Connect (for Broadband): connecting technology and opportunity together for the benefit of everyone
Connect: Partnering to connect technology and opportunity together
Connect is an innovative, 501c3, nonprofit organization dedicated towards connecting residents, families and communities to the larger digital world. Connect seeks to help close the digital divide by driving greater broadband access and adoption, creating and fostering digital opportunity for all and bringing forward cutting edge technologies for the benefit of both the individual and the community at large. Connect utilizes strong project management, collaborative partnerships, coalition building and the creation of meaningful public policy to arrive at effective solutions for the greater good.
Smart investments into digital infrastructure (both in technology as well as in knowledge capital) opens up new competitive advantages and opportunities for entire communities. This includes ensuring the deployment of high speed broadband internet (fiber, wireless and low earth orbit satellite), the investment in data infrastructure facilities and digital skills training (including the education and use of Artificial Intelligence, telehealth and workforce development).
The Power of partnership
In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, we believe in the power of partnership to solve complex problems. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we create innovative technology solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also pave the way for digital opportunities. Together, we can harness our collective expertise to drive meaningful change and foster growth in the digital age. Whether you're a nonprofit service provider, government agency or private sector market leader, Connect brings stakeholders and expertise together to help drive digital opportunity for both individuals and the wider community.
Bringing together the right Team
At Connect, we bring an interdisciplinary team of highly trained individuals together to meet the needs of the organization, local or state government or private sector partner. These partnerships are the power behind creating effective strategic planning proposals, evaluating and developing broadband infrastructure to meet next generation needs, implementing efficient project management and expanding opportunities for all in the global digital economy.
Capabilities
Strategic Thinking and Planning
Stakeholder Outreach and Communication
Proposal Research and Creation
Workforce Development / Digital Skills Training Analysis
Partnership/Coalition Development
Project Management and Coordination
Asset Mapping
Broadband Infrastructure Analysis and Planning
How can help connect your community today?
Connecting by
• Partnership
• Expertise
• Resources
Creating an effective and strong partnership can significantly enhance the ability to solve complex problems, especially when resources are limited. By pooling expertise, skills, and assets, organizations can leverage each other's strengths to address challenges more effectively. Collaborations foster innovation and provide access to diverse perspectives, leading to more comprehensive solutions. Ultimately, Connect partners to maximize impact and efficiency, ensuring that efforts are focused where they are needed most.
Bringing expertise in broadband access and digital opportunity is crucial in closing the digital divide. By enhancing connectivity in both unserved and underserved areas, we can empower individuals and communities with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. Connect brings expertise that enables the development of tailored solutions that address unique local challenges, fostering equitable access to education, employment, and essential services. Ultimately, bridging the digital divide not only uplifts communities but also drives innovation and economic growth for everyone.
Being strategic in the search for acquiring resources is essential for nonprofits and local governments aiming to introduce technology that fosters digital opportunities in the community. By carefully assessing needs and aligning resources with specific goals, these organizations can effectively deploy technology solutions that address local challenges. This approach not only maximizes the impact of investments but also ensures that the technology serves the community's unique needs, ultimately leading to greater engagement and improved outcomes. Connect partners with stakeholders and embraces a strategic mindset that can pave the way for innovative initiatives that empower residents and enhances overall community well-being.
Strategic Plan Development and Coalition Building
Strategic Plan Development is more essential than ever when it comes to an organization's ability to sustain the work of digital opportunity. Connect can help bring a strong focus on creating and updating a practical strategic plan that doesn't sit on a shelf, but instead serves as a living (and useful) guide to the work ahead.
While the funding environment has become ever more constrained, leaders in digital opportunity must be able to pivot to new tactics, including the creation of digital opportunity coalitions which bring together digital skills training practioners, workforce development associates and the private sector to share knowledge and resources for the benefit of the entire community. Connect brings strong statewide and regional experience in coalition work that helps communities analyze where their strengths are today and what opportunities exist to move forward in the future.
Prior and current Federal broadband connectivity subsidy programs
In 2021, the federal government enacted the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) which provided qualifying families a direct subsidy of $50 per month that could be applied to purchase any stand-alone internet service tier from participating providers. EBB was envisioned and designed to be a stop gap measure in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. The program concluded in 2021.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the EBB program in 2022. ACP operated largely along the same principals and requirements as EBB. ACP closed in June, 2024 with the expiration of federal funding.
The Federal Lifeline program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), offers a monthly discount on phone or internet services to low-income households, aiming to ensure access to essential communication services like connecting to jobs, education, and healthcare; eligible individuals can receive up to $9.25 per month off their service, with those living on Tribal lands potentially receiving a higher discount of up to $34.25 per month.
Broadband connectivity resources
Federal Lifeline program
The Federal Lifeline program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), offers a monthly discount on phone or internet services to low-income households, aiming to ensure access to essential communication services like connecting to jobs, education, and healthcare; eligible individuals can receive up to $9.25 per month off their service, with those living on Tribal lands potentially receiving a higher discount of up to $34.25 per month
Our Story
Connect came of being as the nation collectively recognized the imperative of connecting everyone and all communities to the greater digital world. Connect is an innovative, 501c3, nonprofit organization on a mission to connect technology and opportunity together for the benefit of everyone (while also creating stronger, more resilient and fully connected communities everywhere).
Connect’s executive director (and founder), Josh Bokee, brings over twenty-five years of combined government and private market experience; the past seventeen of which has been focused within the broadband access and digital opportunity space. Josh's blended skill sets of strategic thinking, professional advocacy and coalition building and project management help partner agencies and communities successfully identify their digital access and opportunity needs, develop practical strategies to move forward with and implement funded solutions for meaningful and effective results.
More About Josh and the work at Connect:
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Fifteen years of prior experience with a national internet service provider, gaining a thorough understanding of the dynamics required for the successful extension of broadband infrastructure and investment.
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In depth work to support multiple state government broadband agencies on their initial (2022-2023) applications for the federal Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD) and Digital Equity (DE) Program. The BEAD and DE programs were federal grants to fund broadband planning, deployment and adoption.
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Implementation experience within local communities by collaborating with municipal and county governments to successfully utilize awarded grant funding for device distribution initiatives and new digital skills training programs for at-risk populations, including older adults.
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Strategic Plan Development by supporting the creation of a state broadband agency's Digital Equity Plan Addendum; and assisting policy makers with naviagting within a new funding constrained environment while still making gains in digital opportunities for all of their residents.
Smart investments into our digital infrastructure (both in technology as well as in human knowledge capital) opens up new competitve advantages and opportunities for entire communities. This includes the deployment of high speed broadband (fiber, wireless and low earth orbit satellite), and the investment in critical data infrastructure and digital skills training (including the education and use of Artificial Intelligence along with a suite of software programs).
Connect is ready to partner with your organization, agency and community to be on the digital forefront. How can we help you achieve your goals today?