Monday March 15, 2021
Digital Access Task Force Meeting
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7:30 - 8:30 AM Zoom Meeting
We will begin promptly at 7:30 am. See Meeting Agenda Tab below Please engage by video rather that just audio so that we can also share our screens with you. Next Task Force Meetings Mondays, 7:30 am - 8:30 AM 8, 15, 22, 29 Zoom Meeting ID 934 9733 3154 Join the Meeting Password AZBSN Phone : 669 900 6833 - Enter Meeting ID You will be prompted to enter your unique participant ID - Press # to skip Download Task Force Reports and Other Presentations
Recording of February 1 Task Force conversation with Congressman Tom O'Halleran re: federal legislation and funding
Contents News and Announcements Webpage
Emergency Broad Program Docs
Contact Info
Steve Peters, AZBSN and Task Force Coordinator [email protected] Phone or Text: 520-321-1309 |
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Melissa Boydston
Vice President of Community Development [email protected] 602-770-0413 
Steve Hill President
[email protected] 703-963-0350 
Just 5 Minutes Of Your Time!
Task Force Contacts Update Please Respond ASAP Yes That is You! We would like to update the Task Force contact database. Please take 5 minutes to click on the link below to complete the Google Form with your name, organization, title, phone, mobile # (optional), email, web site link, and a short description about you and your organization (also optional). Your mobile number would be helpful to enable us contact you by text.
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Task Force Funding Request
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Note To COVID-19 Task Force Participants
As you may know, AZBSN is looking for financial support to continue coordination of the Task Force and implementation of our recommendations and initiatives. I sent an email to all Task Force participants with the funding request. If your organization can help that would be great. If your organization can’t help, or if you know of other organizations that might provide funding, please forward our email to them and/or let me know and I will contact them. Thanks for your help. Let me know if you have any questions. The Request AZBSN is looking for financial support to continue coordination of the COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force and implementation of our short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the digital access needs in Arizona. With your tax-deductible contribution to the Task Force through the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership 501(c)(3) organization, you will have the opportunity to tell your story, showcase your organization, and connect with public and private Digital Access advocates representing economic development, education, government, health services, public safety, libraries, telecom and technology companies, and more. Want to help? Contact Steve Peters, Task Force Coordinator [email protected] 520-321-1309 |
Download Request Here
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Agenda, Support, Events & Announcements, About The Task Force
March 15 2021 Agenda
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Tentative Agenda
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Updates and Digital Access
Resource Presentation Federal and State Updates
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February March 15 Digital Access Resource Highlight
Final Mile Project Wes Brownfield, Executive Director, Arizona Rural Schools Association.
We created the Final Mile Project to bring dependable internet service to rural students so they can equitably participate in virtual learning. Thanks to eRate, Arizona has what amounts to a broadband superhighway to most of our schools. Unfortunately, this highway usually does not extend to a rural student’s home. Virtual learning, as a component of blended learning is here to stay, and without dependable two way internet service, far too many of our rural students will not be able to effectively participate in instructional activities. The common phrase is "Digital Divide", but I prefer the more specific "Internet Divide".
The Final Mile Project is dedicated to identifying individual, achievable last mile internet projects for which we can coordinate "spoke and hub" build out at the anchor institution, usually the school district, for wi-fi internet services to the student's home. All within the framework of working with ISP's to facilitate both ROI for them and equitable internet for the students. This is a long-term effort dedicated to achieving a host of marginal achievements which will aggregate to a meaningful overall improvement in internet equity. This will take time, and we are willing to invest all the time it takes. Contact: Wes Brownfield, Executive Director, Arizona Rural Schools Association, [email protected], 928-830-7182
We created the Final Mile Project to bring dependable internet service to rural students so they can equitably participate in virtual learning. Thanks to eRate, Arizona has what amounts to a broadband superhighway to most of our schools. Unfortunately, this highway usually does not extend to a rural student’s home. Virtual learning, as a component of blended learning is here to stay, and without dependable two way internet service, far too many of our rural students will not be able to effectively participate in instructional activities. The common phrase is "Digital Divide", but I prefer the more specific "Internet Divide".
The Final Mile Project is dedicated to identifying individual, achievable last mile internet projects for which we can coordinate "spoke and hub" build out at the anchor institution, usually the school district, for wi-fi internet services to the student's home. All within the framework of working with ISP's to facilitate both ROI for them and equitable internet for the students. This is a long-term effort dedicated to achieving a host of marginal achievements which will aggregate to a meaningful overall improvement in internet equity. This will take time, and we are willing to invest all the time it takes. Contact: Wes Brownfield, Executive Director, Arizona Rural Schools Association, [email protected], 928-830-7182
Kajeet Demo Project
Kajeet has been working on the expansion of network options beyond commercial LTE networks to include wireline (cable, dsl, fiber); terrestrial wireless (PLTE, TVWS, Super WiFi, WiFi-6, etc); and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite. Our goal is to help schools, school districts, libraries (and others) connect and manage users over the best available network and consistently manage those connections across all networks in our platform. We already do this for Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, etc. – all commercial LTE. Adding more network options for rural areas is a focus for us.
We are looking for a potential pilot site where terrestrial wireless/wireline are not viable options to test new LEO Satellite options. Expected performance is ~20-40 Mbps symmetrical with low latency. We would provide our Sentinel platform for CIPA compliance, security, reporting, etc. Since I know the taskforce has been working on developing broadband solutions for your rural regions and the Navajo Nation, I thought this might be a worthwhile discussion to have.
Can you please advise if there is a school district, university, or government entity that would be interested in learning more about this pilot? I can then coordinate a discussion with our VP of Strategy, Michael Flood. While this would not be a free pilot, our Sentinel Management portal would be included at no charge. Thank you for your assistance, Karen
Karen Beshak | Kajeet | Regional Sales Director
direct: (916) 221-8124 email: [email protected] website: www.kajeet.com
We are looking for a potential pilot site where terrestrial wireless/wireline are not viable options to test new LEO Satellite options. Expected performance is ~20-40 Mbps symmetrical with low latency. We would provide our Sentinel platform for CIPA compliance, security, reporting, etc. Since I know the taskforce has been working on developing broadband solutions for your rural regions and the Navajo Nation, I thought this might be a worthwhile discussion to have.
Can you please advise if there is a school district, university, or government entity that would be interested in learning more about this pilot? I can then coordinate a discussion with our VP of Strategy, Michael Flood. While this would not be a free pilot, our Sentinel Management portal would be included at no charge. Thank you for your assistance, Karen
Karen Beshak | Kajeet | Regional Sales Director
direct: (916) 221-8124 email: [email protected] website: www.kajeet.com
Task Force Support Needed From You
Task Force Marketing Committee – We Need Your Help ASAP!
The Task Force agreed that we need a marketing strategy to promote the Task Force and the Task Force Report and Recommendations. We will be forming a Marketing Committee/Team to formulate and oversee implementation of a marketing strategy. Interested in participating on this Team? Maybe you want to be a Cochair! Contact Steve ASAP 520-321-1309 or [email protected].
ATIC/GAZEL Database Update: To support the Task Force marketing plan we need to refresh the ATIC/GAZL database. We would appreciate any help you can provide in obtaining the following lists, preferably in Excel spreadsheets: All Mayors, City Managers, County Managers, Economic Development Directors, School Superintendents, important association and chamber of commerce executives, education advocacy organizations, telehealth and health care organizations, regional Association of Governments execs, municipal and school CTOs/CIOs, key government agency directors, key university and community college contacts, any other individuals and organizations that may be interested in our digital access initiatives.
The Task Force agreed that we need a marketing strategy to promote the Task Force and the Task Force Report and Recommendations. We will be forming a Marketing Committee/Team to formulate and oversee implementation of a marketing strategy. Interested in participating on this Team? Maybe you want to be a Cochair! Contact Steve ASAP 520-321-1309 or [email protected].
ATIC/GAZEL Database Update: To support the Task Force marketing plan we need to refresh the ATIC/GAZL database. We would appreciate any help you can provide in obtaining the following lists, preferably in Excel spreadsheets: All Mayors, City Managers, County Managers, Economic Development Directors, School Superintendents, important association and chamber of commerce executives, education advocacy organizations, telehealth and health care organizations, regional Association of Governments execs, municipal and school CTOs/CIOs, key government agency directors, key university and community college contacts, any other individuals and organizations that may be interested in our digital access initiatives.
Task Force Database Update – Please Respond ASAP
Task Force Collaborators - Yes That is You!
Since the creation of the Task Force we have added many new people to our Team. Some of you requested participation, some were referred by others. Anyway, to make a long story short, we do not have complete contact information about many of you. In order to encourage greater collaboration, please take a couple of minutes to fill out this Google Form to provide us your name, organization, title, phone, mobile # (optional), email, web site link, and a short description about you or your organization(also optional). Your mobile number would be helpful to enable us send an occasional text message. We would like to start sharing this information with the Task Force.
Task Force Collaborators - Yes That is You!
Since the creation of the Task Force we have added many new people to our Team. Some of you requested participation, some were referred by others. Anyway, to make a long story short, we do not have complete contact information about many of you. In order to encourage greater collaboration, please take a couple of minutes to fill out this Google Form to provide us your name, organization, title, phone, mobile # (optional), email, web site link, and a short description about you or your organization(also optional). Your mobile number would be helpful to enable us send an occasional text message. We would like to start sharing this information with the Task Force.
Amazon Smile – Support the Task Force For Free
Do you shop at Amazon? Now you can support the Task Force with no expense to you. All it takes is a couple of minutes of your time. AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support the Task Force every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. GAZEL, the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership one of the Task Force’s lead organizations, is a registered Amazon Smile 501(c)(3) organization. Just select Greater Arizona Educational Leadership when you sign up for Amazon Smile. See this Amazon Smile web page for additional details.
Do you shop at Amazon? Now you can support the Task Force with no expense to you. All it takes is a couple of minutes of your time. AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support the Task Force every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. GAZEL, the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership one of the Task Force’s lead organizations, is a registered Amazon Smile 501(c)(3) organization. Just select Greater Arizona Educational Leadership when you sign up for Amazon Smile. See this Amazon Smile web page for additional details.
Events and Announcements
About The Task Force
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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. |
What Is Digital Access
Digital access is more than just access to fast affordable and reliable Internet access. Everyone, especially students, 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 digital content resources and skills to effectively use technology. |
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.
- Facilitate collaboration, coordination, information sharing and communication among key public, private and nonprofit stakeholders
- Collaborate on priority initiatives for schools, libraries, telemedicine, communities, and more
- Develop a statewide COVID-19 digital access strategy to support, schools, universities, community colleges, students, homes, libraries, health care facilities, businesses and communities
- Identify and advocate for funding to enable implementation of COVID-19 Digital Access Projects
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.
AZBSN COVID-19 Task Force Plans and Subcommittees
- Regular Task Force informational, coordinating and planning meetings
- Task Force Subcommittees including Education, Libraries, Telemedicine, Service Providers, Communities, and Funding
- Regular Community, Stakeholder, and Citizen Communications by newsletters, webinars, web site and informational meetings, social media, etc.
- Service Provider Resources with Arizona Contacts
- Federal and State Digital Access Briefings
- Short Term Initiatives
- Online Database: Resources, Needs, Contacts, etc.
- Collaboration Platform
- A State plan defining short term plans and priorities that will identify challenges, barriers and recommendations related to key issues including Education, Libraries, Telemedicine, Service Providers, Communities, and Funding
- AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force Web Pages, with links to and from the Arizona Commerce Authority and other sites providing related information
- Statewide Webinars and stakeholder informational meetings
- AZBSN Newsletters to all relevant stakeholders in Arizona
- Social Media Announcements
Teams will address the following questions:
- What do you perceive are the major Digital Access/Digital Inclusion needs such as Internet access and devices, as well as training, funding and technical support. What are the issues/barriers?
- What specific strategies, initiatives, resources, partnerships, technologies or opportunities can we recommend to help address these needs. If we can determine it, what specific funding do we need?
- Who else needs to be involved in your Committee?
- Others Questions?
- 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: (changed from Service Providers): 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.
Subcommittee Teams
- Education
- Libraries
- Communities
- Technology
- Funding