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connecthumanity.bsky.social
Connect Humanity
@connecthumanity.bsky.social
Non-profit impact fund working to ensure all communities have the internet connectivity they need to thrive | ImpactAssets Emerging Impact Manager
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📰 New in @ssireview.bsky.social: Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities

We won’t close the digital divide with the same old tools write Brian Vo & Clara Miller.

To deliver internet for all, we need a capital market that powers community broadband.

🔗 ssir.org/articles/ent...
Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities (SSIR)
To close the digital divide, we need a capital market that powers community broadband.
ssir.org
Whisper it: BEAD won’t deliver internet for all.

Despite big ambitions, it's clear as rollout plans emerge that BEAD will fall short of its target to close the digital divide.

Here's 8 reasons why:

connecthumanity.fund/8-reasons-why-bead-is-the-new-floor-not-the-finish-line
8 reasons why BEAD is the new floor, not the finish line
BEAD aimed to deliver “Internet for All,” but shifting priorities and funding gaps mean we still have a long way to go.
connecthumanity.fund
October 16, 2025 at 2:52 PM
"Private equity won’t close the digital divide — I know, I’ve tried."

A first hand account from mission-driven broadband builder Brian Snider.

Via @impactalpha.com: impactalpha.com/private-equi...
Private equity won’t close the digital divide — I know, I’ve tried.
Explore the impact of rural broadband investment on communities, enabling remote work, telehealth, and education opportunities.
impactalpha.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Satellites are cool... until they’re not.

Our perspective on why BEAD must stay focused on fiber: fast, reliable, & future-proof.

connecthumanity.fund/satellite-in...
July 25, 2025 at 1:14 PM
💲 Now investing: Connect Humanity has funding to support community-centric broadband projects.

If you're building community-centric broadband or want to learn about co-investing, let’s talk.

Learn More 🔗 connecthumanity.fund/investment-c...
Funding for community-focused broadband
Learn about Connect Humanity’s financing and co-investment opportunities to expand internet access in underserved communities.
connecthumanity.fund
June 23, 2025 at 12:25 PM
From detecting wildfires to expanding internet access in remote communities, Jim Kossow is building solutions in Plumas County.

See how our investee Peak to Peak joined forces with PG&E to bring new fiber infrastructure to California’s mountain region.

connecthumanity.fund/how-peak-to-...
ISP and electric utility team up to boost broadband in Plumas County
Connect Humanity investee Peak to Peak gets creative to build better broadband — from the valley floor to the mountaintop
connecthumanity.fund
June 5, 2025 at 1:44 PM
We’re partnering with @missiondrivenfinance.com to unlock more capital for community-centered internet.

Together, we’re accelerating investment in broadband networks that put people first.

🔗 connecthumanity.fund/connect-huma...
Partnering with Mission Driven Finance
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Mission Driven Finance to accelerate investment in high-impact broadband infrastructure projects.
connecthumanity.fund
May 29, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🎙️"We’re here for small businesses. For kids who want to go to college. For growth. The cornerstone of that is broadband" — Ashley Smith, SOAR Digital Navigator

Proud to host these heroes for a candid conversation on trust, leadership & building broadband at #NetInclusion25.
May 22, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reposted by Connect Humanity
This week on The Divide for @lightreading.bsky.social we hear from NDIA's Angela Siefer on the immediate and long-term impact of Trump (unlawfully) terminating grants from the Digital Equity Act and how advocates and states can fight back. www.lightreading.com/broadband/th...
The Divide: Trump terminates Digital Equity Act – now what?
This week: Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), on the impact of President Trump 'ending' the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act and how advocates can fig...
www.lightreading.com
May 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Join us at the first-ever Future of Public Broadband conference!

Jordana Barton-Garcia joins the opening panel with lessons on building sustainable, community-centered broadband.

📅 May 14 | 🕐 1PM | 📍 DC

🔗 www.eventbrite.com/e/community-...

Hosted by @aapbroadband.bsky.social & @newamerica.org
May 8, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Learn how Macon County, Alabama got stacked 💪

connecthumanity.fund/where-are-th...
May 7, 2025 at 12:44 PM
A win for broadband in Meigs County, OH!

Construction is underway to connect 200 more homes with high-speed internet — thanks to Appalachia Digital Accelerator partners ARC, Buckeye Hills Regional Council & local champions 👏

www.wtap.com/2025/04/15/o...
Over 200 homes set to receive broadband access in Meigs County
The areas planned for the construction of the project include Longbottom, and on Ohio 681 between Tupper Plains and Reedsville.
www.wtap.com
April 22, 2025 at 12:54 PM
📰 New in @ssireview.bsky.social: Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities

We won’t close the digital divide with the same old tools write Brian Vo & Clara Miller.

To deliver internet for all, we need a capital market that powers community broadband.

🔗 ssir.org/articles/ent...
Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities (SSIR)
To close the digital divide, we need a capital market that powers community broadband.
ssir.org
April 16, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for?

If that “what” is local champions closing the digital divide, NDIA's new map might be just the ticket — featuring 85+ coalitions across the US.

We like it.

We hope it’s useful for u2 (ahem, you too).

👉 www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/ndia-pu...
April 11, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Macon County, Alabama 📍

In 2023, we partnered with Macon County Economic Development Authority on a fiber network to improve internet access.

Two years on, we checked in to see the ripple effects of world-class broadband.

The results are insane 🤯

connecthumanity.fund/where-are-th...
Where Are They Now?
The ripple effects of broadband investment in Macon County. How a $500k investment unlocked $148m in rural Alabama.
connecthumanity.fund
April 8, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Heard of People's Choice Communications?

It’s an internet co-op bringing affordable internet to NYC — starting in the Bronx.

Founded by striking Spectrum workers, it's built to reinvest in the communities it serves.

📰 @cnet.com / @cierranoffke.bsky.social

www.cnet.com/home/interne...
This Co-Op Led Internet Service Offers a New Model for Closing the Digital Divide
Striking Spectrum workers started the cooperative several years back, and it's been fighting for equitable internet access ever since.
www.cnet.com
April 7, 2025 at 1:35 PM
"Switching from fiber to satellite may reduce upfront costs, but it’s like replacing a bridge with a ferry service — cheaper in the short term, but less effective and far more costly over the long haul."

Why BEAD's fiber-first approach remains the right choice 🇺🇸
connecthumanity.fund/fiber-first-...
Fiber-first is the right choice for America
While signs point towards a shift to satellite in BEAD funding, a focus on fiber remains the right approach to build broadband fit for the future
connecthumanity.fund
March 13, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Celebrating the powerhouse women transforming broadband 👏

Kudos to Jordana Barton-Garcia, @gbsohn.bsky.social, Kathryn de Wit, Angela Siefer, Shirley Bloomfield, @agomezfcc.bsky.social & Jessica Rosenworcel for their work breaking down barriers to digital opportunity.

www.cnet.com/home/interne...
Meet the Women Transforming the Broadband Industry: 7 Women Driving Digital Inclusion
From policy to infrastructure, these women are breaking barriers and shaping the future of internet access.
www.cnet.com
March 12, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Tomorrow! Join Brian Vo for the 5th anniversary of Broadband Breakfast Live Online as we reflect on five years of broadband policy, deployment, and digital transformation.

Hosted by Drew Clark, with Deborah A. Lathen, @jakevarn.bsky.social & Gary Wood.

🔗 broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-br...
Broadband Breakfast on March 12, 2025 - 5 Years On: Where Is Broadband Now?
We’re also inviting you - our audience - to share your thoughts!
broadbandbreakfast.com
March 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
NDIA has been publishing great stories about how digital navigators help older Americans build the skills to use telehealth services, avoid online scams, keep in touch with family, and much more.

Here's the latest: www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/buildin...
Building Digital Skills in Rural Maine: One Skill, One Device, One Person at a Time - National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Increasing Access, Affordability, and Adoption for Washington County Residents Build confidence with a personalized approach. Personalized learning plans
www.digitalinclusion.org
March 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM
📡 Broadband fuels opportunity.

Jordana Barton-Garcia spoke with Rio Grande Guardian about the launch of the RGV Digital Opportunity Plan to expand internet access and economic growth in the region.

Learn more 🔗 riograndeguardian.com/barton-garci...
Barton-Garcia discusses the RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan – Rio Grande Guardian
The RGV Broadband Coalition unveiled its RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
riograndeguardian.com
March 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The numbers are in. New report confirms ACP more than paid for itself:

📌 $29B in annual healthcare savings
📌 $3.7B+ in future earnings from better student performance
📌 Billions in wage gains

We must keep investing in closing the digital divide.

🔗 www.brattle.com/insights-eve...
New Brattle Study Finds the Affordable Connectivity Program Pays for Itself - Brattle
In a new report released today, experts from The Brattle Group provide an economic analysis of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – which offered
www.brattle.com
February 27, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Big day for the Rio Grande Valley! 🎉

The RGV Broadband Coalition is launching the Digital Opportunity Plan in Weslaco, TX — expanding high-speed internet, boosting digital skills, and creating economic opportunities.

Learn more 🔗 connecthumanity.fund/broadband-co...
A digital opportunity plan in the Rio Grande Valley
Broadband Coalition Launches Plan to Bridge the Digital Divide and Expand Opportunity in South Texas
connecthumanity.fund
February 25, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Reposted by Connect Humanity
I'll be sharing some highlights from the @ilsr.bsky.social @communitynets.bsky.social municipal fiber financing webinar with the American Association for Public Broadband that just started with Gigi Sohn! www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLh8...
Municipal Broadband and Innovative Financing Models: Unlocking Economic Growth
YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance
www.youtube.com
February 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Communities are working flat out to expand fast, reliable internet access. But to succeed, they need clarity on funding.

In this post, 5 leaders working to expand broadband in rural Appalachia share why DEA and BEAD programs are critical.

connecthumanity.fund/to-expand-br...
Rural communities need clarity on government funding
With federal broadband funding in the balance, rural leaders share why this support is critical for expansion efforts.
connecthumanity.fund
February 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM
In 2024, we focused on empowering communities to build the connectivity needed to thrive. From Appalachia to the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, we’ve saw firsthand how broadband drives economic growth, fuels innovation, and transforms lives.

🔗 Find out how: connecthumanity.fund/story/connec...
Connect Humanity 2024 Highlights
10 ways Connect Humanity and our partners advanced broadband and community development in 2024.
connecthumanity.fund
January 23, 2025 at 3:24 PM