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AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force
​Report and Recommendations

Contact
Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network
COVID-19 Digital Access Network
Steve Peters, Coordinator
​520-321-1309 [email protected]

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Phoenix, Arizona November 2, 2020

In response to the dramatic increase in demand for digital access due to COVID-19, AZBSN, led by the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC) and the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership (GAZEL) organization, established the COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force. When the Task Force was created, the initial focus was on Internet access, but it soon became clear that we needed to address Digital Access, not just Internet access.

The AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force published a comprehensive Digital Access report  presenting a statewide Digital Access Strategy including tactical and strategic recommendations and initiatives for action. The report addresses the digital access needs of all Arizona citizens, including students, parents, teachers, seniors, library patrons and the general public, especially those citizens in tribal, rural and other underserved communities and low-income neighborhoods in Arizona. 

The strategy is designed to provide equitable digital inclusion services and resources for schools, universities, community colleges, homes, libraries, healthcare facilities, businesses and communities, to support education, healthcare, community services and economic development and more.

The intended audience is public and private policy and decision-makers representing anyone who has the responsibility and authority to serve all Arizona citizens and to ensure their safety and quality of life during this trying period:

• State and Local Government
• Business and Industry
• Rural Communities
• Economic Development
• Education, Healthcare, Public Safety, Libraries
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Telecommunications and Technology Companies

This report is submitted on behalf of the more than 60 public and private digital access advocates participating in the statewide Task Force. 

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What Is Digital Access?

​Digital access is more than just access to fast affordable and reliable Broadband Internet access.

​While we need to get everyone connected, many Arizona citizens don’t have access to other digital  access requirements including affordable devices such as computers, smartphones and home hotspots; skills and technical support to enable them to use the devices, the Internet and applications effectively; digital literacy and web literacy skills; and access to digital content, applications and other resources.

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What's In The Report

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
• About the AZBSN TaskForce
• Why This is Important -Unprecedented Demand for Digital Access
• Digital Access Needs and Issues
• Understanding Broadband Infrastructure Deployment - Issues, Challenges and Solutions
• State of Arizona Broadband and Other Digital Access Initiatives
• AZBSN Task Force Recommendations and Call to Action

Appendices

• Appendix A - State and Community Broadband Business Models
• Appendix B - Broadband Connectivity Technology and Trends
• Appendix C - Tracking Broadband Legislation, Policy and Initiatives Nationally and in Other States
• Appendix D - Arizona Broadband Grants, Pandemic Response and Recovery Resources
• Appendix E - Arizona Broadband Initiatives Recap 2010-2019

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The Report Includes

• A concise introduction to Internet and Digital Inclusion/Digital Equity, including challenges and requirements
• An overview of some of the key Internet infrastructure and Digital Access initiatives and resources available, planned and underway in Arizona
• Recommendations to address Internet access, other Digital Inclusion/Digital Equity requirements, and the role of the State in providing Broadband and Digital Inclusion Leadership, Coordination, Planning and Funding
• An overview of Broadband Connectivity Technology & Trends, including decision factors regarding new and innovative technologies such as satellite, mesh networks, Wi-Fi 6E, CBRS, White Space Wireless and 5G that, with collaboration ​and effective and innovative community planning, can be deployed relatively rapidly and inexpensively to provide free or affordable Internet access
• An explanation of Middle Mile and Last Mile Broadband Infrastructure, including policy and deployment issues and challenges
• A discussion of Business Model options for State & Local Community Broadband Network Ownership and Public-Private Partnerships (P3).
• Tracking Broadband Legislation, Policy and Initiatives Nationally and in Other States
• A compendium of Arizona Broadband Grants, Pandemic Response and Recovery Resources
• An Arizona Broadband Initiatives visual recap 2010-2019​

Recommendations at a Glance

The report includes recommendations in the following areas: 

• Technology and Infrastructure
• State and Community Digital Access Planning
• Funding and Resources Support Strategies
• State Broadband and Digital Inclusion Leadership, Policy and Regulation
• Technical Support and Professional Development for Education and the Community
• Public Access to Digital Resources
• Educational Digital Content and Resource Sharing
• Safe Operations of Schools, Libraries and Public Spaces in the COVID-19 Environment​

AZBSN COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force Stakeholders

The Task Force has engaged public and private leaders and industry experts to share information and collaborate on recommendations and critical digital access initiatives for the State. 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, Technology Companies ​​
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While there are many more partners that deserve recognition, the following is a representative list of our Task Force participants:

• The State Broadband Director with the Arizona Commerce Authority
• A Commissioner with the Arizona Corporation Commission
• The Executive Director of the Sun Corridor Network (a statewide network connecting the 3 state universities to Internet 2)
• The Arizona Broadband Stakeholder
  Network Coordinator
• The E-rate Administrator for Public Libraries, and the State Librarian of the Arizona State Library
• The Arizona Director, Common Sense Media
• Special Assistant to the Superintendent, Arizona Department of Education
• The CIO, City of Tucson
• The Community Engagement Manager, Care1st
  Arizona Health Plan
• A Policy Analyst at Pima Association of Governments
• The Cradle to Career Partnership, Impact & Improvement Director at the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona ​
• The Vice President, Information Management and Technology Services, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. | 

• A Principal with Triadvocates
• The Executive Director of the Arizona Technology In Education Association
• The Associate Director for Education & Facilities with the Arizona Telemedicine Program
• The Chair of the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council
• The Executive Director of the Western Arizona Economic Development District
• The Director of Business & Education Partnerships, Pima County Superintendent of Schools Office
• The Executive Director, School Connects
• The President, Satellite Broadcasting and
  ​Communications Association 
• An Enterprise Services Solution Sales Executive, Insight
•  The CEO of BigData Southwest and Co Chair the IoT Committee of the Arizona Technology Council 
• Internet service providers
• Others representing citizen, provider  and community interests ​

Participation Is Encouraged by All

Stay Connected!

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Contact

Steve Peters, Coordinator
Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network
Covide-19 Digital Access Network
Steve Peters, Coordinator
​Phone and Text520-321-1309
​[email protected]