Introducing Broadband Stories
Access to fast, reliable internet can be life changing – it opens new job opportunities, enhances our economy and puts the best possible technology in our classrooms, to name just a few reasons. The CBO is capturing the stories of real Coloradans and how internet access impacts them. Our first story comes from Curt, a farmer on Colorado’s Eastern Plains, where living is extremely rural and the broadband is as sparse as shade from trees.
Building Connected Communities - Digital Inclusion Week is Coming!
Digital Inclusion Week 2023 is Oct. 2-6, and with your help, we all can move closer to our common goal: That all people have access to and use of the internet and the tools they need to use it. The National Digital Inclusion Association is sponsoring a national week of events and learning opportunities. Check here for information on how Colorado will participate this year.
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Colorado Releases Five-Year Action Plan for BEAD
In light of unprecedented funding, the CBO, in coordination with stakeholders across the state, has developed its Five-Year Action Plan. This proposal is integral to the successful implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD). The CBO’s goals, objectives, strategies and tactics outlined in the Five-Year Plan are centered around the barriers to network access and adoption: infrastructure, affordable services, device access, and digital skills and support.
Volume 1 is Here
Colorado’s Initial Proposal Volume 1 for BEAD includes an overview of existing broadband funding and defines BEAD-eligible Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs). It also outlines how Colorado will run its state Challenge Process for BEAD, which builds on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map. The BEAD Challenge Process — an opportunity for providers, nonprofits and local governments to challenge what locations in Colorado are listed as unserved and underserved — is scheduled to occur in January 2024.
From Sept. 8 to Oct. 9, the CBO welcomes public comment on the structure of the proposed Challenge Process, as well as any other information in Volume 1. The CBO will incorporate comments into an updated proposal to submit to the NTIA.
Want to “Challenge” Now?!
The official BEAD Challenge Process doesn’t kick off until early next year, but in the meantime you can help ensure the accuracy of the map the FCC uses by filing a location and/or availability challenge to the official FCC National Broadband Map.
Tribal Consultations
Our 2023 summer road trip took us to visit our partners at Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in southwest Colorado. In our consultation, the CBO learned of the broadband and digital equity plans both tribes have underway. The upcoming BEAD grant funding was also discussed.
 Summer Roadshow
The CBO staff would like to thank everyone that hosted us this summer during our Summer Roadshow. Our staff was able to visit every region in our beautiful Colorado. We appreciate every question asked and the feedback that was provided. Together we can connect Colorado!
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