Month: November 2023

AI - Artificial Intelligence Cloud Development Innovation IoT Work Remotely

Artificial Intelligence and Broadband

Post author By Marc Czarnecki
Post date November 30, 2023
No Comments on Artificial Intelligence and Broadband

The correlation between AI (Artificial Intelligence) and broadband mainly revolves around the dependence of AI systems on high-speed, reliable internet connections (broadband) for optimal functioning.

Data Transfer Speeds: AI systems often require large datasets for training and operations. Broadband enables faster data transfer, essential for efficient AI processing.
Cloud Computing: Many AI applications rely on cloud services, which need robust broadband for seamless access and real-time data processing.
IoT Integration: AI interacts with IoT (Internet of Things) devices, which depend on broadband to transmit data effectively.
Remote Accessibility: Broadband allows for remote access to AI systems, facilitating wider usage and collaboration.
Innovation and Development: High-speed internet is critical for AI research and development, supporting large-scale computation and communication among researchers.

Broadband is crucial for the efficient operation, development, and accessibility of AI technologies that shape our workforce now and even more in the future.

Broadband access Broadband in WNC Community Centers Digital Inclusion Economic Development Healthcare Remote Work

Empowering Communities

Post author By Marc Czarnecki
Post date November 26, 2023

Broadband is vital for a community center due to the following reasons:

Access to Information: Broadband provides access to a vast range of information and resources, enhancing educational and learning opportunities.
Community Engagement: It enables better communication and engagement among community members, fostering a sense of connection.
Economic Development: Broadband supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community by providing essential tools for marketing and operations.
Digital Inclusion: Ensures all community members, regardless of their background, have access to digital resources, reducing the digital divide.
Healthcare Access: Telehealth services, crucial for remote or underserved areas, rely on broadband for effective delivery.
Remote Work and Learning: Broadband supports remote work and e-learning opportunities, essential in today’s digital world.

These connectivity benefits are key to integrating your Western North Carolina community into high-speed, broadband opportunities.

BEAD Program Broadband in WNC Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

Navigating North Carolina’s Journey to Broadband Expansion: Challenges and Opportunities

Post author By Marc Czarnecki
Post date November 23, 2023

Specific plans and progress in the broader context of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program could include these challenges and opportunities for North Carolina:

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s allocation for North Carolina’s broadband share is a massive $1.5 billion.
How ready is NC to utilize these funds in comparison to other states?
What is the analysis of the challenges North Carolina faces in deploying broadband, such as:
- Technician availability?
- Equipment demands?
- Coordination with federal guidelines?
What will be the impact of broadband expansion on rural and underserved communities in North Carolina?
What are other state-level broadband initiatives and how will they complement the federal program?
What will be the role of community-based entities in promoting digital equity and skills development?
How can individuals explore the long-term benefits of broadband access for small businesses, education, healthcare, and overall economic development in North Carolina?

Whitacre, Brian. 2023. “Every State Is about to Dole out Federal Funding for Broadband Internet – Not Every State Is Ready for the Task.” The Conversation. November 20, 2023. https://theconversation.com/every-state-is-about-to-dole-out-federal-funding-for-broadband-internet-not-every-state-is-ready-for-the-task-214356.

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AI - Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT Creates A WNC Broadband Image

Post author By Marc Czarnecki
Post date November 19, 2023

Technology changes quickly and broadband allows the delivery of applications, including ChatGPT.

Author Marc Czarnecki demonstrates a ChatGPT request for a WNC image with the verbially-entered objective of WNC Broadband.

Watch on YouTube a demonstration of Marc using the ChatGPT app to create a WNC Broadband image.

Below is the image that ChatGPT created in the above demostration of the prompt below.

The WNC Broadband Project aims to support communities interested in ensuring access to reliable, truly high-speed internet service. The WNC Broadband Project develops tools to empower individuals, communities, and area leaders in advocating effectively for their digital needs.
About WNC Broadband

Romero A. OpenAI launches free ChatGPT Voice because it’s not like anything else important was going on. 9to5Google. Published November 21, 2023. Accessed November 22, 2023. https://9to5google.com/2023/11/21/openai-launches-free-chatgpt-voice/

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Digital Equity

NC State Office of Digital Equity and Literacy Launches Digital Champion Grant Program

Post author By Marc Czarnecki
Post date November 13, 2023

Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) launched North Carolina’s Digital Champion Grant program, which will help North Carolinians afford high-speed internet, obtain digital devices, and access digital literacy resources.

The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy will administer the program with $14 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds with the goal of expanding digital equity programming and advancing digital inclusion.

Through this grant program, the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy will establish partnerships with organizations across the state to implement digital equity solutions that positively impact target populations identified in the Digital Equity Act, including low-income households; individuals who primarily reside in a rural area; older Americans/aging residents; incarcerated or justice involved; veterans; individuals with disabilities; individuals with a language barrier; and individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be one of the following types of entities: community services (including local governments, county libraries and K-12 school systems); nonprofit organizations; higher education institutions (including individual schools, colleges or centers within the system); or regional entities (including councils of governments).

All projects must develop or expand digital equity programming and address at least one of the following elements of digital inclusion:

Affordability of reliable high-speed internet
Provision of internet-enabled devices (computer, laptops, etc.) that meet users’ needs
Access to digital literacy and skills training
Quality technical support
Applications and online content designed to increase accessibility and inclusivity

Applications will be accepted online through Jan. 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. via the state’s new digital equity grant portal.

Each applicant may apply for up to $400,000 per county served with a maximum application request of $1.5 million.

Information sessions for applicants will be held later in November and December.

Additional details can be found at ncbroadband.gov/digital-equity-grant.

FCC Internet Service Provider Internet Speed

FCC Proposes New “High-Speed Internet” Definition

Post author By Marc Czarnecki
Post date November 4, 2023

FCC Action: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing the current broadband speed definition.
Proposed Standards: The new proposal suggests a minimum of 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads, up from the current 25/3 Mbps.
Reason for Change: The FCC Chairwoman cites the outdated standard and its role in overlooking connectivity gaps in underprivileged and rural areas.
Pandemic Insights: The necessity of reliable high-speed internet for work and personal life during the pandemic has emphasized the urgency for change.
Impact on Providers: ISPs would need to improve speeds to meet the new broadband criteria or cease advertising their service as broadband.
Background: The existing broadband benchmark was established in 2015 and hasn’t been updated.
Looking Forward: The FCC is also considering a long-term goal for broadband speeds, aiming for 1 Gbps downloads and 500 Mbps uploads.
Regulatory Context: This review is part of the FCC’s routine assessment as required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Cheng R. FCC Wants to Raise the Bar on Minimum Broadband Speeds | Cord Cutters News. Cord Cutters News. Published November 2023. Accessed November 4, 2023. https://cordcuttersnews.com/fcc-wants-to-raise-the-bar-on-minimum-broadband-speeds/
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