News
Funding for broadband deployment and digital inclusion is available to states through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Nebraska Legislature is expected to appropriate federal funding from these programs in early 2022. In the coming months, more information will be available on the amount of funding for broadband allocated for broadband grants and when the funding may be available.
LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the award of more than $29.5 million in funding under the Remote Access Rural Broadband Grant program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).
“These grants will lead to better broadband service in many areas of the state that are currently underserved,” said Gov. Ricketts. “The enhanced service will equip more of our rural communities with the technology needed to conduct business online, make virtual health visits, and engage in distance learning opportunities.”
Nebraska’s Rural Broadband Task Force makes recommendations, hearing set for Dec. 4Nov. 26, 2019
Nebraska’s Rural Broadband Task Force has submitted their findings and recommendations to the Legislature. A hearing has been scheduled by the Legislature’s Transportation and Telecommunications Committee for Dec. 4, 2019 at 1:00 in Room 1507 in the State Capitol. Members of the public are welcome to attend and to testify. Hearings are also webcast by NET.
Governor Ricketts Thanks Task Force for Recommendations to Improve Rural BroadbandNov. 1, 2019
Governor Pete Ricketts announced Nebraska's Rural Broadband Task Force has submitted their recommendations to improve broadband availability and adoption in rural areas of the state to the Legislature. The report is due on November 1, every odd-numbered year.
Read the press release (PDF)
Governor Pete Ricketts has announced representatives to serve on the Rural Broadband Task Force. The task force will review issues related to availability, adoption, and affordability of broadband services in rural areas of Nebraska and make recommendations to the Legislature.
Read the press release.
Governor Ricketts has announced that he is seeking representatives of agribusiness, business, wireline telecommunications, wireless telecommunications, public power, health care providers, postsecondary educational institutions, and rural schools to serve as members of the Rural Broadband Task Force. Interested applicants should fill out the nomination form on Governor Rickett’s website by June 8. Nomination forms can be filled out online, at https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req.
Read the press release (PDF).