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Recap: January 18, 2024 Arizona Digital Equity Draft Plan Study Session
On January 18, 2024 AZBSN hosted a Virtual and Interactive Arizona Digital Equity Draft Plan Study Session in cooperation with: the Arizona Commerce Authority Broadband Office, and Governor Hobbs Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council See details Below
On January 2, 2024 the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) released for public comment the draft of the Arizona Digital Equity Plan. The Plan is an initiative to promote digital equity and inclusion and ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. The public Comments/Feedback for the draft plan will be accepted until the end of the day, Thursday February 1st
On this Page
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AZBSN Contact Info
Steve Peters, AZBSN and Task Force Coordinator [email protected] Phone or Text: 520-321-1309 Join The Task Force Here About Task Force Meetings
The Task Force engages over 200 Digital Inclusion advocates including public and private leaders and industry experts to share information and collaborate on critical Broadband and Digital Inclusion recommendations and initiatives for Arizona. Every Thursday at 8:00 -9:15 am Task Force collaborators meet virtually for: 1) federal, state and local community updates; 2) broadband and digital inclusion resource presentations and; 3) information and resource sharing and collaboration. Meetings include: federal, state and local community updates, briefings from the Arizona Broadband Office, the Arizona State Library, the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Telemedicine Program, and more. Next Task Force Meeting https://www.arizonatele.org/covid-meetings-minutes.html |
Arizona Digital Equity Plan Draft Proposal Study Session
The Study Session provided an overview of the plan, the next steps, and how you can provide input. There was also interactive opportunities for you to ask questions and provide your input. See details about the plan below. See the plan here
Presenters included:
The Study Session provided an overview of the plan, the next steps, and how you can provide input. There was also interactive opportunities for you to ask questions and provide your input. See details about the plan below. See the plan here
Presenters included:
- Sandip Bhowmick, State Broadband Director
- Erin Lorandos, Arizona Broadband Office Digital Equity Program Manager
- Candace Hamana, Arizona Broadband Office Tribal Liaison,
- Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) for Arizona
Session Recording, Presentations and Links
Missed the meeting? Want to review the meeting? Want to find a contact that attended the meeting? See the links below to view/download the Meeting Summary, Recording, Registration List, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files. BTW, the January 18 Zoom Transcript link below takes you to the Otter AI webpage where you can review the transcript, and, if you double click on the paragraph, you can also hear the speaker. Pretty awesome.
Your Feedback Is Important
Your feedback is crucial and will help guide the Arizona Commerce Authority with the development of the Digital Equity Plan.
The comment period will close on February 1st, 2024 (end of day). Please share your feedback before this date.Feedback can be provided in the following ways:
Missed the meeting? Want to review the meeting? Want to find a contact that attended the meeting? See the links below to view/download the Meeting Summary, Recording, Registration List, Chat, and Zoom Transcript files. BTW, the January 18 Zoom Transcript link below takes you to the Otter AI webpage where you can review the transcript, and, if you double click on the paragraph, you can also hear the speaker. Pretty awesome.
- Link to Digital Equity Plan - Arizona Commerce Authority Web Site
- Provide Your Input Here - - Arizona Commerce Authority Web Site
- Download Presentation PDF: Overview of the plan and NTIA time line and requirements: Sandip Bhowmick, State Broadband Director, Erin Lorandos, Arizona Broadband Office Digital Equity Program Manager, Candace Hamana, Arizona Broadband Office Tribal Liaison, Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) for Arizona,
- Study Session Zoom Meeting Recording
- Zoom Meeting Transcript (The link takes you to the Otter AI webpage where you can review the transcript, and, if you double click on the paragraph, you can also hear the speaker.
- Registration/Attendance List
- Study Session Chat Transcript
Your Feedback Is Important
Your feedback is crucial and will help guide the Arizona Commerce Authority with the development of the Digital Equity Plan.
The comment period will close on February 1st, 2024 (end of day). Please share your feedback before this date.Feedback can be provided in the following ways:
- Upload this PDF with your comments using the submission form below.
- Email the PDF with comments to [email protected].
- Complete the feedback submission form here.
- Calling (602) 845-1262
Agenda
Agenda -The agenda included:
- About AZBSN Digital Access Task Force
- Introduction of Broadband Office Team
- About Governor Hobbs Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council- Maggie Farry, Intergovernmental Affairs Director,
Office Of The Governor [email protected], (602) 290-5726 - Presentation and Discussion of Digital Equity Plan
- Sandip Bhowmick, State Broadband Director
- Erin Lorandos, Arizona Broadband Office Digital Equity Program Manager
- Candace Hamana, Arizona Broadband Office Tribal Liaison,
- Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) for Arizona
What You Will Find Below
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AZBSN; Arizona Broadband Office; Governor’s Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council
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Click Headers Below For Details
At A Glance: Draft Arizona Digital Equity Plan
Arizona Digital Equity Plan Draft Plan
See Plan Here
On January 2, 2024 the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) released for public comment the draft of the Arizona Digital Equity Plan Draft Proposal. The Arizona Digital Equity Plan is an initiative to promote digital equity and inclusion and ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. Arizona's Digital Equity Plan represents the culmination of a year-long, statewide collaborative effort, marked by attentive listening to the voices and feedback of communities across our state. This plan, written in response to the 15 requirements as laid out by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will address specific barriers faced by Arizonans that fall within the eight covered populations as defined by NTIA:
To bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity across Arizona, the state is committed to ensuring universal broadband availability through infrastructure investments, supporting affordable broadband plans for all Arizona families, ensuring at least one internet enabled device per household, and providing inclusive digital skills training. Arizona will build digitally equitable ecosystems through strategic initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and community-responsive solutions.
The Digital Equity Plan is designed to address the critical areas of: Recognizing that each of these pillars is interdependent and crucial for achieving digital equity, the Plan leverages state resources, public-private partnerships, and community engagement to create an inclusive digital ecosystem. From expanding broadband infrastructure in underserved areas and making devices more affordable, to enhancing online accessibility and providing robust online safety measures, our strategy aims to help Arizonans become empowered with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world. The development of the program's goals and objectives involved a comprehensive methodology. A three-pronged approach was taken to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, which included a listening tour, informal interviews, and targeted surveys. The findings were used to create goals and objectives tailored to address the specific needs of each population group.
See Plan Here
On January 2, 2024 the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) released for public comment the draft of the Arizona Digital Equity Plan Draft Proposal. The Arizona Digital Equity Plan is an initiative to promote digital equity and inclusion and ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. Arizona's Digital Equity Plan represents the culmination of a year-long, statewide collaborative effort, marked by attentive listening to the voices and feedback of communities across our state. This plan, written in response to the 15 requirements as laid out by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will address specific barriers faced by Arizonans that fall within the eight covered populations as defined by NTIA:
- Individuals who live in low-income households
- Aging individuals
- Incarcerated individuals, other than individuals who are incarcerated in a Federal correctional facility
- Veterans
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals with a language barrier, including individuals who are English learners and have low levels of literacy
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- Rural inhabitants
To bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity across Arizona, the state is committed to ensuring universal broadband availability through infrastructure investments, supporting affordable broadband plans for all Arizona families, ensuring at least one internet enabled device per household, and providing inclusive digital skills training. Arizona will build digitally equitable ecosystems through strategic initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and community-responsive solutions.
The Digital Equity Plan is designed to address the critical areas of: Recognizing that each of these pillars is interdependent and crucial for achieving digital equity, the Plan leverages state resources, public-private partnerships, and community engagement to create an inclusive digital ecosystem. From expanding broadband infrastructure in underserved areas and making devices more affordable, to enhancing online accessibility and providing robust online safety measures, our strategy aims to help Arizonans become empowered with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world. The development of the program's goals and objectives involved a comprehensive methodology. A three-pronged approach was taken to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, which included a listening tour, informal interviews, and targeted surveys. The findings were used to create goals and objectives tailored to address the specific needs of each population group.
- Increase availability and affordability of reliable, high-speed broadband Internet.
- Covered Populations- Low-income households + ALL
- Broadband Availability & Affordability
- Online Accessibility & Inclusivity
- Digital Literacy and Skill-Building
- Online Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Device Availability & Affordability
AZBSN Digital Access task Force - About - Join
Arizona Broadband and Digital Access Task Force (Formerly the COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force)
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Join The AZBSN
Task Force Here 
Enter Your contact info here
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The Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC) and the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership (GAZEL) organization, created AZBSN, the Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network to facilitate collaboration, coordination, information sharing and communication among public, private and nonprofit stakeholders engaged in initiatives to promote affordable and reliable Broadband Internet access in communities throughout Arizona. AZBSN has become a primary organization for communication to stakeholders throughout the state.
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Broadband and Digital Access Task Force
In 2020 AZBSN created the Broadband and Digital Access Task Force (Formerly the COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force) to respond to the immediate needs for Internet and other Digital Inclusion services and resources initially identified because of the COVID virus. The Task Force engages over 200 Digital Inclusion advocates including public and private leaders and industry experts to share information and collaborate on critical Digital Inclusion recommendations and initiatives for Arizona. Every week for over 2 years, 40-60 Task Force members meet for: 1) federal, state and local community updates; 2) digital inclusion resource presentations and; 3) information, resource sharing and collaboration.
The Task Force is: 1) identifying Digital Inclusion needs; 2) enabling communication, collaboration, coordination, and sharing of information and resources among key public, private and nonprofit Digital Inclusion advocates; 3) implementing a statewide Digital Inclusion strategy including short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives; 4) facilitating project partnerships; 5) providing federal, state and local government briefings and; identifying and advocating for funding to enable implementation of Digital Inclusion projects.
Participation in the Task Force includes representation across State and Local Government, Public Policy Makers, Rural Community Leaders, Economic Development, Education, Health Services, Public Safety, Libraries, Nonprofit Organizations, Telecommunication Service Providers, and Technology Companies. Just some of our affiliate organizations include the Arizona State Library, The Arizona Department of Education, the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, NAU, ASU, Arizona Department of Homeland Security, Arizona Commerce Authority Broadband Office, Pima County, local libraries, regional K-12 school superintendents, the Arizona Technology Council, broadband providers, and many more.
Digital Inclusion
The pandemic illuminated the long-standing deficiencies in affordable and equitable broadband Internet access in Arizona. Many Arizona citizens, especially in tribal, rural and other underserved communities and low-income neighborhoods, still do not have affordable and equitable access to the Internet. While we need to get everyone connected, we also need to ensure that all Arizona citizens, have access to: 1) Free or affordable Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user such as computers, laptops and smartphones, as well as other digital equipment such as routers, hotspots and web cameras; 2) Access to digital literacy and web literacy skills assistance and training; 3) Quality, real-time technical support to enable them to use the devices, Internet and applications effectively; 4) Access to applications, digital content and resources designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration. 5) Cybersecurity. Without proper cybersecurity measures in place, digital inclusion can lead to increased vulnerability to cyber threats. This is because individuals and communities with limited access to digital literacy and cybersecurity knowledge may not be aware of the potential risks and may not have the tools or resources to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. Schools, universities, community colleges, homes, libraries, healthcare facilities, businesses and communities also need equitable and affordable Internet and other digital access services and resources to enable them to support education, healthcare, community services, economic development, and more.
AZBSN 2020 Strategic Plan
In November 2020 the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report. The Report provides short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the Digital Inclusion needs of all Arizona citizens, especially students, parents, teachers, seniors, businesses and library patrons, as well as schools, universities, community colleges, homes, libraries, healthcare facilities, businesses and communities. The report, submitted on behalf of the more than 200 public and private Digital Inclusion advocates participating in the statewide Task Force, is intended for public and private advocates and policy and decision-makers representing State and Local Government, Business and Industry, Rural Communities, Economic Development, Education, Healthcare, Public Safety, Libraries, Nonprofit Organizations, and Telecommunications and Technology Companies. The recommendations include: 1) Technology and Infrastructure; 2) State and Community Digital Access Planning; 3) Funding and Resources Support Strategies; 4) State Broadband and Digital Inclusion Leadership, Policy and Regulation; 5) Technical Support and Professional Development for Education and the Community; 6) Public Access to Digital Resources; 7) Educational Digital Content and Resource Sharing; 8) Safe Operations of Schools, Libraries and Public Spaces in the COVID-19 Environment.
This report was submitted to key government officials, executive leadership organizations and a broad array of digital access advocates in Arizona. The Task Force has already begun implementing these recommendations, but it will take the entire digital access stakeholder community to realize the goals of digital equity and digital inclusion. Get involved! See the Access Task Force Report link below to participate.
See the Strategic Plan Tab For Additional Details
Information and How to Join the Task Force – Download the Report
GOVERNOR’S INTERAGENCY AND COMMUNITY BROADBAND ADVISORY COUNCIL:
WORKING GROUPS: MEETINGS, CONTACT, ABOUT, JOIN
WORKING GROUPS: MEETINGS, CONTACT, ABOUT, JOIN
Governor’s Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council: Working Groups: Contact, About, Join, Meeting Recordings
Governor Hobbs has created the Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council. The membership of the Council is primarily state agency directors or their designee however, they have created working groups to incorporate engagement on state broadband and digital inclusion from people around the state. The working group members will provide guidance and help with stakeholder engagement and other tasks that support the Council. Working group meetings will take place once a month, virtually, for an hour. The workgroups include: 1) Infrastructure and Permitting; 2) Mapping; 3) Digital Inclusion; 4) Affordability; 5) Workforce; 6) Outreach.
Next Meetings
Contact Maggie Farry, Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Office Of The Governor [email protected], (602) 290-5726
Governor Hobbs has created the Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council. The membership of the Council is primarily state agency directors or their designee however, they have created working groups to incorporate engagement on state broadband and digital inclusion from people around the state. The working group members will provide guidance and help with stakeholder engagement and other tasks that support the Council. Working group meetings will take place once a month, virtually, for an hour. The workgroups include: 1) Infrastructure and Permitting; 2) Mapping; 3) Digital Inclusion; 4) Affordability; 5) Workforce; 6) Outreach.
Next Meetings
- Infrastructure and Permitting, 1/29/24 Monday, 12:00pm-1:00pm Link to register
- Mapping, 1/29/24 Monday, 1:00pm-2:00pm Link to register
- Outreach, 1/30/24 Tuesday, 11:00am-12:00pm Link to register
- Ø Affordability, 1/30/24 Tuesday, 12:00pm-1:00pm Link to register
- Ø Digital Inclusion, 1/31/24 Wednesday, 11:00am-12:00pm Link to register
- Ø Workforce, 1/31/24 Wednesday, 1:00pm-2:00pm Link to register
Contact Maggie Farry, Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Office Of The Governor [email protected], (602) 290-5726
ARIZONA BROADBAND OFFICE CONTACTS
Arizona Broadband Office Broadband Website https://www.azcommerce.com/broadband/
- Sandip Bhowmick, State Broadband Director, 310-923-5524 [email protected]
- Perla Lopez, Broadband Program Manager, 602-806-1789 [email protected]
- Krystal Saverse, Broadband Data GIS Analyst,479-774-9035 [email protected]
- Candace Hamana, Tribal Liaison, 602-319-3377 [email protected]
- Erin Lorandos, Digital Equity Program Manager: 480-352-9205 [email protected]
- Vanessa Figueroa, Broadband Grants and Compliance Manager [email protected]
- General:[email protected]
FIVE YEAR ACTION PLAN ARIZONA BEAD BROADBAND EQUITY, ACCESS & DEPLOYMENT
Five Year Action Plan Arizona BEAD Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program
The Arizona Broadband Office has posted the BEAD Arizona Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program 5 year Action Plan on the Arizona Commerce Authority Website. ACA is asking stakeholders for feedback on the 5-year action plan. This BEAD Five-Year Action Plan serves as a guide to achieving the following goals: 1) Provide universal connectivity to unserved and underserved areas and ensure high-speed internet access is available to every household, business, anchor institution, Tribal Nations and community in Arizona 2) Promote digital equity and inclusion through increased digital skills and access to devices for all Arizona residents including Tribal Nations and their members 3) Create a 21st century workforce so Arizonans and Tribal Nations can succeed in the rapidly evolving job market where the state creates, grows and attracts high wage businesses to increase economic development 4) Coordinate broadband infrastructure investments with investments in healthcare, education, public safety, workforce and economic development statewide and on tribal lands 5) Promote broadband service pricing that is affordable to all Arizonans including Tribal Nations and their members You can review the plan and submit your feedback here.
The Arizona Broadband Office has posted the BEAD Arizona Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program 5 year Action Plan on the Arizona Commerce Authority Website. ACA is asking stakeholders for feedback on the 5-year action plan. This BEAD Five-Year Action Plan serves as a guide to achieving the following goals: 1) Provide universal connectivity to unserved and underserved areas and ensure high-speed internet access is available to every household, business, anchor institution, Tribal Nations and community in Arizona 2) Promote digital equity and inclusion through increased digital skills and access to devices for all Arizona residents including Tribal Nations and their members 3) Create a 21st century workforce so Arizonans and Tribal Nations can succeed in the rapidly evolving job market where the state creates, grows and attracts high wage businesses to increase economic development 4) Coordinate broadband infrastructure investments with investments in healthcare, education, public safety, workforce and economic development statewide and on tribal lands 5) Promote broadband service pricing that is affordable to all Arizonans including Tribal Nations and their members You can review the plan and submit your feedback here.
AZBSN - 2020- COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE DIGITAL ACCESS STRATEGY REPORT
Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report.
View/Download
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In November 2020 the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report. The Report provides short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the Digital Inclusion needs of all Arizona citizens, especially students, parents, teachers, seniors, businesses and library patrons, as well as schools, universities, community colleges, homes, libraries, healthcare facilities, businesses and communities.
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The report, submitted on behalf of the more than 200 public and private Digital Inclusion advocates participating in the statewide Task Force, is intended for public and private advocates and policy and decision-makers representing State and Local Government, Business and Industry, Rural Communities, Economic Development, Education, Healthcare, Public Safety, Libraries, Nonprofit Organizations, and Telecommunications and Technology Companies.
The recommendations include: 1) Technology and Infrastructure; 2) State and Community Digital Access Planning; 3) Funding and Resources Support Strategies; 4) State Broadband and Digital Inclusion Leadership, Policy and Regulation; 5) Technical Support and Professional Development for Education and the Community; 6) Public Access to Digital Resources; 7) Educational Digital Content and Resource Sharing; 8) Safe Operations of Schools, Libraries and Public Spaces in the COVID-19 Environment.
Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report.
The recommendations include: 1) Technology and Infrastructure; 2) State and Community Digital Access Planning; 3) Funding and Resources Support Strategies; 4) State Broadband and Digital Inclusion Leadership, Policy and Regulation; 5) Technical Support and Professional Development for Education and the Community; 6) Public Access to Digital Resources; 7) Educational Digital Content and Resource Sharing; 8) Safe Operations of Schools, Libraries and Public Spaces in the COVID-19 Environment.
Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report.
VOLUME Ii OF PROPOSAL FOR THE BEAD BROADBAND EQUITY, ACCESS AND DEPLOYMENT FUNDING
Arizona Broadband Office Broadband Website https://www.azcommerce.com/broadband/
Volume II of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program
On November 6, 2023 the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) released for public comment Volume II of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The public comment period for Volume II will end on December 6, 2023. Volume II of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program outlines the long-term objectives for deploying broadband, closing the digital divide, addressing access, affordability, equity, and adoption issues, and enhancing economic growth and job creation including information developed in the Five-Year Action Plan. The Initial Proposal - Volume II can be downloaded here. Feedback can be provided on the ACA website here or by completing the pdf (pdf should be a link to the form) and submitting it to [email protected].
Below is a link to the data files supporting the report:
Local Coordination Tracker
Your feedback is important and will help guide ACA as we develop the program to ensure all Arizonans have access to high-speed broadband in their communities. Feedback can be provided in three forms:
Volume II of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program
On November 6, 2023 the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) released for public comment Volume II of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The public comment period for Volume II will end on December 6, 2023. Volume II of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program outlines the long-term objectives for deploying broadband, closing the digital divide, addressing access, affordability, equity, and adoption issues, and enhancing economic growth and job creation including information developed in the Five-Year Action Plan. The Initial Proposal - Volume II can be downloaded here. Feedback can be provided on the ACA website here or by completing the pdf (pdf should be a link to the form) and submitting it to [email protected].
Below is a link to the data files supporting the report:
Local Coordination Tracker
Your feedback is important and will help guide ACA as we develop the program to ensure all Arizonans have access to high-speed broadband in their communities. Feedback can be provided in three forms:
- Upload this PDF with your comments using the submission form below.
- Email the PDF with comments to [email protected].
- Complete the feedback submission form here.
VOLUME i OF PROPOSAL FOR THE BEAD BROADBAND EQUITY, ACCESS AND DEPLOYMENT FUNDING
Volume I of Proposal for the BEAD Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funding
The Broadband Office has released for public comment Volume I of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Volume I outlines existing broadband funding within Arizona, the list of the locations designated as unserved and underserved in the FCC National Broadband Map, Arizona's Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) as defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the proposed plan for the BEAD challenge process.
The State Broadband Office has developed specific sections of the Initial Proposal, as part of a requirement of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD), which serves as Volume I. This document is the first of two submissions which together will comprise Arizona’s BEAD Initial Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), including the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce who administers the BEAD program.
Once this Initial Proposal Volume I is submitted to NTIA for approval, the Arizona Commerce Authority State Broadband Office will develop the remaining requirements of the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)1, which will serve as Volume II. This first volume (Volume I) responds to four of nineteen requirements for the Initial Proposal as per the BEAD NOFO. These requirements are:
Contact: Perla Lopez, Broadband Program Manager 602-806-1789, M 602-621-1849 ,[email protected]
The Broadband Office has released for public comment Volume I of the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Volume I outlines existing broadband funding within Arizona, the list of the locations designated as unserved and underserved in the FCC National Broadband Map, Arizona's Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) as defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the proposed plan for the BEAD challenge process.
The State Broadband Office has developed specific sections of the Initial Proposal, as part of a requirement of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD), which serves as Volume I. This document is the first of two submissions which together will comprise Arizona’s BEAD Initial Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), including the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce who administers the BEAD program.
Once this Initial Proposal Volume I is submitted to NTIA for approval, the Arizona Commerce Authority State Broadband Office will develop the remaining requirements of the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)1, which will serve as Volume II. This first volume (Volume I) responds to four of nineteen requirements for the Initial Proposal as per the BEAD NOFO. These requirements are:
- Existing Broadband Funding (Requirement 3) – Identify existing efforts funded by the federal government to deploy broadband and close the digital divide in Arizona.
- Unserved and Underserved Locations (Requirement 5) – Identify each unserved location and underserved location within the State of Arizona, using the September 12, 2023 (most recently published) National Broadband Map2 as of the date of submission of the Initial Proposal.
- Community Anchor Institutions (Requirement 6) – Describe how Arizona applied the statutory definition of the term “community anchor institution” and identified all eligible CAIs in the State of Arizona, including eligible CAIs in applicable Tribal Lands.
- Challenge Process (Requirement 7) – Include a detailed plan as to how the Arizona Commerce Authority State Broadband Office will conduct a challenge process for eligible locations and CAIs as per Section IV.B.6 of BEAD NOFO.
Contact: Perla Lopez, Broadband Program Manager 602-806-1789, M 602-621-1849 ,[email protected]