The purpose of this brief is to raise awareness of the difficulties rural communities face when trying to address the device ownership issue. Rural areas are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to providing and supporting device ownership. This is a crucial piece of the internet use and digital equity puzzle. These rural-oriented difficulties are broken into three categories summarized as the “Three S’s:” Status Quo, Supply, and Support.
With the first round of FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) behind us and the resulting maps released, the January 13 challenge filing deadline – and ongoing reporting – looms ahead for broadband providers. Tammie Herrlein, Sr. Analyst and BDC Specialist at Vantage Point, will advise on immediate steps for challenges and amendments; provide an update on timelines to expect in the next few months; and offer clarity and guidance for the next round of BDC filing (and the one after that, and the one after that, and the one after that…).
Everyone in Michigan can benefit from affordable, reliable high-speed internet service, but more than 30% of Michiganders either don’t have access to, can’t afford, or are missing the skills and technology needed for an internet connection.
We’re getting ready to change that.
Michigan is poised to receive more than $1.75 billion from the federal government to expand high-speed internet service and achieve digital equity. Every region and every community in our state has unique needs when it comes to getting everyone connected. We need input from them all.
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