The great BEAD monitoring challenge
Over the last two years, State Broadband Offices (SBOs) have been working through the rigorous planning and challenge processes surrounding the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.?
All that work is ultimately focused on securing universal broadband coverage? or what was dubbed the "Internet for All."?
But, after all those long months of planning, the truth is that the?hardest part still lies ahead - the challenge of? monitoring a state or territory's plan.
A Digital Divide success story deep in the heart of Texas
For the past five years, Connected Nation (CN) has worked with Bastrop County, Texas, to address broadband and technology challenges. This partnership has led to impactful results — from foundational research and community engagement to hands-on digital skills training.
Bastrop County’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions.?From laying the groundwork to breaking down common barriers, the story linked below explores how this was done and demonstrates the real-world impact.
The BEAD program begins to bear fruit
On January 13, 2025, the NTIA announced its approval of Louisiana’s BEAD Final Proposal. Delaware’s approval followed the next day.
With those two landmarks, coming as the fourth year since the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) begins to elapse, the BEAD program is at last beginning to bear fruit.
Most states are well behind these frontrunners and are just getting started with subgrantee selection.?Once BEAD network construction begins, it will only accelerate, likely hitting its stride in 2026 and 2027.
The Muhammad Ali Index: Tracking compassion in America
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Division, inequality and injustice are at the forefront of lives across the country, but we have the power to change that.
Connected Nation is partnering with the Muhammad Ali Center on the launch of its Muhammad Ali Index, a pioneering research study to track compassion across America.?With your help,?we can all become faces of compassion and further Ali’s legacy to create a more caring and connected world.?Sign the Ali Compassion Pledge below and become a champion of compassion.
Sustaining progress to close the digital access divide in K-12 education
The digital access divide remains one of the most critical barriers in K-12 education. The Universal Connectivity Imperative (UCI) Report from the?State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) presents a clear vision for addressing this challenge, offering practical recommendations and highlighting progress.? Key topics include:
Deadline approaching for Native Nations to apply for digital equity grants
This year, the NTIA will award?Native Entities?grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million for digital equity work. Applications are due February 7. Consider partnering with Connected Nation's digital equity experts to develop your plan.
Email us to learn more at? [email protected].?
STREAMING:?Connected Nation Podcast!?
From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities. Check out the following podcasts released this month from Connected Nation. Click on the links below.?