National Telecommunications and Information Administration
1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230
Broadband Internet access has always been a vital part of the modern economy, but much of American life has been brought online since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many aspects of our jobs, health care, education, commerce, and social lives have had to take place over the Internet.
State governments around the country responded quickly to the resulting strain on networks. They ramped up their creative problem-solving and increased their coordination with other states and the federal government. At NTIA, we have been a partner in these broadband efforts through our State Broadband Leaders Network [1] (SBLN), a forum for states, territories, and the District of Columbia to come together to share what works, and brainstorm new ideas to bring their citizens online.
States have employed varied strategies to help keep Americans connected. Here are some highlights:
States have been key actors in getting and keeping their citizens connected to affordable broadband Internet. NTIA’s BroadbandUSA program and its SBLN will continue to engage states and host conversations that improve best practices. To learn more about BroadbandUSA’s work with states and the SBLN visit BroadbandUSA@ntia.doc.gov [9] or email broadbandusa@ntia.gov [10].
Links
[1] https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/ntia-resources/state-broadband-leaders-network-sbln
[2] https://www.azcommerce.com/broadband/grant-opportunities/
[3] https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/state-seeks-input-on-leveraging-broadband-expansion-along-highways/
[4] https://broadband.arkansas.gov/
[5] https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/ConnectIllinois/Pages/default.aspx
[6] https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/ConnectIllinois/Pages/ConnectedCommunities.aspx
[7] https://www.oregon.gov/puc/Pages/Oregon-Lifeline.aspx
[8] https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/connectivity-initiative-0
[9] mailto:BroadbandUSA@ntia.doc.gov
[10] mailto:broadbandusa@ntia.gov
[11] https://ntia.doc.gov/category/broadband