The unprecedented stimulus funding authorized by the federal government illustrates a strong willingness to leverage taxpayer dollars to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. A cursory look at key programs coming through the Treasury reveals that approximately $519 billion has been or will be released to address the economic, social, and infrastructural fall-out caused by the pandemic. Part of this “state-sized tsunami of federal funding” is intended to enable the expansion of broadband access to unserved and underserved populations across local, state, and tribal jurisdictions. Updates to the rules and guidance issued by the Treasury on possible broadband deployment programs further widen the potential reach and overall impact of federal support. That potential will only be reached, however,  if state and local leaders can build a deep understanding of existing connectivity issues and think creatively as well as communally about how to utilize these funds. The first thing to understand is the breakdown of the stimulus funding. US Ignite provides a quick summary of how much each stimulus fund is allocated to states, territories, and local units of government, along with the broadband-related use mentioned in the Treasury’s program guidance.

The Utah Broadband Center, powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, has launched a statewide internet speed test campaign for Utahns to report their internet speed at home, work, or wherever they connect. In partnership with GeoPartners, a geospatial engineering firm, data from the Utah Internet Speed Test campaign will be mapped and used to identify areas of low or no access to high-speed internet. The Utah Broadband Center will use this data to guide resources to projects that increase access to high-speed internet for all Utahns and augment the state’s knowledge of internet availability across Utah. All Utahns are encouraged to go to speedtest.utah.gov to self-report their internet speed. Individuals can also identify areas with low or no service, or where access to the internet is unaffordable within this test and survey. Individuals without internet access can call the hotline at 1-435-777-TEST (8378) to report why they don’t have internet access. The Utah Internet Speed Test, which is available in English and Spanish, is secure and the results are anonymous. Data collected will include the location, internet speed, and monthly internet cost.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced an addition to the Office of Legislative Affairs and a transition of leadership in the agency’s Wireline Competition Bureau. Brian Moulton will serve as the Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, and Trent Harkrader will lead the Wireline Competition Bureau as Chief following Kris Monteith’s retirement from federal service. The Office of Legislative Affairs is the primary liaison to Congress, providing lawmakers with information regarding FCC regulatory decisions, answers to policy questions, assistance with constituent concerns and responses to Congressional inquiries. Mr. Moulton is joining as the Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs. Previously, Mr. Moulton served as Senior Counsel to Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, advising her on education, judiciary and telecommunications matters. In that role, he supported the Senator’s work on the Broadband DATA Act and the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, among other priorities. Mr. Harkrader will now serve as Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau. Prior to this position, Trent advised then-Acting Chairwoman on implementation of the recent Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, including its initiatives on broadband adoption and telehealth, while also continuing to serve as Deputy Bureau Chief in the Wireline Competition Bureau.