From the Rural Assembly…

We invite you to join us for two livestream conversations about the role of broadband access in rural areas and tribal lands in the time of COVID-19.

Description:
In response to COVID-19, local, state, federal and tribal governments have ordered the closing of schools and businesses, and non-essential employees have been instructed to work from home. These necessary changes in daily life require a necessary service – broadband.

Yet, according to the Federal Communications Commission, about 30 million people still do not have broadband access, with 35% of residents in rural areas and 40% of residents in tribal lands lacking service.

During a time when staying home is our collective duty, are rural and tribal residents able to rely on broadband access to continue to study, work, and obtain healthcare?

April 16, 4 PM ET
What is the rural and tribal broadband experience during COVID-19?

This panel conversation will feature the experiences of residents from rural and Native communities in accessing broadband service during a time when Internet access is necessary to work, study, and receive health care, safely. Panelists will represent the education, healthcare, business, and Opportunity Youth sectors. This conversation does not present solutions, instead, it seeks to learn about the impact that substandard or lack of Internet service has on the safety and wellbeing of rural and Native communities.

April 22, 4 PM ET
Has the government’s response been adequate?

The second conversation will feature analysis from broadband advocates about the recent actions from policymakers, including the Federal Communications Commission, in response to the challenge of broadband access in rural and Native communities. Panelists will discuss how these actions have helped, and what needs to improve to adequately address broadband access in rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.