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June 2021 Newsletter |
June 8, 2021 |
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5G Could be a Game Changer for Agriculture in Colorado
5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks that is currently being deployed around Colorado. What does the upgrade to 5G mean for Colorado agriculture? Recent research shows 5G makes it possible to plant, grow and harvest a crop autonomously using robotics, drones and sensors.
Using ultrafast 5G in Colorado farming has tremendous potential and is only beginning to be applied in Colorado. There are several efficiencies that can be gained through 5G, including the concept of precision agriculture. By applying precise treatments to crops, instead of treating an entire field the same, farmers can give each row exactly what it needs. [source]
Farmers can also benefit by collecting large amounts of data about their crops. 5G-enabled sensors could help better produce crops, measuring if soil needs watering or plants are getting too much sun. 5G can be used to modernize crop management and improve agricultural productivity. Sensors can be used to monitor insects or track livestock. Streaming high-quality video over mobile connections could help farmers and ranchers analyze crops remotely in ways that weren’t possible with earlier generations of cellular technology.
Ultimately, the same advantages that 5G broadband cellular networks will provide to the Internet of Things (IoT) economy will enhance Colorado’s agricultural economy.
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Broadband Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 15 at 11 a.m.
This month’s meeting will feature a presentation from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), focusing on where broadband and OEDIT’s efforts coincide. Visit the Broadband Advisory Board page on our website for the agenda, public comment policy and information on future meetings.
We need your feedback about the Broadband Advisory Board
The Board has created a short survey to gather public feedback on its role, meeting topics, and the Board’s composition and representation. This survey is anonymous and results will be shared during the July meeting. Take the survey before July 19
June Lunch & Learn: Arcadian Infracom
Tuesday, June 22 at Noon
Our next Lunch & Learn will feature Arcadian, founded in 2018 by telecom industry veterans. Arcadian Infracom designs, builds and operates high-capacity, long-haul fiber optic cable routes in the U.S. They purposefully route fiber backbones away from existing fiber routes and route them through remote and tribal communities, creating both business and social value for these communities. Arcadian will present its plans to run fiber from the southwest corner of the state, through rural Colorado to Denver. Come see how this fiber run will impact many parts of rural Colorado.
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Our biannual data collection begins Tuesday, July 6, with submissions due by September 3. Broadband providers are encouraged to review our data submission guidelines in preparation for the upcoming data cycle and to contact us with any questions.
Join the Broadband Fund staff for a series of stakeholder meetings this month to discuss the grant cycle and policies in preparation for the Summer 2021 Grant Cycle. The application deadline for this grant cycle is Thursday, July 15. For more information about this grant cycle, view the slides and recording of the "Introducing the Grant Cycle Webinar."
Visit the Broadband Fund website for information on each meeting:
- June 11 at 9:30 a.m.: The Grant Cycle
- June 18 at 9:30 a.m.: Award Policy
- June 25 at 9:30 a.m.: Appeal Policy
- June 30 at 9:30 a.m.: Right of First Refusal Policy
The Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI) partnered with Prime Health to create a survey to gain more insight into telehealth usage throughout Colorado, which will inform the creation of strategies and recommendations for a statewide telehealth infrastructure. Please help us get the word out to health providers throughout the state to ensure that all health providers’ voices are heard and that their patients are represented in the survey’s data. Three participants will win a $100 VISA gift card!
The Office of the Future of Work (OFOW) has partnered with Mile High United Way 2-1-1 to update digital inclusion resources in their database. If your organization provides the following services, please use this form to ensure that your organization is listed:
- access to technology (for loan or ownership),
- access to the internet (in-home or at public access sites), or
- access to digital skill development resources.
The federal government has passed a number of relief packages that include funding for broadband programs through the FCC, U.S. Department of Treasury, 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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FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction winners must submit proof of their designation as an Eligible Telecommunication Carrier (ETC) to the FCC by June 7.
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NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) applications are due August 17.On May 19, the NTIA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) to be awarded to partnerships between a state, or political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service. The NOFO provides detailed program guidance for the $288 million dollar grant program. Submit applications at www.grants.gov. Awards are anticipated by Nov. 15. Additional Resources: NTIA BIP FAQs.
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NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program applications are due September 1. On June 3, the NTIA released the NOFO for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) to expand broadband access and adoption on Tribal land. Grants will be made available to eligible Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities for broadband deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth and distance learning. Additional Resources: NTIA TBCP Fact Sheet, and TBCP webinars to be held on June 16 and 17.
Federal Program Updates
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U.S. Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds’ Interim Final Rules (IFR) made $350 billion in emergency funding available on May 10, 2021, for eligible recipients to make necessary investments that provide unserved or underserved locations with new or expanded broadband access. If you have questions about the IFR, or if you want to respond to questions in the IFR, email SLFRP@treasury.gov.
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The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, which provides a temporary discount of $50-75 on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households, opened for enrollment on May 12. Since then, over 1 million eligible U.S. households have enrolled, and over 900 broadband providers are participating in the program. Eligible households can continue to enroll at GetEmergencyBroadband.org. The USAC debuted the EBB Program Enrollments and Claims Tracker on June 7. The dashboard contains information related to nationwide and state-specific enrollment figures, and also reports the amount of program funds disbursed. Additional Resources: EBB Outreach Toolkit and list of Colorado EBB Providers.
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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 issued an R&O on May 11, establishing rules for the ECF program. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will administer the program and is expected to open an initial 45-day filing window soon.
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