Government Technology
Can Dig-Once Policies Hasten the Close of the Digital Divide?
As local areas and states keep slugging away at the digital divide, time and money may separate the winners from the losers in the broadband infrastructure game. One potential way to save time and money is through a “dig-once” approach, which refers to the idea of minimizing the number and scale of excavations when installing telecommunications infrastructure in highway rights-of-way. If a dig-once policy can make so much sense, why isn’t everyone doing it?
Op-ed: The American Rescue Plan presents schools with some high-stakes opportunities to make lasting changes in education tech (Government Technology)
Submitted by benton on Mon, 04/12/2021 - 16:35States Push for Broadband as American Jobs Plan Gains Steam
An infusion of federal money to expand broadband throughout the country could soon be headed to communities in need if Congress passes President Joe Biden’s $100 billion Internet plan. The question is what do states do until then? Several states have already crafted legislation to address the digital divide. For example, Kentucky's recently approved House Bill 320 will allocate $250 million toward expanding broadband throughout the state.
Op-Ed | The DOTGOV Act: Local Cybersecurity a National Imperative (Government Technology)
Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Mon, 04/05/2021 - 18:12North Carolina Unveils Template for Digital Inclusion Plans
North Carolina’s Broadband Infrastructure Office released its Digital Inclusion Plan Template and Guide to help local governments create plans for closing the state's digital divide. The guide is a reference for municipalities to design their own plans for managing their tech and infrastructural needs and assets.
A Q&A with Peggy Schaffer, Executive Director of ConnectMaine (Government Technology)
Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Fri, 03/12/2021 - 14:08Can California’s Net Neutrality Law Make a Fairer Internet?
What might happen on the local level in California if its net neutrality law indeed becomes enforceable? Matt Wood, vice president of policy and general counsel for Free Press, said California’s law would “give a forum” to local complaints, which may or may not translate to violations.
Arkansas Opens the Door for Municipal Broadband Networks
Gov Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) has approved a bill that allows municipalities to go into the broadband business. The bill, which amends the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013, was signed on Feb 4. Under the new law, local governments "may acquire, construct, furnish, equip, own, operate, sell, convey, lease, rent, let, assign, dispose of, contract for or otherwise deal in facilities and apparatus for" broadband services.