Arizona COVID-19 Digital Access Planning
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On This Page
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Digital Access Task Force Mission and StrategyWhat Is Digital Access
Digital access is more than just access to fast affordable and reliable Broadband Internet access. Everyone,students, parents, teachers, businesses, seniors, etc. also require access to technology such as computers, laptops, and smart phones, as well as other digital equipment such as routers, hotspots, and web cameras. They also need access to digital content resources and skills to effectively use technology. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic the world is creating the largest telecommunity of all time. Social and physical distancing is becoming the new normal requiring unpresented demand for digital access for all Arizona communities including tribal, rural and other underserved communities and low-income neighborhoods in Arizona.
AZBSN, the Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network, led by ATIC, the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council, GAZEL, the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership organization, in cooperation with many other stakeholder organizations, have created an AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force. The Task Force will:
Participation will include representation from: state and local government officials, public policy makers, rural community leaders, economic development, education, local or state government, health services, public safety, libraries, telecommunications and technology companies, and more. Task Force Plans and Teams
Charge To The Teams
Teams will address the following questions:
Task Force Activities
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We're Mobilizing our Teams!
Meetings and Team Leader Contact Info Education and Libraries Team Meeting
No Meetings Scheduled Zoom Meeting Link Phone 669 900 6833 Meeting ID: 958 4258 1789 Last Meeting: Meeting Summary. Funding and Resources Team Meeting Fridays 10:00 am
No Meetings Scheduled Join Microsoft Teams Meeting +1 602-649-0240 Conference ID: 335 388 160# Last Meeting: Meeting Summary Technology Team Meetings
Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:00 am (90 minutes) No Meetings Scheduled Join Microsoft Teams Meeting 602-649-0240 US, Phoenix (Toll) Conference ID: 741 319 415# Team Leaders - Contacts
Schools and Libraries
Funding and Resources Lea Márquez Peterson, Commissioner Arizona Corporation Commissior LMarquezPeterson@azcc.gov, 480-549-0997 Technology
AZ Telehealth Broadband Action Team
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Teams
Teams Include
- Education and Libraries: What are the Digital Access/Digital Inclusion needs such as Internet access and devices, as well as training, funding and technical support are needed for libraries and library patrons, public and private K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, students, families, faculty, community? What are the barriers? What specific strategies, initiatives, resources, partnerships, technologies or opportunities can we recommend/initiate to help address these needs.
- Communities: What are the Digital Access/Digital Inclusion needs such as Internet access and devices, as well as training and funding to support community needs such as small business owners and employees, economic development, government services, public safety, nonprofit organizations, etc. What are the barriers? What specific strategies, initiatives, resources, partnerships, technologies or opportunities can we recommend/initiate to help address these needs.
- Technology: What Digital Access/Digital Inclusion technologies should be considered to provide Internet access to schools, libraries, families and communities such as wire line, satellite, mesh networks, cellular microwave, WiFi on buses, open schools and libraries Erate networks. What kinds of devices are needed and should be considered such as computers and tablets, cell phones, hot spots, web cams, software, conferencing services?
- Funding/Resources: What funding and resources opportunities are there such as federal, state and local funding, foundations, donation campaigns, volunteer support, refurbished equipment, donations and support from Internet providers and technology companies, etc.