The COVID-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear, access to high-speed internet is a make-or-break proposition for counties.
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County News Hot Topic: Broadband
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County News
Pandemic changes dynamic around broadband
The scope of high-speed internet disparity came into focus this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic sent workers and students alike home and online, digitally elbowing each other for bandwidth.[name]County News ArticleThe scope of high-speed internet disparity came into focus this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic sent workers and students alike home and online, digitally elbowing each other for bandwidth. -
County News
NACo launches national broadband task force
NACo President Gary Moore announces NACo's Broadband Task Force during the NACo Virtual Federal Policy Summit.[name]County News Article -
County News
Changes to public safety spectrum comes at major cost for counties
Reallocation of the T-Band will challenge counties' public safety communications systems and budgets.[name]County News ArticleReallocation of the T-Band will challenge counties' public safety communications systems and budgets. -
County News
Counties take lead to bridge digital divide, expand access to internet
In March 2019 — almost a year before the COVID-19 pandemic forced most Americans to rely entirely on a broadband connection — NACo launched the “TestIT” mobile app aimed at shedding light on our nation’s digital divide.[name]County News ArticleIn March 2019 — almost a year before the COVID-19 pandemic forced most Americans to rely entirely on a broadband connection — NACo launched the “TestIT” mobile app aimed at shedding light on our nation’s digital divide.
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Related Resources
Related Resources
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Blog
NACo teams with FCC to spread awareness of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program
NACo is teaming up with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help spread awareness of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. -
County News
NACo’s Broadband Task Force releases report
In an effort to bridge the digital divide in counties both rural and urban across the country, NACo’s Broadband Task Force released a report July 12 during the 2021 NACo Annual Conference outlining nine specific themes that address communities seeking broadband. -
County News
Broadband demands during COVID-19 reveal disparities
As the COVID-19 situation brings increased demands in teleworking, virtual learning and even telemedicine, counties are turning to public hotspots to meet the needs of residents.
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County Examples & Solutions
Washtenaw County, Mich. ARP Plan
Washtenaw County's ARPA plan includes projects such as expanding broadband and public Wi-Fi, funding additional early childhood education, establishing universal childhood savings accounts, securing permanent affordable housing units, expanding county solar infrastructure, providing small business relief funds and maximizing the use of a new mo -
County Examples & Solutions
Hanover County, Va. ARP Plan
Hanover County allocated $15.8 million to help fund high-quality broadband access in the county. The initiative is called "Connect Hanover" and will be a public-private partnership that will put fiber optic cables on existing power lines in areas of the county that are underserved. -
County Examples & Solutions
Howard County, Ind. ARP Plan
Howard County's approved ARP allocations include $1.5 million for highway building improvements, over $1.2 million for county building improvements, $500,000 for an addiction and mental health services grant fund, $500,000 for a small business grant program, $500,000 for job training assistance, $3.5 million for water and sewer infrastructure i
