Vol 2 | Issue 8 | August 2017

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Tourism: Broadband Access is as Important as the View

Whether deep in the woods, on a remote island, or strolling downtown streets, vacationers and owners all want access to broadband connectivity. Why is broadband important to tourists and part-time residents?

• Renters require Wi-Fi - having Wi-Fi access is as important as the location. Visitors want broadband access from all but the most remote destinations.

• Vacationers use broadband access to enhance their experiences by learning about nearby sites, checking the weather, getting directions, finding restaurants, reading reviews, posting experiences, etc.

• For people who own vacation properties, high-quality broadband access makes it easier to work remotely and stay longer. Those extra days can impact the local economy.

• Sometimes work follows us out of town. The ability to check email, manage a small business, or video conference with clients is often an essential part of vacations.

Why is broadband important to tourist communities and businesses?

• Public access WiFi enhances the visitor experience - whether they are accessing the Internet at the local coffee shop, at the public library, or on a neighborhood bench, free WiFi is a community amenity that tourists and locals enjoy and appreciate.

• Digital applications add a new dimension to travel. Parks, towns, and museums use QR codes, cloud applications, and web links to connect visitors to history, culture, and action.

broadbandusa@ntia.doc.gov or 202-482-2048 to connect with BroadbandUSA Technical Assistance staff. The Practical Broadband Conversations webinar series is taking a vacation this month, too! Join us at our technical assistance workshop in Iowa on August 21st or in September for our next webinar on digital skills and workforce development.

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Broadband News and Updates

Federal News

• Participants in an NTIA multistakeholder initiative agree to IoT security device guidance

• The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service issued a memorandum encouraging all stakeholders to use “Dig Once” policies where possible

• Chairman Pai announced August will be Rural Broadband Month at the FCC

• The FCC published a Public Notice to initiate the pre-auction process for the Connect America Fund Phase II auction

• The FCC’s Connect2Health Task Force announced that it will convene several virtual listening sessions on broadband health issues

• NTIA Releases Federal Register Notice for Digital Nation Data Collection

State News

• The West Virginia Development Office is expanding its Community Development Block Grant program to include broadband access for areas in need

• Microsoft unveils plan to bring broadband internet to rural U.S: 12 states targeted

• Arkansas wraps up extensive broadband upgrade for education

Funding Opportunities

• The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is accepting applications for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program for FY17

• The IMLS is accepting applications for the National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG) and the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

• Mozilla and NSF are partnering to give away $2 million in prizes for innovative wireless technology

• Google announces a $50 million initiative to help people prepare for the changing nature of work

Public Safety/FirstNet

• New Mexico makes 9 states/territories to opt in to First Net Network

• Announcements for state/territories who have opted to participate in First Net network in July: U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Virginia

• FirstNet is developing an applications ecosystem with public safety

Stakeholder Resources

• The U.S. Department of Education released the 2017 update to Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning

• The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released Internet of Things: Communities Deploy Projects by Combining Federal Support with Other Funds and Expertise

Industry Awards

• The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) announced its 2017 Community Broadband Awards recipients

Other News

• The Center for Innovation at Brookings hosted a panel discussion on how the administration, Congress and the private sector can address broadband needs

• American Library Association: New report explores rural library technology access

New Broadband Resource

BroadbandUSA released The Power of Broadband Partnership: A Toolkit for Local and Tribal Governments. This toolkit provides an overview of common broadband partnership models and identifies several factors that communities should consider when developing a successful partnership. Click here to access the toolkit.

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BroadbandUSA Spotlight

Do you need help developing your broadband infrastructure program? Join BroadbandUSA for a free workshop in Des Moines, Iowa on August 21st. Our technical assistance team will be leading a half-day session that will focus on best practices and lessons learned in planning and funding.

• Who: BroadbandUSA’s Technical Assistance team will lead the workshop.

• When: Monday, August 21, 2017; from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT

• Where: The Des Moines Public Library 1000 Grand Avenue, Meeting Room Des Moines, IA 50309

• Registration: Click here to register.

BroadbandUSA will be hosting another workshop in Charleston, West Virginia on September 19th. Check BroadbandUSA’s website for more information.

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Webinars

BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar Series
The Practical Broadband Conversations webinar series will resume on September 20th with a webinar focusing on digital skills and workforce development.

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Events

NTIA Events

August 21, 2017
BroadbandUSA Technical Assistance Planning and Funding Workshop
BroadbandUSA will host a half-day workshop in Des Moines, IA.

August 28-29, 2017
2017 Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) Exposition
BroadbandUSA is supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) GCTC Exposition in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more.

September 19, 2017
BroadbandUSA Technical Assistance Planning and Funding Workshop
BroadbandUSA will host a half-day workshop in Charleston, WV.

Events of Interest

August 3, 2017
Next Century Cities’ City-Vendor Connect Event
Next Century Cities is partnering with KC Digital Divide to host City-Vendor Connect in Kansas City, KS. Click here to learn more.

August 6-9, 2017
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit
BroadbandUSA will host an exhibition at the NCSL Legislative Summit in Boston, MA. Click here to learn more.

August 7, 2017
Missouri Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Summit: National and State Advocacy Panel
BroadbandUSA will attend this event in Kansas City, MO.

August 23-25, 2017
The Iowa State Association of Counties’ (ISAC) Annual Conference
BroadbandUSA will speak at the ISAC annual conference. Click here to learn more.

Policy Corner

The Senate Commerce Committee convened a hearing titled “An Update on FirstNet” on July 20th. Five witnesses testified at the hearing and answered questions regarding FirstNet and AT&T’s progress to date and future building and operating plans. Click here to read more.

Contact Us

If you are interested in receiving technical assistance, email broadbandusa@ntia.doc.gov or call 202-482-2048. For more information, visit our website at www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandusa. Follow us online: www.facebook.com/ntiagov