Upcoming event
The USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to announce that it is accepting applications for fiscal year 2022 (FY 22) for the Rural eConnectivity Program (the ReConnect Program). In addition, this FOA defines requirements that are determined at the time a funding announcement is published, as outlined in the regulation.
This webinar will include:
During this webinar, USAC will provide a high-level overview of the application process from beginning to end and explain basic program concepts for applicants and service providers. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-rate experience level: Beginner
During this webinar, USAC will provide a basic overview of E-rate eligible services. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A session.
Recommended for: Applicants and service providers
E-rate experience level: Beginner
In this session, USAC will present an overview of the E-rate program. This session will cover general topics, such as the application process, the competitive bidding requirements, important program terms, eligibility, and program discounts. Additionally, we will review specific items of interest to Tribal participants, including the Tribal designation box in the EPC entity profile, and State/Tribal matching funds.
Questions or Comments: Email tribaltraining@usac.org
Cyberattacks on schools, libraries, and other anchor institutions are persistent, escalating at a substantial cost to budgets, privacy, and operations. Estimates suggest that cyberattacks cost schools and colleges an average seven days of downtime and financial losses exceeding $6 billion. Unfortunately, the federal E-rate program does not cover cybersecurity expenses. In this webinar, experts from education and the industry will explore ways that the policy environment could better support cyber protections for anchor institution broadband.
Speakers
An online workshop to provide information about the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection program and technical assistance on the procedures that Tribes will use to submit primary broadband availability data. The FCC is currently implementing new methods and systems to collect and publish nationwide broadband availability data.
Panel 1 — Lessons from the Ground
Panel 1 will examine first-hand accounts from public safety and communications industry stakeholders responding to disasters with the goal of exploring what works, what doesn’t, and what lessons can we learn from their experiences.
- Janet Britton - General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Human Resources, EATEL
- Jeff Johnson - Chief Executive, Western Fire Chiefs
- Polly Prince Johnson - President and CEO, Louisiana Association of Broadcasters
Too many rural Americans still lack access to reliable, high-speed broadband. While recent public and private investments in broadband will play a significant role in helping bridge our country’s digital divide, we must now ensure that these funds are used most efficiently and effectively to bring connectivity to our rural friends and neighbors. The online panel will discuss current obstacles to broadband deployment – such as the pole access process – and steps we can take today to help accelerate broadband access for rural and unserved communities.
From Washington to State Capitals to Wall Street, broadband connectivity and the drive toward universal connectivity is front and center.
As Congress wraps the infrastructure bill and prepares billions for state capitals to deploy high-speed broadband, USTelecom’s 2021 Broadband Investment Forum takes a look at what comes next for American connectivity with national and state policymakers, broadband CEOs and financial analysts.