06/21/16
Broadband Helps Local Farmers
It’s June, and that means the start of summer. Around here, that equals the end of classes, evenings on the lake, and the return of the summer farmers market. Even though the county’s open air market feels like it’s a thousand miles from technology, local farmers are still benefiting from the ability to use broadband to grow, advertise, and sell their wares.
06/16/16
Turning Toxic Waste Into Technology Assets
An estimated 30 to 50 million tons of electronics are trashed every year globally. In America, this produces 70% of all toxic waste, caused by lead, cadmium, beryllium, and other dangerous metals. Electronics that become toxic waste could be used by schools, relief organizations, and non-profits in need all over the world.
06/07/16
Osceola County Dedicated to Getting Connected
Recognizing that their county was being left behind in regard to Internet access and digital literacy, officials in Osceola County, Michigan, knew they needed to spark a change. In September 2012, Osceola County began a long journey of ongoing development and cooperation to make a positive change to Internet access, adoption, and use. And, 31 months later, their hard work, planning, and dedication has paid off.
05/31/16
Google Helps Businesses Get Online With Free Resources
Ninety-seven percent (97%) of consumers now search the web to find the goods and services they need everyday, yet only 37% have claimed local listings through search engines. Google dominates this sphere with approximately 72% of the search market share, with even higher numbers in mobile searches. Google's aptly named Get Your Business Online program is doing exactly that, with seminars across the nation helping businesses claim their listings.
05/16/16
Building Broadband From Afghanistan to Michigan
After building broadband systems for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, building systems in rural Michigan didn't pose much of a challenge for Kristopher Shafer, founder and CEO of Elevate Net in Traverse City, Michigan. Building off experience gained from connecting networks during his three tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, Shafer now works to connect unserved and underserved areas surrounding Traverse City.
Recent News // Kent County Broadband Committee Seeks Community Input
05/04/16
Fighting Broadband Barriers With Data
We all want to fight the barriers to broadband adoption and create communities that are more digitally inclusive.
It’s understood that the barriers to adoption include affordability, relevance and awareness, digital literacy, and the age or inoperability of devices.
How can we work smarter toward addressing these barriers in our communities?
Connected Nation has found the answer to be research and data.
Recent News // Is broadband Internet a 'basic utility?' Voters consider high-speed tax
05/02/16
04/25/16
Connected Program Partner Expands Broadband Over Mountains, Across the Nation
Partnerships with influential businesses and nonprofit groups give Connected Nation (CN) and its Connected Community Engagement Program the tools to reach more communities and connect more residents to fast, reliable broadband. One of Connected's newest partners, 2pifi, expands broadband networks into the most challenging rural areas, creating powerful networks through innovative technology when many other options have failed.

