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Monday October 26, 2020
Digital Access Task Force Meeting

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  October 19, 26 

​ Zoom Meeting ID 934 9733 3154
Join the Meeting Password AZBSN
Phone : 669 900 6833 - Enter Meeting ID
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Contact Info
Steve Peters, AZBSN and Task Force Coordinator
aticarizona@gmail.com Phone or Text: 520-321-1309

Download Files

Task Force Reports and Other Presentations
Oct 19 2020 COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force Meeting Report.pdf
File Size: 261 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
COVID-19 Task Force Report & Recommendations Draft v03d 10-21-20.pdf
File Size: 2696 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
County Supervisors Coalition Summit Resolutions 10-22-2020.pdf
File Size: 416 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Kajeet Connectednow2020.pdf
File Size: 854 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
T-mobile Project 10million Pitch Deck v2 10-19-20.pptx
File Size: 11452 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File
Task Force Recommendations and Report
​The Draft is Here
As you know, we have been working on finalizing the Task Force’s Report and Recommendations. Yes, it has taken longer than hoped, but is also more expansive than originally planned. Please note that this document is 56 pages, so grab a cup of coffee, settle into a comfortable chair and have at it. 

As you may know, our partner Insight has offered to transform the report into an awesome presentation. In the meantime, you will find the most recent draft below for your review. 
COVID-19 Task Force Report & Recommendations Draft v03d 10-21-20.pdf
File Size: 2696 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Agenda and About The Task Force

  • About COVID Task Force
  • October 26 Meeting Agenda
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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:
  • 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
Tentative Agenda
  1. Welcome and Introductions
  2. Meeting Schedule: October 19, 26
  3. Task Force Recommendations Report Update and Creating Task Force Marketing Committee
  4. Task Force Participant Survey
  5. Task Force Planning - Recommendations Implementation
  6. Federal and State Updates: Jeff Sobotka, State Broadband Manager; Mala Muralidharan, E-rate Administrator for Public Libraries Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Janet Major, Associate Director for Education & Facilities with the Arizona Telemedicine Program; Sophia Maberry, Project Manager, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Arizona Department of Education; Lea Marquez Peterson, Arizona Corporation Commission; Derek Masseth, Executive Director, Sun Corridor Network
  7. Quick Recap: Arizona County Supervisors Association Summit Broadband Resolution: A Resolution of the County Supervisors Association of Arizona Urging State Leaders to Leverage Federal Resources, Regional and Tribal Partnerships to Complete Critical First Mile and Middle Mile Infrastructure Necessary for Statewide Access to Broadband. Includes establish Smart Highway Corridors to create first mile and middle mile broadband infrastructure across Arizona and, Increase ongoing state investment and leverage further federal funding for expanded access to quality, reliable, and affordable broadband in rural Arizona.
  8. ​Digital Access Resource Highlight - Kajeet - Educators, administrators, and organizations from startups to Fortune 500 companies turn to Kajeet to connect, control, and deploy their wireless solutions quickly and easily. Whether it’s enabling digital access to ensure students’ success, empowering companies to connect and manage devices in the field, or offering the support and platform needed to launch a mobile solution, Kajeet makes powerful wireless solutions easy. Karen Beshak, Regional Sales Director (916) 221-8124 kbeshak@kajeet.com and Bill Stribrny, Vice President, Sales & Account Management, (610) 659-0048 bstribrny@kajeet.com 
  9. Interested in presenting? Send me an email or call Steve 520-321-1309, email
  10. Connect AZ Portal improving access to free WiFi, technical support, how to get connected.  - Ilana Lowery, Common Sense; Mala Muralidharan and Nicole Umayam , Arizona State Library; Tracey Beal, School Connects​​
  11. Announcements ​
  12. Sponsorships​
Links

Webinars

$3.3 million dollars in federal Relief Funding was allocated to extend WiFi access in PHX.
This includes the purchase of 800 tablets w/ built-in hotspots for families in city public housing w/ school-age children. It will also extend WiFi access at more city facilities.

Broadband Funding For Gila County Schools
This week, the AZ Broadband for Education Initiative received approval on their project to bring fiber optics to all schools within Gila County. 
Federal And Arizona Updates and Resources
See the Resources page on this web site for Federal and Arizona announcements, updates, initiatives and resources.