Presenter: Ashley Littell Hitt, GISP, Vice President, GIS Services, Connected Nation
What happens when the interactive maps and data collection products we create can’t be used by the citizens we develop them for? Over 18 million people in the U.S. do not have broadband (high-speed internet) access, in what is known as the “Digital Divide.” This lack of universal broadband access keeps citizens, especially in rural America, from being able to access government services, telehealth assistance, and educational opportunities – even jobs can rarely be applied for these days without broadband access.
In order to bring broadband to every citizen in a state, we must first understand where current services are and are not available. Unfortunately, the way broadband data is currently collected at the federal level has inherent issues and is inadequate for local planning and expansion efforts. More accurate and granular broadband mapping is needed in order to focus on the citizens and areas that need the most help.
This is not only a rural America access issue, but an urban cost issue as well. In order to optimize precision agriculture, close the homework gap, and expand digital literacy, local broadband mapping is essential. Especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, broadband access, adoption, and use are essential to everyone, everywhere.
This presentation will review current federal broadband data challenges, collaborations and public-private partnerships that make a difference, solutions for accurate and granular broadband mapping, and state success stories. Advocating for more accurate and granular broadband data is essential for every state’s success because everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
We will also be giving away one free ArcGIS for Personal Use license at the end of this presentation.