For Immediate Release
May 24, 2023
Contact:
Herryn Herzog, VCBB Communications & Outreach Manager
phone: (802) 522-3396
email: Herryn.Herzog@Vermont.gov
Montpelier, Vermont –The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is kicking off a project to develop Vermont’s digital equity plan to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Vermonters have access to affordable broadband as well as the knowledge and equipment to use it.
“This is Vermont’s opportunity to build out broadband and do it right, and we want to hear from you. We are asking for your input and ideas on how we can ensure digital equity for all Vermonters so our investments benefit everyone in our state,” said Governor Phil Scott.
The effort is part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Act, which will distribute more than $45 billion nationwide to expand high-speed Internet by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, mapping, adoption programs, and promote digital inclusion and advance equity for all.
“In 2023 Broadband is essential for public safety, education, economic development, health care, workforce development, agriculture, and fighting climate change. We want all Vermonters to have the connection, resources, and skills to be able to participate fully. This work is an important step toward that goal,” said VCBB Chair Patty Richards.
The federal government requires states to engage with and reach out to people who are affected by the digital divide when planning their programs. Over the next few months, the VCBB will be calling for input from all Vermonters and specifically members of the following populations: aging people, those with household incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level, people with a language barrier, people living in rural areas, veterans, incarcerated people, members of a racial or ethnic minority group, people with disabilities, tribal populations, LGBTQ+ people, unhoused people, and migrant farmworkers.
“Our mission is to improve the lives of every Vermonter. Universal broadband connectivity is a critical part of our world today. But without a plan to bridge the digital divide, many Vermonters would be left behind,” said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist.
The VCBB will have representatives at various public events over the next few months and will also be holding listening sessions in locations across Vermont. If you would like to share your experience with internet access, the digital divide, and/or have ideas about how to ensure digital equity, you can email your comments to vcbb.info@vermont.gov, write to VCBB, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620, or call (800) 622-4496. You can find this and more information on our website, Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Act | Department of Public Service (vermont.gov). More information about specific events will be coming soon.
“Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed and signed into law in November 2021”
“Each of the 50 states will receive an initial allocation of $100 million from the $42.45 billion pot, with additional funding to be distributed based on coverage maps that have yet to be put out by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In order to receive funding, each state must submit a five-year action plan that identifies locations that should be prioritized for support; outlines how to serve unconnected locations; and assesses how long it would take to build out universal broadband.
State-level grant opportunities will be open to cooperatives, non-profits, public-private partnerships, private entities, utilities and local governments alike.”
“Grant recipients are required to deliver service offering speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream and provide at least one low-cost service plan for subscribers. Awardees must complete their network deployment and begin providing broadband service within four years of the date they receive grant funding unless they meet specific criteria for an extension.”
December 2003 – Governor Douglas: Wired VT: Building a Robust Technological Infrastructure
Work to ensure 100 percent of the major transportation arteries within the state have wireless coverage and 90 percent of homes and business have broadband access by 2007;
Expand a Vermont Rural Development Council program that organizes and aggregates community demand for broadband and telecommunication services; and, expand the computer sales tax holidays to include two additional peak sales periods.
MONTPELIER, Vt.(June 20, 2008) – Governor Jim Douglas on Monday will be joined by Mary Evslin, Chair of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority, Ruth Wallman, Executive Director of the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce and Dan Blakeman, Vice President of Comcast’s Vermont System to announce Comcast’s proposal to extend its network by another 300 miles in 2009 in communities previously not served by wire line providers offering high-speed cable internet, television and phone service”
January 2013 – “Gov. Peter Shumlin today announced that the responsibilities of Connect Vermont, the temporary office created to expand high-speed broadband internet access statewide by the end of 2013, will be transferred to the Agency of Commerce & Community Development, under Secretary Lawrence Miller. Progress to achieve that goal is well underway. Transferring this responsibility to the Agency will ensure that the administration continues, as well. The Commerce Agency will track progress and assist providers as they continue to bring broadband service to every last mile.”
“It absolutely remains a top priority of mine to ensure that broadband reaches every Vermonter,” the Governor said. “We have made incredible progress and we don’t want to lose any momentum, which is why I have asked the Agency of Commerce to assume this important role.”
If anyone is keeping score, billions of dollars all ready spent in Vermont over 20 years. Another $100 million should do it this time eh? Vermont is a cesspool of corruption and a grifter’s paradise!
Equity is Socialism. Forced redistribution of wealth and resources to create more equal outcomes via taxation. Equity is not afforded by the Constitution or civil rights
Equity is a United Nations agenda as is the sustainable development goals. DEI is also a United Nations Agenda and relevant to the social scoring component of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governence).