Connor Sadro, MPA’s Post

On May 15, Carri Bennet will take the stage at Connect (X) to address a critical issue—broadband access for rural America. Fiber or fixed wireless access - which is most cost-effective and how are states tackling this digital dilemma? https://bit.ly/3K1hNTK

Here's a roundup of all the research we've published this week: ☎️ PSTN switch-off: Public communications and preparedness As countries prepare for the #PSTN switch-off, tensions have risen over whether consumers are ready to make the migration to digital voice. We review the role governments have played in communicating about the switch-off and consider other challenges in readiness 🔗 https://lnkd.in/epY7e6Xu 🇪🇺 European Commission launches its first #DMA investigations While the focus on self-preferencing and steering of users’ choices is unsurprising, the EC is likely to face familiar criticism over its repeated attempts to address well-worn complaints 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ezS8c4Xd

#Outrageous but the question is in this moment of #Advocacy month, what can we as #AdultEducation providers and supporters do about it? Open to suggestions. #ElevateDigitalEquity #DigitalLiteracy #MoveAheadWithAdultEd #AdultEducationMatters

This article from Fierce Network highlights an optimistic outlook for the BEAD program’s potential to transform broadband access across the U.S. At LiaisonsRus, we share this enthusiasm and are ready to support the long-term success of broadband expansion efforts. As BEAD progresses, it’s crucial to focus not just on initial deployment but on sustainable, high-quality infrastructure that ensures lasting connectivity in underserved areas. We're here to help partners navigate these initiatives with solutions designed to meet both immediate and future needs in broadband access.

This is a huge milestone for connectivity across America! Continuum Capital is excited about the BEAD funding rollout, which will allow states and territories to advance their broadband initiatives. However, this massive injection of funding comes with disruptive forces, including the projected need to recruit and train 180,000 workers. To tackle these disruptive forces, Power & Communication Contractors Association and Fiber Broadband Association have conducted a state-by-state analysis, outlining how each state can meet its workforce needs and effectively utilize this funding. Don’t be ill-equipped—read the study below to learn how to address current workforce demands. Broadband Market Workforce Needs Study: https://lnkd.in/ddbTM7zF

FBA VP of Public Policy Marissa Mitrovich led a panel of experts to explore BEAD and other federal broadband policy and how they impact broadband deployments. They noted it is important that the economics of federal programs like BEAD are more reasonable. A lot of resources are already being spent just evaluating these programs, so there are more layers of complexity that need to be factored in. Speakers included Chris Champion from C Spire, Melissa Mann from Lumen Technologies, Cristina Chou from Altice USA, and Rhonda Johnson from AT&T. #fc24 #fiberconnect24

How do we improve Australian Regional Telecommunication Services? Gary McLaren & Luke Coleman, both speak with true insight in to challenges & principles of change. “First, we have a mess of crossed-subsidies funding overlapping services in regional Australia. Second, we need to start with a clean sheet of paper and ask, what are the principles that should underpin a modern Universal Service framework? And finally, we need to a dedicated program to Close the Gap for First Nations Australians, by providing access to modern communications services in Australia’s most remote and underprivileged communities.” ~ Luke Coleman. #NBNCO #AustralianRegionalServices #AustralianFirstNation #Telecommunications #RailCommunications #IndigenousRegionalCommunity #Telstra #ConnectedCommunity

Regional telecommunications policy in Australia is a menagerie of duplicative programs providing duplicative services - at a cost of more than $1 billion a year. And yet regional consumers are still lumped with outdated, heavily-subsidised technologies, even when metro-comparable services are available to 100% of premises! In my speech to the Communications Day (CommsDay) Summit, I presented the principles that should underpin a modern universal services framework - you can read my remarks here: https://lnkd.in/gQi-2gC2

Maryland Broadband Cooperative is thrilled to share that Governor Wes Moore has approved Maryland’s “Internet for All” proposals! This milestone unlocks $267.7 million in federal funding to support affordable and equitable internet access across our state. The approval of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) plan by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will bolster the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Connect Maryland initiative, ensuring that all Marylanders can access high-speed internet. This initiative is crucial to the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to close the digital divide nationwide. 🌐 Key Goals of the BEAD Plan: *Bridging accessibility gaps in rural and underserved areas *Enhancing connectivity for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises *Supporting education and workforce development *Improving public health and safety through better connectivity *Engaging local communities in planning and implementation With this robust federal support, we’re on a significant path to connect every Marylander with affordable, high-speed internet. Together, we’re fostering economic development, innovation, and resilience in our communities. Let's keep moving forward to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age! For more information about Connect Maryland and other initiatives, visit https://lnkd.in/e3MZJjS9 #MdBConnected

Are you facing challenges navigating the BEAD process? Perhaps you're dealing with regulatory concerns in the ever-evolving broadband landscape? Look no further! Essentia's Broadband Consulting expertise is here to guide you.