Monday, February 3, 2025
Headlines Daily Digest
ConnectingALL with Digital Equity Capacity Grant in New York
Don't Miss:
California Public Utilities Commission Continues to Help Close Digital Divide
Measuring Measurable Objectives: How States Will Track Digital Equity Progress
Building Safety Into Digital Inclusion Efforts: Risks and Opportunities in the Digital Equity Act
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California Public Utilities Commission Continues to Help Close Digital Divide Through Broadband Grants Across California

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $48 million for eight broadband infrastructure projects as part of the multi-year $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program, which expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California:
- $17 million for three projects in Fresno County, benefiting approximately 13,000 Californians.
- $15 million for three projects in Lake County, benefiting approximately 7,000 Californians.
- $17 million for two projects in Sonoma County, benefiting approximately 2,100 Californians

The New York State Digital Equity Plan––created by the state's ConnectALL Office––envisions a state transformed by digital infrastructure that brings to all New York residents access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband for education, economic growth, and full participation in civic life. With this vision and plan, the state is beginning to implement its programs, supported by over $36 million in funding from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration's (NTIA) Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. According to NTIA, ConnectALL will use its $36 million in funding to undertake the following key initiatives:
- Fund new and existing programs that distribute new and refurbished devices, such as computers or laptops.
- Fund tech support programs as a job-readiness pathway.
- Develop digital safety trainings that protect against stolen data, scams, surveillance, and online harassment.
Keep reading for more specifics on ConnectALL's digital equity goals, key activities, and full implementation timeline.
Conexon Connect expands footprint across rural Florida, delivering broadband access to 14,000 homes and businesses throughout Big Bend region

Conexon Connect, the internet service provider (ISP) arm of rural fiber broadband leader Conexon, has reached another key milestone in Florida. In partnership with Madison-based Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), the ISP has successfully completed its second broadband network in the state, delivering multi-gigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) access to 14,000 rural homes and businesses across Florida’s Big Bend region. This breakthrough project, announced in spring 2022, solidifies TCEC’s place in Florida’s history as the first electric cooperative to launch a FTTH network to serve its members.

Surf Internet has been selected to provide high-speed internet connectivity to the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC), one of Indiana’s largest school districts serving over 15,000 students. This initiative will connect 33 district sites, including schools and administrative buildings, to a dedicated high-speed fiber network. Each site will receive a 10 Gbps connection, with Surf supplying 20 Gbps of dedicated internet service districtwide. The upgraded connectivity will support essential district applications such as security systems, phone services, student information software, and remote learning tools. The project is funded primarily through the federal E-Rate program, which assists schools and libraries with telecommunication costs and is allocated based on the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches.

Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington announced that he has appointed Adam Cassady to serve as his chief of staff. Former chief of staff, Erin Boone, will join FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's office.
Benton (www.benton.org) provides the only free, reliable, and non-partisan daily digest that curates and distributes news related to universal broadband, while connecting communications, democracy, and public interest issues. Posted Monday through Friday, this service provides updates on important industry developments, policy issues, and other related news events. While the summaries are factually accurate, their sometimes informal tone may not always represent the tone of the original articles. Headlines are compiled by Kevin Taglang (headlines AT benton DOT org), Grace Tepper (grace AT benton DOT org), and Zoe Walker (zwalker AT benton DOT org) — we welcome your comments.
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