NTCA

An oft-invoked pun in broadband policy circles is the exhortation to support a fiber-rich diet. But data indicate that actual dietary benefits may arise out of strong broadband connections. Several inquiries have explored the role of internet connectivity in resolving the adverse impacts of “food deserts,” namely, areas in which there is low availability of healthy foods. The underlying theory is that internet connectivity may enable users to identify retail sources of healthful foods more easily or to even order those foods online.

When Jase Wilson with Broadband Money reached out to share that he was convening a gathering of broadband leaders in Florida to have some off-the-record conversations about funding, state activity, challenges, and opportunities and asked me to be around the table, it was hard to say no. From state broadband office leaders to community leaders to a few policymakers and interested parties, the conversations were fast-paced and ran the gamut from technology to deployment to sustainability of networks to the role that anchor institutions play in the mix. We also all committed to Chatham House r

One year after launching the Certified Gig-Capable Provider program to build awareness of community-based broadband providers delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has recognized 77 companies as Certified Gig-Capable Providers. The certified companies serve a total of 491 locations in rural areas across 24 states.

The certification program launched in July 2015 was developed to highlight NTCA member companies that are delivering Internet speeds of up to 100 times faster than those currently available in many US households. This spring, NTCA introduced an interactive map that highlights the companies that have received certification. To achieve certification, companies must show that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges, and that such service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities.