August---2009 The results of this third annual Speed Matters survey of Internet speeds show that the U.S. has not made significant improvement in the speeds at which residents connect to the Internet. The average download speed for the nation was 5.1 megabits per second (mbps) and the average upload speed was 1.1 mbps. This was only a nine-tenths of a megabit per second increase (from 4.2 mbps to 5.1 mbps) since last year. At this rate, it will take the United States 15 years to catch up with current Internet speeds in South Korea. And when compared to the rest of the world, the United States ranks 28th in average Internet connection speeds. Read the full report check out how your state stacks up.

August 2009---FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski listened to San Francisco community based organization leaders who use technology for the benefit of the community.

The video states that the "SF Department of Technology has led a city wide initiative to expand broadband access throughout SF. They have used municipal fiber and Local Partnerships  over 4,000 residents in low income housing."

Chairman Genachowski agreed that access, adoption, and content are essential categories when looking at broadband.

To watch please visit the SFGTV's YouTube channel.

August 2009---Some areas most in need of broadband coverage don't qualify as "underserved" under the rules of the broadband stimulus program.

To read more please visit the Business Weekly website.

August 2009---The San Diego Broadband Initiative has reduced the digital divide in unconnected communities throughout San Diego County. The San Diego Broadband Initiative was formed to provide technology and technical resources to San Diego's underserved and low-income families. The term “digital divide” refers to segments of society without access to information technology and its potential to improve the quality of life. A 2009 survey by the California Emerging Technology Fund determined that 76% of the population of California uses the internet and 75% owns a computer. The approximate 25% of disconnected residents is at a tremendous disadvantage economically and educationally as more and more resources and information become available solely through the internet. True access includes not only computers and connections, but also having access to training that leads to proficiency needed to achieve higher levels of education and employment.

By the end of its first year of operation, over 1,950 low-income families had participated in a wide variety of services in which participants completed over 13,000 hours of basic computer training. After completing training provided by 14 partner organizations combined with other related services, each family received their own restored desktop computer with a new operating system and current software and discounted internet service.

The San Diego Broadband Initiative reached a number of significant milestones in its first year including: launching an interactive website, www.sdbroadband.org, negotiating reduced connection rates and offering over 30 on-line education and training courses. The depth and continuum of SDBI services offer members tools to increase employability skills and educational achievement, paths that lead to economic security and improved quality of life.

Over the next six months, SDFF will develop the next phase for the Initiative, SDBI 2.0, while continuing to provide SDBI services. SDBI 2.0 will launch in early 2010. The second phase will expand SDBI services to more than twice the target population of the first year and offer exciting new products and services.

July 2009---"Despite the much cited 'digital divide,' many multicultural consumers in the U.S. are getting much more active online but in different ways, according to new research from global market research firm Synovate. Though younger people across all groups are much more likely to be online, there are major differences, including between males and females of the same age and ethnic group."

To read the report published in June 2008, please visit the Synovate website.

July 2008---CCTPG was involved in the shaping process of AB 1555 by sending letters of support.

"To help ensure eligible entities in California can compete for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funding federally designated for broadband investment, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed AB 1555 (Perez). The Recovery Act designates over $7 billion nationally to expand broadband Internet access and create jobs building Internet infrastructure. Eligible applicants (businesses, non-profits, local governments and other entities) must illustrate the ability to attain non-federal matching funds in order to be considered for $4 billion of this Recovery broadband funding."

July 2009---"The Open Technology Initiative has released four application guides for those looking to apply for broadband stimulus funding.

The guides include general information on each of the four main broadband stimulus programs (BTOP and BIP broadband infrastructure, computer centers, and broadband adoption) as well as:

1. Primary sourcing to each application's requirements;
2. Check lists for the various records, written documents, budget items, etc. needed for the application;
3. Role breakdowns for building an application team; and,
4. Estimated timelines laying out the how long it will take your application team to fill out the application."

To download the guides, please visit Sascha Meinraths's website.

July 2009---The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Recovery, Accountability and Transparency Board announce that webinars will be held the week of July 20, 2009 to provide information on implementing the guidance set forth in OMB Memorandum M-09-21, Implementing Guidance for the Reports on Use of Funds Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was released on June 22, 2009.

Each webinar will focus on a major section of the Guidance as well as on the technology solution. The intended audience for these webinars includes Federal agency personnel, prime recipients and sub-recipients.