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| May 2021 Newsletter |
May 11, 2021 |
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What the American Jobs Plan could mean for broadband in Colorado
On April 28, President Biden announced the American Jobs Plan, which would include a $100 billion investment toward ensuring everyone in the U.S. has access to affordable broadband internet service. For Colorado, this means addressing gaps in the digital divide (see the American Jobs Plan Colorado Fact Sheet). According to the White House, 12.1% of Coloradans live in areas where, by one definition, there is no broadband infrastructure that provides minimally acceptable speeds. That represents a large percentage of our state where people are significantly disadvantaged by not having quality broadband.
In addition, the White House cites that 38.1% of Coloradans live in areas with only one internet service provider (ISP). This lack of competition results in many disparities between those who have broadband and those who do not, and inevitably results in higher broadband costs for Coloradans.
If the Plan passes as proposed, the infrastructure investments will make a once-in-a-lifetime impact on Colorado. When it comes to broadband, the State’s share of the funds could be used to directly address areas where there is either no broadband or unacceptable speeds and incentivize ISPs to generate more competition, potentially lowering costs for Coloradans.
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Broadband Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 18 at 11 a.m.
This month’s meeting will focus on the Board's annual report, featuring a brainstorming session for the board and public to provide input on what the board’s focus should be in the coming year. After the meeting, we will post a survey on our website asking for input about the board itself and how we can improve. Visit the Broadband Advisory Board page on our website for the agenda, public comment policy and information on future meetings.
May Lunch & Learn: Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Tuesday, May 25 at Noon
The monthly Lunch & Learn webinar will feature Greg Winkler from DOLA speaking to the work they are doing to support local governments’ efforts to improve broadband service for constituents while driving community and economic development.
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The Subcommittee on Digital Literacy and Inclusion is an ongoing committee with three working groups to discuss, research and analyze digital literacy and inclusion to then provide regular updates to the Broadband Advisory Board. The Subcommittee’s goal is to ensure every Coloradan has digital skills for work, learning and daily life, as well as access to technology, connectivity and equipment to meet their needs.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Eligible households can enroll in the program beginning May 12. Visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org to find out if your household qualifies and learn how to apply.
Additional Resources
On May 10, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial and Tribal governments. Funding may be used to make necessary investments that provide unserved or underserved locations with new or expanded broadband access. Broadband infrastructure investments should:
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Focus on households and businesses without access to broadband and those with connections that do not provide minimally acceptable speeds (defined as 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload)
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Fund projects that deliver reliable service with minimum 100 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload speeds unless impracticable
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Complement broadband investments made through the Capital Projects Fund
The Federal government has passed a number of relief packages that include funding for broadband programs through the FCC, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Recent developments are highlighted below; please visit our website for summaries and updates on the various programs and funding opportunities.
Upcoming Deadlines
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USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grants support remote access to education, training and health care in rural areas. The application window closes June 4. The USDA will commit over $44.5 million in this round.
- The USDA will hold a regional DLT webinar on Wednesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. MT. Register here.
Federal Program Updates
- The NTIA will make over $1.5 billion available through three new grant programs: the Broadband Infrastructure Program, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and the Connecting Minority Communities Program. The NTIA continues the series of webinars focused on these new grant programs (past webinar recordings are also available). The NTIA is soliciting experts to evaluate grant proposals for these programs. To volunteer as a reviewer, visit the NTIA website. Notices of funding opportunity (NOFO) for these new programs are expected soon.
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Broadband Data Collection: The FCC is in the process of updating its current broadband maps with more detailed and precise information on the availability of fixed and mobile broadband services. On April 12, the FCC issued a press release asking the public to use its speed test app.
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FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program is a $249 million program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients at their homes or mobile locations. The Round 2 application window closed on May 6, 2021.
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FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is a $7.2 billion program to close the connectivity gap, helping schools and libraries provide devices and connectivity to students, school staff and library patrons during the pandemic. The FCC took comments in April and issued a draft Report & Order (R&O) on May 3, that would, if adopted, establish the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program.
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USDA ReConnect Grant and Loan Program: Approximately $1 billion in last-mile broadband funding will be made available in late summer 2021, incorporating suggested program improvements filed by interested parties in late April. View the webinar recording from March for an in-depth overview of the ReConnect program.
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