COVID-19 Response Plans for Connecting More Residents, Businesses at the State and Community Level

Bowling Green, Ky. (April 21, 2020) – Connected Nation (CN) is providing a new resource for state and community leaders that will help them identify immediate and simple solutions for connecting more residents and businesses during COVID-19 quarantines. “When local and state leaders began to implement shut down and ‘social distancing’ orders now nearly a month ago, we responded by …

Ohioans Ordered to Stay Home, Because Coronavirus; Without Internet, Just Because

Approximately 710,000 Ohio households don’t have any Internet service at home, leaving them unable to connect to work, school, health care or shopping during the coronavirus pandemic. The following was published in Governing on April 16, 2020 by Cornelius Frolik (TNS) — An estimated one in six households in the region do not have internet service during a global pandemic …

Cut off: Coronavirus pandemic worsens hardship for thousands of Lansing area residents without internet

“It’s not a want to have. It’s a need to have. It’s sad that it took a virus to make people see that.” ~Eric Frederick, Executive Director, Connected Nation Michigan The following story was published in the Lansing State Journal on April 14, 2020 by Sarah Lehr Wesley Clark, 84, needed a new wheelchair. His doctor wanted to explain via …

Texas Had Laws That Were Barriers to Telemedicine. The Coronavirus Changed That.

The following was published KUT Radio on March 20, 2020 by Ashley Lopez Telemedicine laws in Texas got revamped this week as the coronavirus spreads through the state. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday he was waiving a slew of regulations that made it harder for doctors to treat people remotely, also known as telemedicine or telehealth. “As the State of Texas …

During and After COVID-19: How Large and Small Businesses Can Plan for the Long Term

From tackling teleworking for the first time to improving customer communications, the CEO of Bryghtpath shares what businesses can do to stay viable. by Chris McGovern Director of Research, Connected Nation Shoreview, MN (April 8, 2020) – COVID-19 has presented challenges for businesses large and small, from figuring out how to protect their workers to keeping their business open amid a …

Keeping Students Connected During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Bowling Green, Ky. (April 7, 2020) – In today’s technology age, the internet is used for much more than just connecting with friends and family; it helps us pay our bills, stay up to date with current news, apply for jobs, and even get an education. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the internet is now a necessity for many people to …

We Must Close the Digital Divide in the RGV to Keep Our Students Learning

The following opinion piece was published in the Rio Grande Guardian on April 4, 2020  As our nation grapples with the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, school systems and higher education institutions are required to quickly adapt to online learning without knowing how long this will continue. This change is a challenge for many educators and learners under normal circumstances, but especially …

Analysis: A digital divide with dire consequences for Texas

The following was published in the Texas Tribune on April 1, 2020 by Ross Ramsey  The new coronavirus has forced Texans online for education, commerce, work and entertainment. But a third of the state’s residents don’t have broadband in their homes. When Anderson County told residents not to assemble in groups with more than 10 people, officials got some pushback from churches. …

Connecting America during the Coronavirus: Stimulus Bill Provides Some Funding to Expand Access

Washington, DC (March 26, 2020) – The Senate unanimously passed late last night a $2 trillion stimulus bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The House is set to vote on the bill Friday, March 27. This historic legislation provides funding for individuals, couples, and families. It also provides some relief for those who are working and learning from home …

Spectrum Health Offers Free Coronavirus Virtual Screenings

Grand Rapids MI. (March 26, 2020) –Since the outbreak of COVID-19, social distancing has been recommended to everyone living in the United States. But as society continues to self-isolate, certain everyday needs are put on the backburner. One is making time to see your primary physician. “Spectrum Health is working around the clock to slow the spread of COVID-19 and …