Broadband Stories Series: The Rural Tech Renaissance
The ripple effects of broadband expansion are evident in rural Colorado, especially on the Western Slope. Over the years, rural communities have faced significant challenges in economic growth and development due to limited access to reliable broadband internet. However, federal broadband funding aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure is sparking a wave of economic revitalization in these underserved Colorado communities. Watch the latest story in our Broadband Story Series.
Speed Test Certification Guidance Released
To assist grant recipients in completing required speed tests, the CBO has released the Speed Test Certification Guidance document, which applies to both federal and state broadband grant programs.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is Ending
The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program is April 2024. Households are encouraged to contact their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill. Learn more.
Stay in the Know
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Distance Learning & Telemedicine (DLT) Program Open
A new funding window has opened for the DLT Grant Program, which provides grants to eligible applicants that will help rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to overcome the effects of remoteness and low population density.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Challenge Process
The “challenge phase” of the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process ran from Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, 2024. During that time approximately 21,950 locations were challenged. The CBO will send rebuttal notifications in the next two weeks and ISPs have 30 calendar days from notification of a challenge to provide a rebuttal. We aim to make final determinations of location eligibility in early May. For more information please visit the Advance-BEAD Challenge Portal.
USDA Reconnect Grant Opportunities - Round 5
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it will begin accepting applications on March 22, 2024 for its fifth round of funding for the ReConnect Program. USDA is making several improvements to the program to continue connecting rural families, business owners and agricultural producers to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.
ACP Numbers
Even though the ACP is winding down, Coloradans are still benefiting from the program. 247,747 households have enrolled in the program accounting for 32.68% of eligible households in the state as of Feb. 5, 2024.
Colorado’s Digital Access Plan
Colorado’s Digital Access Plan, which explores access to affordable broadband and digital devices as well as digital skill levels and cybersecurity practices, is being reviewed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The final version will be available at the end of March, including changes suggested by Coloradans who responded to the plan in one of 17 listening sessions, or online.
Digital Navigator Pilot
Interested in Digital Navigator services? Check out the contact List for Digital Navigator sites. This list will be updated as the Office of the Future of Work hires additional navigators who will work in Denver Metro refugee serving organizations and rural workforce locations. If you would like to submit a request for digital navigation services for yourself or for someone else, please click here. Please allow 48 business hours for a response. If you do not receive a response within 48 hours, email digitalequity@state.co.us.
The CBO is tracking the following broadband legislation:
The Joint Technology (JTC) will meet on Thursday, March 14 at 8 a.m. M.T. The next broadband legislative stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. M.T. If you are interested in attending future meetings, please register. If you want to learn more or have questions about the upcoming legislative session, please contact michael.mcreynolds@state.co.us.
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