August 12, 2022

Get Connected Newsletter from the Wyoming Broadband Office

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Get Connected.
Newsletter from the Wyoming Broadband Office focused on finding solutions to improve access to high-speed internet across Wyoming.

Update from the Wyoming Broadband OfficeThe Public Comment period for the Broadband Program, Chapter 4 - Connect Wyoming program rules is open until Aug. 22. Learn more and be sure to submit your comments here.Wyoming submitted our State Digital Equity Planning Grant application which has been accepted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The application now moves through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for further review.Wyoming is also submitting our BEAD Planning Grant application which is due Aug. 15 to NTIA. We anticipate award notification within 30 to 60 days. The state will be utilizing these funds to complete a five-year action plan.The Broadband Office is also working on finalizing the Broadband Program Proposal by Sept. 24 which utilizes ARPA funds designated by the Wyoming Legislature and Governor Gordon.Contact the Broadband OfficeWhy Does Internet Matter?
The Internet is the backbone of today's world. It powers education and economy. It supports our health and well-being. And it connects us to our neighbors and to those we love.

Americans without internet miss out on many of these benefits. Roughly 1 in 5 American households aren't connected to the internet. That's a fifth of our country that's unable to fully participate in modern life.
Learn More

Glossary of Broadband Terms
Disspelling the myths and confusion about Broadband.

Broadband: The transmission of wide bandwidth data over a high speed internet connection.

Bandwidth: The maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time. Bandwidth is often mistaken for internet speed when it's actually the volume of information that can be sent over a connection in a measured amount of time. It is calculated in megabits per second (Mbps).
 
Mbps: Mbps stands for megabits per second. They are measured based on your internet bandwidth. For optimum performance, you want to have a higher megabit per second because that allows for higher internet speeds (think streaming Netflix or playing games).Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions

Why does broadband matter?
In the 21st century, broadband is basic infrastructure just as vital as roads and bridges, electrical lines and sewer systems. At the community level, an advanced telecommunications network is critical for driving growth, attracting new businesses, creating jobs, enabling access to emergency services, and remaining competitive in the information-age economy. At the individual level, access to broadband – and the know-how to use it – opens the door to employment opportunities, educational resources, health care delivery, government services and social networks. In many cases, broadband is necessary for applying for a job or even completing a homework assignment.

For more information, see this infographic: Why Does Broadband Matter?
 
How fast is broadband?

Broadband speeds will vary depending upon the Internet service provider and the broadband package that a user selects. Speed of connection is normally measured in megabits per second (Mbps); slower connections are measured using kilobits (1/1,000th of a megabit) per second (Kbps).

The term “broadband” commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies, such as fiber, wireless, satellite, digital subscriber line and cable. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband capability requires consumers to have access to actual download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and actual upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.Learn MoreImportant Information You Should KnowMiddle Mile Office Hours AvailableThe National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is excited to announce Office Hours for the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program Application process.

At these office hour sessions, NTIA staff and subject matter experts will answer questions from all prospective applicants with the intent to prepare them to write high-quality applications.Each session will focus on a different stakeholder group; however, all are welcome to attend and general questions will be answered. As this grant is competitive, NTIA will not comment on specific application questions or provide direction.

See links to register for the scheduled sessions below:

States, Territories and DC Focus - All welcome to attend Wednesday, August 17 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022. Thursday, August 18 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022.Tribal Organizations Focus - All welcome to attendTuesday, Aug. 23 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Monday, August 22, 2022.Thursday, Aug. 25 from 1-2 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022.Local and Regional Government Focus - All welcome to attendTuesday, Aug. 30 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022.Thursday, Sept. 1 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.Industry - All welcome to attendTuesday, Sept. 13 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.Thursday, Sept. 15 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022.Non-Profits - All welcome to attendTuesday, Sept. 20 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022.Thursday, Sept. 22 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022.General Session - All welcome to attendTuesday, Sept. 27 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022.Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 2-3 pm ET; Register by Noon ET on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022.Learn MorePublic Comment Period Open for Connect Wyoming
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is seeking input from the public on rules for Connect Wyoming through August 22, 2022.

Connect Wyoming Program Rule Changes 
The purpose of the Connect Wyoming program is to fund broadband development projects in Wyoming through contracts with private service providers. The updated rules provide a regulatory framework for these projects, define eligible and ineligible costs, and outline application, review and prioritization standards of the program as well as funding terms and conditions.

Draft rules for this program are available to review at wyomingbusiness.org/public-comments. The Broadband Office appreciates all comments and the public’s support in this process.Submit CommentsPLEASE NOTE: THE WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL (WBC) IS TRANSITIONING TO A NEW EMAIL MARKETING PLATFORM. ALL FUTURE CORRESPONDENCE FROM WBC WILL COME FROM [email protected] THROUGH CONSTANT CONTACT. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR SPAM FOLDERS IF YOU DO NOT SEE REGULAR COMMUNICATIONS FROM OUR ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU AND DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

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The Wyoming Business Council is available to answer any questions. We are your asset, champion and partner in all things broadband. Reach us at [email protected]
This project was developed by the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and funded through a Cooperative Agreement with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funds appropriated by Congress through the CARES Act to assist businesses in recovering from the negative effects of COVID-19. SBDC appreciates ongoing support from the SBA, The Wyoming Business Council, and the University of Wyoming.