AZ-1

Not every student walks into a library knowing how to use a computer. Our latest StoryMap, “Granting Access to Knowledge,” follows the story of librarian Erin Lorandos as she helps a student navigate technology to write a paper. The student had never been taught how to use a word processor or how to save his work correctly. Erin, now Arizona’s Digital Equity Program Manager, was there to step in. The story, written and illustrated by Shelby Cavanaugh Toft, captures how libraries create spaces where people can ask questions and gain the skills they need. When you think about every student, parent, job seeker or older adult who needs help, and multiply that across the state, the ripple effect is enormous. A single visit to a library could spark someone’s path to success, starting with something as simple as writing an essay. Read about Erin and the student on StoryMap: https://lnkd.in/gXMmaWU3 #DigitalInclusion #Libraries #BroadbandAccess #Arizona Kelly Chung Mukherjee, M.Eng Lev Gonick Derek Masseth Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. Ciera Parkhurst Technology at Arizona State University

#TBT to the The Quilt Winter Meeting! Collaboration is key to advancing research and education networking, and Sun Corridor Network was proud to take center stage at The Quilt, Inc. Winter Member Meeting! Earlier this month, our own Derek Masseth led a general session highlighting the challenges and opportunities in research and education (R&E) networking in #Arizona, emphasizing the critical role of regional cyber-infrastructure in bridging the digital divide. Derek also moderated a high-impact panel discussion featuring: ?? Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D., President & CEO, IDIA (Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration) ?? Brad Burgess, Broadband Director, Arizona Department of Transportation This panel explored how broadband partnerships are driving connectivity across the Southwest region—from expanding high-speed infrastructure to ensuring rural and underserved communities have access to digital resources. The discussion was part of a broader conversation led by Jen Leasure, Executive Director of The Quilt, who guided conversations on R&E networks and closing the digital divide. As a REN, we are dedicated to advancing broadband access, digital inclusion, and cyberinfrastructure—ensuring Arizona’s research institutions, community colleges, and public agencies have the connectivity they need to thrive. ?? Read more about SCN’s impact at The Quilt Winter Meeting: https://lnkd.in/g3NZEi5f

Where is #broadband access improving, and where is it falling short? The latest FCC broadband analysis, now live on the AZ-1 website, breaks it down. The interactive map highlights coverage changes across Arizona, showing where internet speeds increased, stayed the same, or even decreased between December 2023 and June 2024. It offers a clearer view of how infrastructure investments are shaping connectivity and where gaps persist, helping to inform decisions about future broadband expansion. Explore the data and see how your community compares to other areas in the state: https://lnkd.in/gQ-miK5V #DigitalInclusion #Broadband #Arizona Kelly Chung Mukherjee, M.Eng Lev Gonick Derek Masseth Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. Ciera Parkhurst Shea Lemar Technology at Arizona State University

Arizona’s broadband journey is getting national recognition! ?? Broadband Stories from the Arizona Community is a finalist in the 2024 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition. Our stories, written by Arizona State University students, spotlight real-world experiences of internet access transforming lives. Our vignettes showcase the direct, local impacts of our collaborative work AS ONE (AZ-1) — with efforts including workforce education and skill-building, rural connectivity efforts, telehealth, partnerships with libraries, and much more. Each story pins on the map the power of collaboration in closing Arizona’s digital divide. ?? ??? Your vote can help bring this work to the forefront! Vote for our Broadband Stories from the Arizona Community by March 12: https://lnkd.in/gy85NXZW #DigitalInclusion #Broadband #Arizona Kelly Chung Mukherjee, M.Eng Lev Gonick Derek Masseth Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. Ciera Parkhurst Daniel Ennis Shea Lemar Technology at Arizona State University

I had a seriously fun day at work visiting with the community today in Mesa, Arizona, where I was inspired by Jeffrey Stoffer and the Tech Talk he led today called "You had me at AR." Lead student storyteller of AZ-1, Shelby Cavanaugh Toft, and I enjoyed the event that Jeff so thoughtfully designed for us to engage with augmented reality and learn more about the beautiful 2-story Mesa Public Library where THINKspot is located. I appreciate how Jeff exemplifies the spirit of helping the community AS ONE with these types of inclusive educational experiences. I also got to visit the ASU Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center across the street from the Mesa Main Library to engage in some conversations with ASU students. Our future is bright with all the learning and sharing that is happening here in Arizona! Please follow us on AZ-1 to learn more about our storytelling initiative, broadband maps, and more! Lev Gonick Samantha Adams Becker Ciera Parkhurst Lakshya Dharwal Meredith Woodward Daniel Ennis Dan Munnerley Michael B. Bonnie Wilde

Happy Valentine's Day AND Arizona Statehood Day!??? ?? We're feeling the love for our Sun Corridor Network community, and the entire Arizona community. That's why we're dedicated to improving our state through expanded broadband access and connectivity – because a connected #Arizona is a stronger Arizona. Just like our state's vibrant spirit, we aim to build a brighter future for all Arizonans. Join us in celebrating our state's heritage and building its future! #ArizonaStatehoodDay #ValentinesDay #Connectivity #Broadband

??? Understanding broadband gaps in Arizona just got even more precise. We've added new layers to the AZ-1 Broadband Map showing BEAD-eligible Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs). BEAD, or the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, provides federal funding to expand high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas. Locations that qualify as BEAD-eligible lack adequate broadband service and are prioritized for #infrastructure investment. The new map update gives viewers two ways to analyze the data: 1?? Total BSLs that are BEAD eligible: Highlights the absolute count of broadband serviceable locations in need of funding (useful for large-scale infrastructure planning) 2?? Percent of BSLs that are BEAD eligible: Shows the proportion of locations that qualify (useful to find coverage gaps regardless of population size) These layers help state and local leaders see both the scale and the distribution of #broadband needs—whether prioritizing densely populated areas with high demand or ensuring smaller communities aren’t left behind. Explore the new layers under the Internet Connectivity category and see how your area stacks up: https://lnkd.in/gVbA5yjN Kelly Chung Mukherjee, M.Eng, Ciera Parkhurst, Technology at Arizona State University, Sun Corridor Network, IDIA (Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration) #digitalinclusion

Collaboration is at the heart of advancing research and education networking, and Sun Corridor Network was proud to take part in critical discussions at The Quilt, Inc. Winter Member Meeting. Our Executive Director, Derek Masseth, led a general session exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of R&E networking in Arizona. He also moderated a panel featuring leading voices Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D., President and CEO of IDIA (Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration), Brad Burgess, Broadband Director at Arizona Department of Transportation, and Jen Leasure, Executive Director of The Quilt. The discussion drew attention to key partnerships and the role each group plays in driving broadband expansion across the region. Building the future of connectivity takes teamwork, and we’re grateful to be part of these conversations. #ResearchAndEducation #BroadbandAccess AZ-1

The first county in Arizona to establish an Office of Digital Inclusion? That’s Pima County. Pima County set the standard for regional broadband planning, launching Connect Pima to drive digital equity in southern Arizona before the Maricopa County Broadband Initiative (MCBI) even began. Led by Michelle Simon, their team has been a powerful collaborator in broadband mapping, leveraging AZ-1 data to strengthen funding proposals and expand access across the region. From co-presenting alongside MCBI at conferences like AZ SciTech Festival to helping their residents access broadband, Connect Pima is the real deal — and we’re proud to work alongside them. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHNZhJxR #DigitalInclusion #BroadbandAccess #Arizona #ConnectPima #DigitalEquity Kelly Chung Mukherjee, M.Eng Lev Gonick Derek Masseth Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. Ciera Parkhurst Technology at Arizona State University

?? Bringing Innovation to Arizona’s Farms ?? Exciting news! Sun Corridor Network is proud to partner with AgTechLogic to empower Arizona’s farmers with high-speed #broadband in remote and underserved areas. This collaboration combines SCN’s robust broadband infrastructure with AgTechLogic’s cutting-edge precision agriculture tools to unlock new possibilities for our agricultural communities. With this partnership, farmers can now: ? Build private networks in rural environments ? Access the revolutionary Agtellio platform with lightning-fast CBRS technology ? Use data-driven tools to grow smarter, monitor weather in real time and drive sustainable practices We believe in connecting every corner of #Arizona to the digital age—ensuring no community, urban or rural, is left behind. Together, we’re building a future where farmers can thrive locally and compete globally. Read more at https://lnkd.in/g7sUdxpR Derek Masseth, Laura Etter, Gabriel Lopez, Lane Riola, Rolando Alvarez, Lev Gonick Deshon Miguel James McCabe #DigitalInclusion #SmartAg #SmartFarms #SmartTech