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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Broadband

Jun 21, 2024 - Highlights the recovery challenges in rural New Mexico for those displaced by recent wildfires. Notes that limited cellular and internet service in particular has hampered efforts.
Source: Source NM
Jun 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The Broadband Technical Assistance Program provides competitive cooperative agreement funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. Applications are due by August 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Broadband Technical Assistance Program
Jun 21, 2024 - Highlights the efforts of a volunteer expert in mapping broadband needs in a rural Texas community. Notes the impact of prioritizing broadband in high-need areas for community engagement, economics, healthcare access, and more.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 20, 2024 - Notice from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on June 24, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Central. An agenda will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment regarding the Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers, Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support information collection. Comments are due by July 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold the first Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) meeting on June 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. The CSRIC will provide recommendations to the FCC on improving the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. Attendance is available in person or online at https://www.fcc.gov/​live.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 10, 2024 - Announces a new initiative to create the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty that will work toward helping tribes manage their digital footprint. Notes the impact it could have on tribal economies, healthcare, and infrastructure. The center will support research and capacity building, manage data, offer technical assistance, and educate on internet networks.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Jun 5, 2024 - Features a Fort Hall Reservation resident impacted by the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered monthly subsidies to support internet access for millions of low-income and rural Americans. Notes the importance of internet access for accessing medical records, scheduling appointments, and communicating with providers.
Source: KFF Health News
May 31, 2024 - Announces the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program on June 1, 2024 due to a lack of Congressional funding. Outlines how the program helped millions of low-income American access high-speed internet. Notes that 15 percent of participating households were located in rural areas.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
May 23, 2024 - Highlights a college class project that developed a method for sharing health data through a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), a form of low-frequency radio that could allow remote monitoring for patients in areas without cellular or broadband access. Discusses implications for rural patients, the need for patient privacy, and the value of students working with community partners to innovate solutions to real-world problems.
Source: Cornell Chronicle