Vol 2 | Issue 5 | May 2017

Smart Community Infrastructure Infrastructure Week is May 15-19, and marks a week of events emphasizing the importance of infrastructure to our nation's economy and communities. BroadbandUSA will be discussing broadband's critical role in our nation's infrastructure in two webinars during this week:

• May 17 at 2 pm EDT, BroadbandUSA's Practical Broadband Conversations: A Conversation on Next Generation Technology Deployment

• May 18 at 2 pm EDT, National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Counties (NACo) and BroadbandUSA Webcast: The Importance of Broadband in Building Smart Communities

Communities are employing more "smart" digital tools to maximize efficiency, reduce costs and deliver public services more effectively. In order to take advantage of these tools, the infrastructure to support them must be in place. BroadbandUSA has identified components that are crucial to any "smart" community initiative:

1. Robust broadband networks : Communities need reliable, high speed Internet to implement "smart" technologies and connect systems that manage community services. These broadband networks must have the capacity to address current needs and the potential to expand to meet future demand.

2. Embedded devices and sensors : "Smart" solutions rely on data gathered through technology located on everything from street lights to fire hydrants. These devices capture information related to consumption, performance and activity, transmitting data back via broadband networks for analysis.

3. Data processing tools : Data is only as good as what you do with it. Communities need analytical support to convert the vast amounts of data collected from sensors into usable information that will inform decisions to improve the delivery of community services.

4. Centralized management system : A single platform can help to break down compartmentalized services and departments, enabling a more seamless flow between institutions and people. It also allows communities to optimize resources and respond to resident needs as quickly as possible.

Does your community need to improve its broadband infrastructure? Would you like to find new ways to use advanced technologies to address challenges and better serve your residents? Attend BroadbandUSA's upcoming Infrastructure Week events, consult the Using Partnerships to Power a Smart City: A Toolkit for Local Communities and contact us at broadbandusa@ntia.doc.gov or 202-482-2048 to connect with BroadbandUSA technical assistance staff.

Broadband News

• NTIA continues to convene multistakeholder meetings concerning the Internet of Things

• The FCC seeks comment on removing regulatory barriers to broadband

• Several NTIA partners were named to the FCC's Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC)

• The FCC seeks comment and data on actions to accelerate the adoption and accessibility of broadband-enabled health care solutions and advanced technologies

• Join the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) for the 2017 EdTech Advocacy and Policy Summit

• The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) released its Policymaker's Guide to Rural Broadband Infrastructure report

• Mozilla and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are sponsoring Wireless Innovation for a Networked Society (WINS) challenges

• The Rural Health Care Program's initial filing window is open for FY2017

• The Community Technology Network is holding its second annual Digital Leaders Awards

• Route Fifty is soliciting nominations for its Navigator Awards

State Broadband News

• Gov. Haslam broadband plan offers $45M in grants, incentives

• West Virginia Governor Justice signs broadband bill

New Broadband Resources

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program released The Federal Smart Cities and Communities Programs Resource Guide to facilitate collaboration and coordination between communities, government entities and industry leaders. The Resource Guide provides information on Federally-funded research and development programs seeking to embed new digital technologies in community infrastructure. Access the guide here.

BroadbandUSA Spotlight

BroadbandUSA held an in-depth technical assistance workshop in Mesa, Arizona on April 19th, the latest in its series of regional events across the country. The workshop brought together local and tribal government officials, business leaders and other broadband stakeholders to discuss broadband planning and funding. Attendees, led by BroadbandUSA's technical assistance staff, explored effective business and partnership models, identified available funding opportunities and shared lessons learned from their own experiences in broadband deployment. NTIA plans to hold more of these workshops around the country.

Webinars

BroadbandUSA Webinar
Series Topic : BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations: A Conversation on Next Generation Technology Deployment
Date : Wednesday, May 17 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT
Overview : Advanced communications infrastructure enables a range of next-generation technologies and smart community initiatives, including smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, connected street lights and remote healthcare. Hear fiber and wireless providers as well as local government representatives discuss how infrastructure allows them to create smarter communities. Click here to register.

Please pre-register for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Policy Corner

On April 13, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a public notice closing its Broadcast Incentive Auction and beginning the 39-month period during which time impacted TV stations will transition to new channel assignments. To learn more about how the transition works and how it will affect viewers and TV stations, click here.

Events

NTIA Events

May 17, 2017
BroadbandUSA Practical Conversations Webinar: A Conversation on Next Generation Technology Deployment Join BroadbandUSA for its monthly webinar series. Click here to register.

May 18, 2017
BroadbandUSA, NLC and NACo Infrastructure Week Webcast BroadbandUSA is co-hosting a webcast as part of Infrastructure Week. Click here to learn more.

Events of Interest

May 8-9, 2017
University of AK Fairbanks Arctic Broadband Forum The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host The Arctic Broadband Forum in Fairbanks, AK. Click here to learn more.

May 8-13, 2017
Digital Inclusion Week Digital Inclusion Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about digital inclusion efforts nationwide. Click here to learn more.

May 11, 2017
Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) Wi-Fi SuperCluster Conference GCTC will host a full-day workshop in San Jose, CA. Click here to learn more.

May 15-19, 2017
National Infrastructure Week Infrastructure week is a week of events and education to highlight the importance of infrastructure to all Americans. Click here to learn more.

May 16-17, 2017
National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) Net Inclusion 2017 NDIA is hosting Net Inclusion 2017 in St. Paul, MN. BroadbandUSA's Emy Tseng and Karen Perry will present as part of this conference. Click here to learn more.

May 18, 2017
U.S. Chamber of Commerce "Invest in America" 2017 Summit The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is hosting its "Invest in America" Summit in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more.

May 23-26, 2017
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Mid-Year Conference ATNI is hosting its annual mid-year conference in Portland, OR. Click here to learn more.

May 24-26, 2017
National Association of Counties (NACo) Western Interstate Region NACo is hosting its annual Western Interstate Conference in Sunriver, OR. Click here to learn more.

May 24-26, 2017
Partnerships for Progress on the Digital Divide (PPDD) 2017 International Conference PPDD is hosting its annual International Conference in San Diego, CA. BroadbandUSA's Karen Perry will present at this event. Click here to learn more.

May 31-June 2, 2017
Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition Annual Conference Be sure to save your seat at the SHLB Coalition's Seventh Annual Conference. SHLB's "United States of Anchors" will be held in Crystal City, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. BroadbandUSA's Laura Spining will present at this event. Click here to learn more.

Contact Us

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