploying broadband infrastructure to unserved households, as required by the Act. The program also invites proposals that address the digital divide on Tribal lands, including broadband and digital inclusion planning, telehealth, education, training staff and Tribal community members, and providing technical support and capacity building for Tribal institutions.

More information about the program, including requirements for grant applications, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity published today on grants.gov. NTIA is also holding a series of webinars to further inform the public about the program. The next Tribal Broadband Connectivity webinars will be held on June 16 and 17.

Read the Fact Sheet on the announcement online.
NTIA $288 Million Broadband Infrastructure Grants
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced  the availability of $288 million in grant funding for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. Grants will be awarded to partnerships between a state, or political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service. NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

More information about the program, including requirements for grant applications, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity published today on grants.gov.
 
NTIA will accept applications for projects that are designed to:
  • Provide broadband service to the greatest number of households in an eligible service area;
  • Provide broadband service to rural areas;
  • Be most cost-effective in providing broadband service; or
  • Provide broadband service with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 20 Mbps.
NTIA will group applications based on the priority above that each application addresses, and will sequence its review of application groups in the statutory order listed above.
“NTIA has built durable partnerships with the states through our State Broadband Leaders Network, and with local governments and their broadband initiatives through our technical assistance offerings and other efforts,” said Acting NTIA Administrator Evelyn Remaley. “We are eager to put these relationships to work to ensure a successful program that expands broadband infrastructure in communities that need it most.”

NTIA is also holding a series of webinars to further inform the public about the program. The next Broadband Infrastructure webinars will be held on June 9 and 10.
$10 Billion Treasury Department Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund 
The $10 billion Capital Projects Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was established to provide funding to states, territories, and Tribes to carry out critical capital projects directly enabling work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the public health emergency with respect to COVID–19.  The Treasury Department will begin to accept applications for review in the summer of 2021 and will issue guidance before that date. The Funds provide emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the pandemic and its economic impacts, including making necessary investments in broadband infrastructure.

The overall purpose and application process for the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund can be found on Treasury’s website. For updates, please check the Treasury website regularly or sign up for the mailing list.
$7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund  - What is it?
See SHLB - Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Special June 9 Online Workshop
To help schools and libraries provide devices and Internet connectivity to students, school staff, and library patrons during the pandemic, Congress established a $7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund as part of the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Federal Communications Commission is now defining the rules to distribute the new funds to eligible schools and libraries for the purchase of eligible equipment and advanced telecommunications and information services for use by students, school staff, and library patrons at locations other than a school or library—primarily to homes. 

Is this an E-Rate program?
No, it isn’t the same as E-Rate. The fund is going to be administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) - the same entity that administers the E-Rate program for schools and libraries. While there are some commonalities between the two programs it is important to remember that the Emergency Connectivity Fund is not E-Rate and it will be its own program with its own rules, regulations and processes.

What are the rules?
The rules, regulations and processes are not fully defined yet. 

What will it fund?
For eligible schools and libraries, this will provide funding (and reimbursement) for advanced telecommunications and information services and equipment including Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, devices that combine a modem and router, and connected devices. These funds can be used in competitive procurements or to reimburse eligible expenses dating back to January 27th, 2020. It is also worth noting that the funds from this program will remain available until September 30th, 2030.

See Benton Institute For Broadband For Society Emergency Connectivity Fund Overview Here
Arizona Passes Legislation To Expand Broadband In Arizona
Arizona passed House Bill 2596 aimed at expanding broadband access in Arizona that will help Arizonans living in rural and tribal areas gain access to fast, affordable and reliable internet.
​House Bill 2596:
  • Allows private broadband providers to install, operate and maintain telecommunications equipment within the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) rights-of-way.
  • Allows ADOT to grant access to its own broadband conduit to private telecommunications companies in a non-exclusive and non-discriminatory manner — reducing the cost of installing rural broadband infrastructure.
  • Creates the “Smart Highway Trust Fund” to deposit leasing revenues generated from the use of ADOT rights-of-way, which are to be used for operation and maintenance of telecommunications facilities within ADOT’s rights-of-way. 
NTIA Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide across the Country
NTIA map links poverty usage and broadband access by compiling data sets to show where high-poverty communities are located with relation to internet usage patterns and access to computers and related equipment

the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a new publicly available digital map that displays key indicators of broadband needs across the country. This is the first interactive, public map that allows users to explore different datasets about where people do not have quality Internet access.  The public “Indicators of Broadband Need” tool puts on one map, for the first time, data from both public and private sources. It contains data aggregated at the county, census tract, and census block level from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), M-Lab, Ookla and Microsoft. Speed-test data provided by M-Lab and Ookla help to illustrate the reality that communities experience when going online, with many parts of the country reporting speeds that fall below the FCC’s current benchmark for fixed broadband service of 25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload. This is the first map that allows users to graphically compare and contrast these different data sources.

The new publicly available digital map displays Census tracts where median Internet speeds show fixed broadband below 25/3 Mbps, according to Ookla data.

The map puts poverty and lack of broadband access on the same page. The dataset allows you to see where high-poverty communities are located and how that relates to internet usage patterns, as well as to a lack of computers and related equipment.  The map also shows usage patterns in tribal communities, which have historically suffered from lack of internet access. Users can toggle the separate data sets on and off to compare information, and search for specific locations, including Tribal lands and minority-serving institutions, to gain a better understanding of where broadband needs are greatest.

The latest mapping effort by NTIA  is a new tool that provides valuable insight into the state of broadband across the country. The public can see which areas of the country still don’t have broadband at speeds needed to participate in the modern economy.  

NTIA also offers to state governments and federal partners a geographic information system (GIS) platform called the National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM) that provides more complex tools for analyzing broadband access, such as the ability to upload GIS files to compare proposed projects. Earlier this month, NTIA announced that Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, and South Dakota have joined the growing roster of state participants in the NBAM, bringing the total number of participating states to 36. The mapping platform allows these states and others to better inform broadband projects and funding decisions.

For more information about the NBAM, please visit NTIA’s BroadbandUSA website or email [email protected].
Proposed BRIDGE Act provides $40 billion to expand broadband access 
​Three Senators have reintroduced the BRIDGE Act with a proposed $40 billion toward making broadband affordable and accessible. Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, Angus King, I-Maine, and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, are pushing the Broadband Reform and Investment to Drive Growth in the Economy Act through Congress. The bill, slightly modified from its previous version, aims to encourage gigabit-level internet wherever possible, raise the minimum speeds for new broadband networks to at least 100/100 Megabits per second, and lifts bans on municipal broadband networks throughout the country. “It empowers communities to deploy their own networks to promote choice and competition. And it significantly raises the standard for any new broadband networks to ensure they meet America’s needs, not only today, but for years to come,” It comes as the White House negotiates with Republicans on how much the government should spend on broadband infrastructure. Biden’s American Jobs Plan has proposed $100-billion, but the White House has said it would be willing to go down to $65 billion to placate the Republicans. The Bridge Act would be separate funding to Biden’s proposal or whatever is negotiated with the Republicans, but would also act as a possible replacement if negotiations fall through.

See Broadband Breakfast Club article for more info
AZ Department Of Education $12 million to support Student Equity and Achievement 
The Arizona Department of Education has allocated an additional $12 million in federal recovery dollars to support Student Equity and Achievement throughout Arizona. Allocations were made in the following areas:
  • Student Equity & Achievement
  • Educator Recruitment & Retention
  • Safe & Healthy Schools
  • Serving Arizona School Communities through the Pandemic & Beyond
  • Post-Secondary Access & Attainment
  • Additional Relief Funding to Public Schools
 Includes $853k – Laptop and Hotspot Partnership with City of Phoenix; $1.5 Million – Expanding Rural Broadband with the Final Mile Project; $15k – Kajeet Hotspots for Students & Families; 
See Details Here
Local First Arizona Arizona Economic Recovery Center - Grants Info
 Local First Economic Recovery Center
The Arizona Economic Recovery Center aims to enable more qualified Arizona cities, towns, counties, and nonprofits to win competitive federal, state, and foundation grants. Qualifying communities:
  • Meet the definition of Rural as defined by the Arizona Commerce Authority, or be in LMI urban census tracts
  • Do not have a dedicated staff for development
  • Are interested in applying for work that supports a regional or local strategic plan
  • Have a proposed application that includes at least 3 partnering organizations
  • Have an idea that can be initiated before 2023
An initiative of Local First Arizona, the center serves communities statewide by:
  • Researching and simplifying grants and stimulus opportunities
  • Identifying funding sources for large and small projects
  • Connecting funding sources to communities in need of funding
  • Providing the capacity for grant writing, facilitation, and project management to ensure success rates for qualifying communities and nonprofits.
Local First Economic Recovery Center
USDA Rural Development Innovation Center
The following information was extracted from the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center Innovation Matters Newsletter that provides a listing of funding opportunities, events and resources in rural America. ​Join the mailing list to receive Innovation Matters from the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center.
​
​​COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide To access programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, download the COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide.
ASU American Indian Policy Institute
ASU American Indian Policy Institute Tribal Broadband Resources

AIPI is a think-tank with a primary focus on public policy analysis and research. We have expertise in telecommunications, communications, broadband, digital inclusion, technology for language retention, and technology as the backbone for community and economic development, and communications technology. We disseminate our work via outcomes to be disseminated in policy briefs, newsletters, lectured, conference presentations, and white papers.

ASU has a resource at the Center for Policy Informatics that includes a portal for information on  broadband issues, data collection and broadband research: General Broadband Research Data Repository  ​
Utility Commissioners Broadband Task Force Draft Broadband Recommendations
A task force made up of state public service commissioners for utility services released a set of draft recommendations to help coordinate and facilitate the closing of gaps in broadband service nationwide. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Broadband Expansion Task Force, published draft recommendations that focus on:
  • Improving broadband mapping
  • Enhancing broadband program coordination Ensuring broadband providers meet their obligations
  • Supporting non-traditional providers
  • Adopting broadband​
More Info Here. ​
Consortium for School Networking study on students’ at-home Internet connectivity
CoSN, the Consortium for School Networking, released a report on the preliminary findings of a breakthrough study on students’ at-home internet connectivity and provided guidelines on bandwidth, devices and other remote learning needs based on the data. The study, supported by a grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), fills a critical need among educators and policymakers for detailed insight on students’ learning experiences at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Thirteen K-12 urban, suburban and rural school districts from across the United States with approximately 750,000 students participated in the six-week study, securely sharing information on internet usage, latency, and performance from network filter logs and video conferencing solutions. The resulting findings will guide school district technology leaders across the United States working to improve online learning equity.
Broadband Breakfast Club Weekly Newsletter and Online Events
You may want to sign-up for the Broadband Breakfast Club newsletter with lots of great info about broadband and digital access. Subscribe to their twice-weekly newsletter and visit their Broadband Breakfast Live Online event every Wednesday at 12 Noon ET. ​
Three AARP Articles: Tech Resources for Seniors including Training and and Help to Get or Upgrade Computers and Internet Access
  • Article 1 AARP Emergency Broadband Benefits Program: AARP has long worked for low-cost internet solutions for older Americans, who need high-speed broadband for teleworking, medical and health-related information and news, online health-care consultations with doctors and nurses, and interacting with loved ones and friends, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. See Article Here  
  • ​Article 2 Technology Skills Training. Senior Planet and its parent organization, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), a nonprofit organization that specializes in teaching technology skills to older adults, is uniting with AARP to offer its courses to even more older adults nationwide — for free. AARP is collaborating with  OATS to expand its offerings and make them known to a wider audience through AARP’s new Virtual Community Center. Senior Planet programs are designed to teach adults 60 and older basic and advanced computer skills. Its interactive online classes, offered in English, Spanish and Chinese, are free to anyone of any age. About 50 classes are on the schedule each week. The relationship with AARP allows both organizations to help more people learn the computer skills they need now more than ever because so many activities and events are available only online. AARP has two places to sign up for free online classes and workshops: Senior Planet’s upcoming events and AARP’s Virtual Community Center See the Article Here
  • Article 3 Devices and Internet Access Resources: This Article provides info and links to resources for seniors that offer free personal computers or tablets or discounted internet access. City governments, nonprofits and communications companies across the country are stepping up to remedy the deficiencies in technology. Pockets of seniors in many communities are using new laptops or tablets with free internet and training, courtesy of partnerships aimed at averting the ill effects of isolation. See the Article Here
AZ And FCC EBB Emergency Broadband Benefits Program Campaign

Arizona And FCC EBB Emergency Broadband Benefits Program Campaign

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On May 12 the FCC will officially launch the new Emergency Broadband Program. As you may know, the EBB addresses the unprecedented need by low-income households for affordable digital access resources including Internet and devices such as computers and cell phones. The EBB provides eligible households a subsidy of up to $50 per month on Internet service, or $75 per month for those living on Tribal lands. The EBB may also provide eligible households a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop or tablet computer. It is urgent that we get the word out and help eligible low-income households register for this program ASAP. EBB is a limited funding and limited duration benefit program so we need to act now to help Arizona low-income consumers get signed up before time and money run out.
Arizona EBB Campaign and Toolkit
A statewide Arizona coalition of government, education and nonprofit organizations is asking for your participation in a statewide campaign to get eligible households signed-up ASAP. We know that for many people signing up for government programs can be scary and complicated so we are asking schools, libraries, non-profit and faith-based organizations, social service and health care agencies, and local and state governments to help get the word out to your constituencies about the EBB program, and to help them register for these benefits. 
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The AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force is participating in the Coalition, led by Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, School Connect, Common Sense Media and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, in cooperation with many other government and nonprofit organizations such as  the Arizona Rural Schools Association, the Arizona Telemedicine Program, the Arizona Department of Education, and economic development organizations. They are collaborating on a promotion strategy and EBB Toolkit to make it easier for your organization to access the information you may need. The toolkit was developed to share with your networks, school districts, education leaders, nonprofits, community organizations and others.
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​The toolkit is housed on the Connect Arizona website, which also provides resources and guidance for individuals needing virtual learning opportunities for students, access to free WIFI hotspots and digital tech support. 
The toolkit includes: 
  • A PDF showing step-by-step instructions on how individuals can
    ​apply for EBB discounts
  • An Emergency Broadband Benefit FAQ sheet
  • The FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program guide
  • A Flyer in English outlining the program and eligibility requirements
  • A Flyer in Spanish outlining the program and eligibility requirements
  • A Half-page flyer in English that can be printed and distributed locally
  • A Half-page flyer in Spanish that can be printed and distributed to locally
  • A sample email to use as a template to share out to your networks​ 
Here Is How You Can Help
  • ​Become an Outreach Partner. Get your organization involved  to help get the word out to your constituencies about the EBB program, and to help them register for these benefits. 
  • Identify a Point of Contact within your organization to learn about the EBB, and the processes to help eligible consumers sign-up and take advantage of these programs
  • Print and distribute EBB flyers to your constituents
  • Provide funding to pay for flyers      
Want to help? Contact: Other FCC Resources
​Help Get Arizona Partners Signed-Up For EBB - Send an Email
 We are asking you to help get the word out to your contacts and networks to recruit partner organizations and Navigators/Points of Contact. Feel free to use the attached email templates as is, or modify it for your needs. You can remove our logo and add yours, and change it any way that will be most useful for you. We know people will be more responsive receiving communication from people and organizations they know and trust. We suggest you cut and paste info into an email rather than sending an attachment.
EBB Partner Request Email Template .docx
File Size: 105 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
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