NACo, NTIA launch Internet connectivity initiative

A new initiative recently launched by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) intends to motivate and support communities that develop and implement community-based broadband plans, which align with the goals of cities and counties across the nation. 

The project, dubbed the Community Connectivity Initiative, will include four major program elements: a self-assessment tool, a report with recommendations, planning and implementation support, and a National Community of Practice that builds on best practices, documents success and provides multiple forums for collaboration.

NACo’s partnership with NTIA on the Community Connectivity Initiative will focus on engaging county leaders to help identify a community’s overall accessibility to broadband services and best practices in overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of expanding broadband access.  In the coming weeks, NACo will work with NTIA on developing a webinar for county leaders to become familiar with the initiative, and opportunities to interact with NTIA directly. 

The Community Connectivity Initiative is part of a broader effort announced by the White House March 9, to connect 20 million more Americans to the Internet by the year 2020.  The White House’s announcement focused on the Administration’s new ConnectAll Initiative.

NTIA serves as the Executive Branch agency responsible for advising the president on telecommunication and information policy.  NTIA was tapped to spearhead the Community Connectivity Initiative as part of a recommendation by the Administration’s Broadband Opportunity Council Report.