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Digital Access Task Force Meeting
Monday May 9 2022
Promptly ​7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Kibitzing with Colleagues 8:45-?
​See Details Below
Meeting Schedule: May 2, 9, 16, 23. No meeting May 30-Memorial Day
See Meeting Agenda Tab below
Please engage by video rather that just audio so that we can
​also share our screens with you.
​​ Zoom Meeting ID: 919 9321 8962
​Join the Meeting 
​Password AZBSN
Phone: Dial by your location
  • +1 213 338 8477 US (Los Angeles)
  • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
  • +1 206 337 9723 US (Seattle)
  • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
ID: 919 9321 8962
You will be prompted to enter your unique participant ID - 
​​Press # to skip
​​Registration Required: To enable collaboration, we are requiring you to register when you join the meeting so that we can capture and share presenter and attendee contact info. This contact info will then be included in the meeting report.
Kibitzing with Colleagues: ​An Optional
Monday Morning Task Force Experience
After the Task Force Meetings - About 8:45 - ?
​At the conclusion of our regular Task Force meeting, you are invited to stay on line to Kibitz With Your Colleagues. This an informal gathering of Task Force members. ​There will be no agenda, no presentations, no ending time, just discussion, sharing and collaborating. ZOOM will remain open as long as people want to keep kibitzing. Come kibitz with us. 
Download Task Force Reports
​and ​Meeting Presentations​
May 9, 2022
  • May 9, 2022 meeting recording
  • May 9, 2022 Attendance List
  • May 9, 2022 Zoom Chat
  • May 9 Digital Access Resource Highlight:  Ryan Murray, the Deputy Director/Deputy State Chief Information Officer from AZ Department of Homeland Security
    As we provide connectivity and distribute devices, the Task Force has recognized that Cyber Security needs to be an important part of our Digital Inclusion Strategy. Ryan will provided an overview of Arizona’s new Cyber Command Center and we began a discussion on a strategy to address the cyber security needs associated with Digital Inclusion. The Cyber Command Center is Arizona's headquarters for coordinating statewide cybersecurity operations. The center will be a central location for cybersecurity professionals and local, state and federal agencies to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. It will provide an ideal location to enhance public-private partnerships to protect Arizonans against cyberthreats. 
    Contact: Cell: (602) 625-8279 | Email: [email protected]
  • May 9, 2022 ZOOM Transcript: (Note: Not edited-has many errors)
May 12, 2022  Ninth Annual Cybersecurity Summit presented by The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA)  
See Meeting Reports and Recordings
​from Previous Months Here
AZBSN Contact Info
Steve Peters, AZBSN and ​Task Force Coordinator
[email protected] ​Phone or Text: 520-321-1309
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Support The Task Force
As we begin a new year, we will be launching a Task Force Sponsorship Campaign. Find out how you can sign-on as a sponsor to enable continued coordination of the Task Force and implementation of our short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives. With your tax-deductible commitment you will have the opportunity to tell your story, showcase your organization, and connect with public and private Digital Access advocates in Arizona.

See Details Here
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Want To Connect With
​Task Force Colleagues?
​Link To Task Force Participant List
​The list includes only those who
​have completed our Google Form ​​
Are you Included? You could be!
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Enter Your contact info here
May 2, 2022 Digital Access ​
​Resource Highlight Presentation
Discussion – Arizona Cyber Security
Alliance For Digital Inclusion
Steve Peters, Coordinator, AZBSN Digital Access Task Force, and leader of Arizona Cyber Security Alliance created in 2003

Attend this meeting to join in the discussion about creating an Arizona Cyber Security Alliance For Digital Inclusion.

In the past few months the Task Force has recognized that as we provide connectivity, distribute devices, and provide training, Cyber Security needs to be an important part of our Digital Inclusion Strategy. All computer and communications systems, from the family home computer and those on desktops of small businesses and nonprofit organizations, to networks of large corporations, are vulnerable to rising information security threats.

On May 16 the Task Force will continue our discussion about cyber security for digital inclusion. In 2003 Steve led the development of a Arizona Cyber Security Alliance that may provide a starting point to create an Arizona Cyber Security Alliance For Digital Inclusion. We knew that many individuals, businesses and community organizations do not have basic protection such as virus protection and firewalls, much less security, business continuity and disaster recovery plans and policies. The statewide Cyber Security Alliance was created to help the Arizona community understand the rising security threats and develop strategies to reduce personal, customer and business risks. The Alliance was particularly targeting IT professionals and executives of small business and nonprofit organizations.

This broad-based public and private Alliance included large and small businesses, non-profits, law enforcement, government, and information technology and security professionals. We also coordinated with other Arizona business and security organizations.

Statewide Cyber Security Proposal: The Task Force developed a statewide Cyber Security plan and the azsecurity.org website. While the site is not live now, it is available on the “wayback machine” a website where you can find archived sites that are no longer live. See the azsecurity.org web site on the wayback machine here. I think we did a great job on that site if I do say so myself.
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Website and Interactive Map
​The Connect Arizona Website and Interactive Map provides user friendly access to free Wi-Fi hotspots and technical support resources in Arizona. The locations on this map include free public Wi-Fi hotspots at public libraries, schools, businesses and other sites, as well as broadband provider Wi-Fi capabilities made available to the public. The site also provides information on free and discounted resources to get connected and free technical support. Thousands of Arizona  citizens have taken advantage of this resource
Link 
Task Force Comprehensive Statewide
​Digital Access Strategy Report
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View/Download
​​In November 2020 the Task Force published a Comprehensive Statewide Digital Access Strategy Report that includes short and long term tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives to address the Internet and other digital access needs of all Arizona citizens.
​View our Events, Resources and Updates page to see the latest info about funding opportunities, important webinars and workshops, and other federal, state, local, community and nonprofit Internet and other digital access resources and initiatives.

Agenda, Support, Events & Announcements, About The Task Force

May 16, 2022 Agenda
Tentative Agenda - Record Meeting 
Task Force Info ​​
  • Thanks To Our Sponsors: Care1st Health Plan, Valley of The Sun United Way, Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, Kajeet and Triad Wireless
  • Welcome And Introductions Of New Collaborators
  • Meeting Schedule: May 16, 23. No meeting May 30-Memorial Day. 
    Task Force Networking event - TBD
  • Task Force Participant Database & Contacts - See Contact Link​
    Please take a couple of minutes to fill out the Google Form
  • Kibitzing With Colleagues 
  • FCC ACP Update
  • ​Federal and State Updates
  • ​Project Updates/Announcements
  • ​Digital Access Resource Presentation & Discussion – Arizona Cyber Security Alliance For Digital Inclusion
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Announcements Other Info and Updates​ 
           -- NTIA Hires First-Ever Digital Equity Director: Angela Thi Bennett will serve as the first-ever digital equity director at NTIA). This is the first-ever position in the federal government with “digital equity” in the job title. Starting March 28, Angela will be charged to direct the allocation of $2.75 billion from the Digital Equity Act and help develop guidelines for states to equitably use these funds.
​COVID-19 Task Force launching 2022 Sponsorship Campaign
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Updates and Digital Access
​Resource Presentation
Federal and State Updates
Arizona Commerce Authority
  • Jeff Sobotka, State Broadband Manager 
Arizona State Library, Archives and
​Public Records 
  • Mala Muralidharan, E-rate Administrator for
    Public Libraries
  • Holly Henley, State Librarian & Director of Library Services, Archives & Public Records
  • Nicole Umayam, Digital Inclusion
    Library Consultant   
Digital Inclusion Updates  Arizona Telemedicine Program 
  • ​Janet Major, Associate Director for
    ​Education & Facilities 
Arizona Department of Education
  • Sophia Sophia Braham (Maberry), Project Manager, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Milan Eaton, eRate Director
  • Kelly Krusee, Program Manager for the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning 
Arizona Corporation Commission
  •  Lea Marquez Peterson, Chair, 
Sun Corridor Network
  • Derek Masseth, Executive Director
Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA)
​and Final Mile Project​ 
  • Wes Brownfield, ARSA Executive Director 
  • Rory Conaway, CEO, Triad Wireless
  • Milan Eaton, eRate Director, Arizona Department of Education
Task Force Support Needed From You
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.​
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.
Events, Resources and updates
​View our Events, Resources and Updates page to see the latest info about funding opportunities, important webinars and workshops, and other federal, state, local, community and nonprofit Internet and other digital access resources and initiatives.
About The Task Force
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:
  • 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
Task Force Participation
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 
Charge To The Teams
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?
Teams
  • 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.
Note: Telemedicine and Public Safety: While the Task Force also has interest in Telemedicine and Public  Safety, the Arizona Telemedicine Program / Southwest Telehealth Resource Center and The Arizona Broadband Manager are leading an Arizona Telehealth Broadband Action Team, and Karen Ziegler, Public Safety Program Manager with the Arizona Department of Administration is also leading a Public Safety initiative so we will coordinate with, but not duplicate those efforts

Subcommittee Teams
  • Education
  • Libraries
  • Communities
  • Technology
  • Funding
Connect With ATIC

602-254-5887
​Email