As the federal government prepares to give states millions of dollars in funding for broadband, advocates question whether those living within the digital divide — like low-income, rural, or unincorporated communities — have the expertise to pursue grants that could help close the gap. Las Cruces Sun News reported that broadband officials in New Mexico intend to spread knowledge by hosting two information sessions for community leaders, local elected officials, nonprofits, advocates, and other decision-makers tasked with implementing digital equity.
This week, two full-day “Let’s Get Going Broadband Bootcamps,” running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, were held in Anthony, NM and the tribal community of Pueblo of Tesuque, NM. The Institute for Local Self Reliance hosted the events in conjunction with the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE).
According to Alison Riley, spokesperson for the OBAE, the sessions will give an overview of broadband issues and arm attendees with information to “develop effective programs” within their communities. “It will demystify every step of the process in terms of getting broadband to local communities,” she added.
Kelly Schlegel, director of the OBAE, said that the bootcamps would answer questions like: “How do I get going? How do I get everybody energized? How do I put together a plan? How do I put together a network design?”
The sessions will include “how to” tips for applying for funding, the process of issuing a RFP, and creating a MOU to form partnerships, reported the Sun News. There will be ample time for Q&A, said Riley, and individual consultation opportunities.
Schlegel added that the training would provide the “toolkits, advice, and coaching” the advocates need to get started. She also noted that the broadband office would provide engineers to develop a network design once a plan is in place.
The broadband office is, in turn, tasking individual communities with pitching requests for internet funding in the coming months. “We look for strong financials; We look for good network design,” Schlegel said. “We look for good sustainability. And then, we grant the funds if we pick them and we meet the criteria.”
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