The Broadband issue is multifaceted and complex. Therefore, finding an on-ramp for working on broadband through your Extension subject area is possible. The resources below will help you explore subject area research and information and find ways to take action. This is not an exhaustive list. Please contact Kenneth Sherin to share resources to include below.
Resources for Immediate Action- NC Broadband Survey -- The survey helps get a better picture of Broadband coverage and speeds. Better data can lead to more targeted funding to fill the gaps. The NC Broadband Infrastructure Office provides resources on promoting the survey in your community.
- WestNGN Broadband Leadership Forums of Land of Sky Regional Council
- The BAND-NC Initiative is a grant opportunity to work on developing a digital opportunity plan for every North Carolina county. Many counties are already involved in this work but are always looking for collaborators. Look here to find the 2020 BAND-NC grantees or the 2021 BAND-NC grantees in your county.
Broadband in Agriculture
Research and Information
- From Fiber to Field: The Role of Rural Broadband in Emerging Agricultural Technology Published by NTCA -Rural Broadband Association July 2021
- Internet Connectivity and Farms in North Carolina Published by NC Department of Information Technology in 2019
- Impact of Broadband Penetration on U.S. Farm Productivity by FCC on December 15, 2020.
- Rural Broadband and the American Farmer: Connectivity Challenges Limit Agriculture’s Economic Impact and Sustainability by United Soybean Board in 2019.
- Global City Teams Challenge Smart Agriculture and Rural SuperCluster Workshop Report 2020 by U.S. Department of Commerce
Resources for Action in Agriculture
Broadband in Family and Consumer Science
Research and Information
- Broadband and Telehealth in NC's Appalachian Coal-Impacted Communities by NC Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health
- Digital Prosperity by The Brookings Institute
Broadband in 4-H Youth Development
Research and Information
- Survey shows teens without broadband internet less confident about their future by DigitalTrends 2020
- As schools close due to the coronavirus, some U.S. students face a digital ‘homework gap’ by Pew Research
Resources for Action
Broadband in Community and Rural Development
Research and Information
- Broadband Today: Rural America's Critical Connection by the Foundation for Rural Service
- NC Broadband Infrastructure Office
Resources for Action
- The BAND-NC Initiative is a grant opportunity to work on developing a digital opportunity plan for every NC county. Many counties are already involved in this work but are always looking for collaborators. Contact Kenneth Sherin if you would like to find the BAND-NC grantee in your county.
- Washington State Extension Model: Broadband Action Teams (BAT). Contact Kenneth Sherin if you are interested implementing in this model.
