Fewer Northwest Farms Have Internet Access Now Compared To 2023
Overall, 85% of farms this year reported that they have Internet access. That's actually equal to the number reported back in 2023.
internet
GAO: Broadband Data May Not Be Accurate
The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a study last week that raises questions about the accuracy of broadband availability data in the FCC’s National Broadband Map.
According to that study, the Commission “has not documented or assessed the sufficiency of its processes” for ensuring the accuracy of the map, which in turn could “jeopardize agencies’ ability to make the most efficient
Lawmakers Introduce Rural Internet Improvement Act
A bipartisan group of Senators recently introduced legislation to merge USDA broadband programs. New Mexico Democrat Ben Ray Luján and South Dakota Republican John Thune reintroduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. The legislation would streamline and bolster USDA Rural Development broadband programs and ensure their funding is targeted to rural areas that need it the most.
"Our bip
NFU Supports White House Affordability Connectivity Program
National Farmers Union welcomed last week’s Affordability Connectivity Program announced by the White House. The program seeks to close the U.S. digital divide by making reliable, high-speed internet affordable to many families in rural and urban communities. The
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Rural Internet Getting a Boost From USDA
The Biden administration official charged with coordinating the implementation of the massive bipartisan infrastructure bill, Mitch Landriue, said besides proving roads, bridges and rural electric grids and such, that bill has resources for another major goal:
"Providing high speed internet to every home, every business so that rural community specifically can stay connected to jobs, precisio
Biden Administration Released New Broadband Coverage Map
A new broadband mapping tool released by the White House last week shows the need for rural broadband. The Indicators of Broadband Need Map indicates areas of need by marking them red. The tool unsurprisingly marks much of the U.S. land area, particularly rural areas, as in need of broadband
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FCC Chair Pai to Step Down January 20
Federal Communications Commission Chair Ajit Pai will step down January 20, the day President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in.
Pai was appointed to the commission in 2012 by President Barack Obama, and made chairman by President Donald Trump in 2017
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Senate Democrats Release COVID-19 Impact Report
Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow is leading a group of Democrats in releasing a report on the impact of COVID-19 in rural America. The report was put together by the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, which Stabenow chairs
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Wyden Plans To Reintroduce Community Broadband Act
Last week, Senator Ron Wyden announced he will reintroduce the Community Broadband Act to improve internet access in underserved communities. Oregon’s senior senator says the proposal is even more important during the coronavirus pandemic as millions of students and families find themselves struggling to learn and work remotely.
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Expert Weighs In On What Broadband Means For Rural Community
Many in the farming community consider high-speed broadband, specifically in rural areas, a once-every-half-century milestone.A Strategic Communications Consultant Bob Knight agrees.
"You think what the railroads did for our country when they were formed, it moved people and goods coast to coast
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