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The CBO is collecting information and stakeholder input in preparation for a state-managed grant program that will deploy the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). A vital piece of information for achieving digital equity is information on the current broadband infrastructure throughout the state. This will help the CBO and stakeholders identify critical needs for broadband throughout our state’s vast and unique terrain. More information on CPF working groups can be found here.
Additionally, the CBO recently wrapped up a series of in-person and virtual meetings held with vital stakeholders in broadband expansion, including local governments, libraries, schools, healthcare facilities, correctional facilities and local businesses to hear the needs across Colorado in preparation for a CPF grant program.
Guidance will be provided by the CBO on how to approach the application process; the need for partnerships amongst community groups, government and businesses; and the prioritization of fiber projects, which provide the fastest broadband connections possible.
The grant process is expected to open at the beginning of 2023.
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Stephen Gould
Senior Grants Specialist, Broadband Deployment Board
Colorado Broadband Office
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Tell us about your role at the CBO.
“My role is to provide expertise in grant-making by utilizing my years of experience to help close the digital divide for Coloradans through the CBO and its team of professionals. I am driven by seeing my efforts come to fruition through hard work, knowledge and providing the best customer service experience for both internal and external clients. The role of working with grants meets technology is the perfect environment that I can flourish in.”
How did you get here?
“I have been a part of the Broadband Fund since March 2020 and moved under the umbrella of the CBO in July 2021. Prior to that, I worked as Grants Analyst at The California Endowment, a private foundation in downtown Los Angeles. When searching for a new job, I knew that I still wanted to remain in the field of grant-making in some capacity. Working with broadband in the capacity of grant-making was intriguing and I knew it was a role I could see myself doing.”
What do you like most about your job?
“I love relationship building and talking to people is something I’m comfortable doing. I’ve always believed in providing the best customer service experience possible. Part of that experience is also being a compassionate and active listener, and then finding solutions.”
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
“The biggest part of my downtime is spent working in the realm of songwriting and music production. I worked as a vocalist, performing for many years on the road across the country. My main instrument is my voice. Secondly, I love coffee shops where I read and people watch. Also, I watch a lot of tennis and go to a lot of movies.”
What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
“The greatest piece of advice comes from my father. Speaking in his 3db low voice he always says ‘Son, you got to ask questions in life, there’s no shame in it, and no question is a dumb one.’”
Written by Sarah Smith, Sr. Manager, Broadband Programs, CBO
After 6 years of working for the Colorado Broadband Office, I am leaving to pursue a career at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as a Broadband Program Specialist working on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It has been an incredible honor and distinct pleasure to work for this amazing state and to serve Coloradans to the best of my ability. It is for this reason I am very excited for my new role, because I get to continue that work as the liaison for Colorado on the BEAD program. All of the incredible people I have had a chance to meet and work with through the years will continue to be my partners as I help the state navigate this very exciting time and truly fulfill the promise of bringing broadband to every household. I will continue to support the state and support Coloradans in the pursuit of broadband.
On April 14, the Federal Communications Commision (FCC) announced access to preliminary Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric for internet service providers (ISPs). The Public Notice provides guidance on how to access the preliminary Fabric, details about the Fabric and reporting requirements.
ISPs should request access to the data and begin to develop and test methods for how they plan to submit their availability data in the FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) ahead of the June 30-Sept 1 BDC filing window.
The CBO Data Team is working to align our process with the BDC. For more information on these efforts, refer to the “Broadband Data Team Updates” section of this newsletter.
We are happy to announce that the updated Funding webpage is now live on our website. The new Funding webpage focuses on all current state funding opportunities and will act as a one-stop shop for state funding information and updates.
Additionally, our team is planning to redesign the Broadband Deployment Board (BDB) & Fund webpage in order to better assist users. We are looking for input on user needs regarding the current BDB webpage to help inform our planned updates. If you would like to share your input, please fill out this survey.
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