Karen Ziegler
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Digital Access Task Force Meeting
Monday May 8, 2023
New Meeting Time 3:00 -4:15 p.m.
We will begin promptly ​@ 3:00 pm
Kibitzing with Colleagues 4:15-? ​See Details Below.
Please engage by video rather that just audio
so that we can ​also share our screens with you.
Meeting Schedule 
Meeting Schedule: May 1, 8, 15, 22.
​No Meeting May 29 Memorial Day
​​Zoom login 
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 Afternoon Task Force Experience
After the Task Force Meetings - About 4:15 - ?
​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 1 Meeting Recap
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 May 1, 2023 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. 
  • May 1 Meeting Summary
  • May 1, 2023 Zoom meeting recording
  • May 1, 2023 meeting Registration List
  • May 1, 2023 Zoom meeting Chat
  • May 1, 2023 Zoom Transcript​ This 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. Pretty awesome.​​​​
See the May 1 Meeting Summary, as well as
​Meeting Reports and Recordings ​from Previous Months, Here
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Support The Task Force
We are 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.

​Steve Peters, AZBSN and ​Task Force Coordinator
aticarizona@gmail.com ​Phone or Text: 520-321-1309
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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 8, 2023
Digital Inclusion Presentation/Discussion
Gila River Telecommunications Digital Connect Initiative and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a digital inclusion study for a Digital Equity Plan for the Gila River Indian Community. 
​Mikhail Sundust, Executive Director
Digital Connect® is seeking responses to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a digital inclusion study that will culminate in the creation of a Digital Equity Plan for the Gila River Indian Community. The scope of work includes asset mapping, conducting a needs inventory, gap analysis, and community engagement.​

​Mikhail will provide a brief overview of the RFQ and the plans for the Digital Equity Plan they will be developing. He will also provide and update on the great work that the Digital Connect Initiative is doing. DCI, a nonprofit organization created by Gila River Telecommunications, is a Collaborative Work to help disenfranchised individuals and communities use digital communications technologies to CONNECT with each other, with creative expressions of language, history, and culture, and with greater vocational, economic, and social opportunities. DCI addresses many urgent needs within the Gila River Indian Community, and other indigenous, underserved, and disenfranchised communities to support: Bridging the Digital Divide; Digital Literacy; Digital Heritage Preservation; Diversity In High Tech Industries; Telehealth & Telemedicine; STEA⁴M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Architecture, Agriculture, Astronomy and Mathematics).

Contact: Mikhail Sundust, Executive Director, Digital Connect Initiative, msundust@gilarivertel.com, Mobile (520) 610-1879 www.digitalconnect.org
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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 
AZBSN Contact Info
Steve Peters, AZBSN and ​Task Force Coordinator
aticarizona@gmail.com ​Phone or Text: 520-321-1309
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.

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

May 8, 2023 Agenda
Tentative Agenda - Record Meeting 
  • Thanks To Our Sponsors: Care1st Health Plan, Valley of The Sun United Way, Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association, Kajeet, Triad Wireless and Karen Ziegler Consulting Services​
  • Welcome And Introductions Of New Collaborators
  • ​​Task Force Participant Database & Contacts - See Contact Link. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out the Google Form
  • Kibitzing With Colleagues
  • Zoom Transcript​ Change The Transcript 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. Pretty awesome. 
  • Welcome Judy Poe, Director of the Sedona Public Library
  • AZBSN/ATIC Website Update Status -Kirk Busch
  • Updates BEAD and Digital Inclusion Planning (if available): ​
    --- Sandip Bhowmick Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director, Arizona Broadband Office
    --- Nicole Umayam, Federal Program Officer, NTIA Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) for Arizona
    --- Erin Carr-Jordan, Executive Director, Digital Equity Institute and/or Alycia de Mesa Assistant Director​, Digital Equity Institute
    --- Cindy Hogan. Arizona Broadband Office Digital Equity 
    ​    Program Manager
  • ​​May 9 FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will visit Phoenix to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Her visit includes a 10:00 a.m. press conference with Phoenix Mayor Mayor Kate Gallego followed at 10:30 by an ACP train-the-trainer session about the program and application process provided by the FCC Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division with the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau. The sessions will take place at the Burton Barr Central Library
  • Update: AZBSN Medicaid & ACP Sign-up Collaborative Campaigns: As you may know, AZBSN has begun a discussion with the FCC, the Arizona Access Program, the State Library, our other affiliated organizations, and other health care organizations regarding collaboration on Medicaid & ACP Sign-up Campaigns.  Erin and Mauricio
  • May 8, 2023 AZBSN Digital Inclusion Presentation/Discussion: ​Mikhail Sundust, Executive Director Gila River Telecommunications Digital Connect Initiative and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a digital inclusion study for a Digital Equity Plan for the Gila River Indian Community.
  • Legislative Update - John Kelly
  • On May 3 the FCC launched new ACP Application Landing Page at GetInternet.gov. AffordableConnectivity.gov will continue to exist as a resource for consumers and digital navigators and contain more detailed information about the Affordable Connectivity Program 
  • The ADE Office of Digital Teaching & Learning launched the 2023 IT Capacity Assessment Tool provides resources to further develop IT and EdTech departments. Resources in the assessment include policies, procedures and templates from professional organizations, state agencies and schools in Arizona.
  • ​ADE Office of Digital Teaching & Learning K-12 Learning Technologies Mentorship Program. Two school districts in Arizona, Peoria Unified School District and Tucson Unified School District, are sharing their experience and knowledge of select learning technologies with interested schools as part of a new mentorship program. 
  • On April 27 – 28, 2023 the National Collaborative of Digital Equity hosted the National Summit on State Planning for Digital Equity and Economic Inclusion: Moving the Dials on Poverty. Among the many topics was information about CRA or Community Reinvestment Act funding digital equity and/or economic inclusion. The proceedings of that conference are now available online.
  • ​Possible Foundation Funding from Tucson Foundation
  • Updates Arizona  FCC ACP Outreach Grant Recipients
  • Additional  ​Federal and State Updates
  • ​Project Updates/Announcements​ 
  • Upcoming Events​ ​Announcements

    --- May 9, 2023 free Statewide Healthcare & Transportation Technology Summit Age Friendly Arizona and Northern Arizona Council of Governments were selected to host a free statewide technology summit with the National Center for Applied Transit Technology (N-CATT). This summit aims to help healthcare and transportation providers in Arizona identify and support technology projects to improve access to healthcare. You are invited to join us in a workshop on May 9th in downtown Phoenix.  Topics for the workshop include: 1) Development of Healthcare and Transportation Statewide Taskforce, 2) Telemedicine Hubs supported by Healthcare Navigators in rural AZ; 3) Healthcare and Transportation communication Platforms; 4) Identifying new areas where technology can support healthcare access. Contact Tod Morris, NACOG Transportation Planner, tmorris@nacog.org More info - Age Friendly Arizona Website Download Flier Here 

    --- May 09 K12 Leadership Ransomware Tabletop Simulation Phoenix 12:00pm - 3:00pm
    Join Rubrik, Arizona Technology in Education Association, AZ Department of Homeland Security, AZ Department of Education, and your K12 peers for a fully immersive tabletop exercise to experience a ransomware attack firsthand and work with pros to strategize real-world solutions. Information and Registration

    --- May 11, 2023 10th annual Arizona Technology Council Cybersecurity Summit: The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA) are excited to host the tenth annual Cybersecurity Summit on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Cybersecurity Summit provides an opportunity for government and business leaders to learn about the threats, vulnerabilities and consequences related to data security and privacy matters. Join these great Arizona organizations for this educational summit that provides actionable solutions, as numerous AZTC and ACTRA member organizations showcase their available resources, products and services geared toward helping protect your intellectual property and customer data. There will be panel discussions, a keynote speaker, sponsors and other exceptional presentations. Information and Registrations 

    --- May 18, 2023 ASU Enterprise Technology Trusted Learner Network (TLN) Unconference “Charting the Horizon” ASU Enterprise Technology will hold their fourth annual Trusted Learner Network (TLN) Unconference with the theme of “Charting the Horizon” at Thunderbird Global Forum in Phoenix. Details & free registration at https://specialevents.asu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=722382 

    --- June 7 Building for Digital Equity B4DE - Community Networks/ Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR) 
    12:00 pm  AZ – 3:00 pm ET 
    Info and Registration 
    B4DE is virtual gathering aimed at advancing digital equity in communities across the country. Building on the success of our previous events, we are excited to present new data tools and strategies to simplify complicated issues, with a focus on fostering meaningful action and advocacy. Like B4DE in the past, this event will be cohosted by Pamela Rosales, from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), and Christopher Mitchell, from the Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR). Which means this event will be fun, with informative presentations and a series of interactive trivia games. This occasion will also feature audience engaged debates on important topics, such as the upcoming release of BEAD dollars and the challenges we’re facing with mapping. The debates will be light and respectful, highlighting both sides and allowing participants to determine what resonates with them. The event will focus on both urban and rural perspectives. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference. Register now and join us for the Building for Building for Digital Equity Event #B4DE: The Prequel. The livestream will be available (and later archived) on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, with live viewer questions answered by the panels. We recommend viewing it on YouTube where the live chat will be most lively. Other questions can be posed using the #B4DE hash tag on Twitter. Info and Registration
  • Funding  Opportunities
  • --- Reminder: Check out the The Arizona Economic Recovery Center Grants Resources: The Center aims to enable more Arizona cities, towns, counties and nonprofits to win competitive grants. An initiative of Local First Arizona, The Center provides pro bono resources to qualifying entities that can increase community capacity, improve collaboration, and assist with managing grant-related projects.
  • ​Announcements Other Info and Updates​      
​COVID-19 Task Force  2022 Sponsorship Campaign
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Additional Federal and State Updates
Arizona State Library, Archives and ​Public Records 
  • Mala Muralidharan, E-rate Administrator for
    Public Libraries
  • Telehealth and Libraries - Mala and Janet Major
  • Erin Lorandos, Digital Inclusion Library Consultant 
  • Holly Henley, State Librarian & Director of Library Services, Archives & Public Records   
Arizona Telemedicine Program 
  • ​Janet Major, Associate Director for Innovation & Digital Health, Arizona Telemedicine Program & Southwest Telehealth Resource Center
Arizona Department of Education
  • Phillip Seng, IT Project Manager: Office of Digital Teaching and Learning
  • Karina Jones, Deputy Associate Superintendent
    IT Program Engagement
  • ​Milan Eaton, eRate Director 
Digital Inclusion Updates 

​Sun Corridor Network
  • Derek Masseth, Executive Director
  • Laura Etter, Deputy Director
Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) ​and Final Mile Project
  • ​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 we need to refresh the Task Force  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