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).
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.
Connect works in partnership to develop strategic plans and grant proposals; enact digital opportunity solutions and bring together coalitions to drive the creation and implementation of public policy to expand digital participation.
Taking a Closer Look:
The D.C. Metro Area
Within the Washington, D.C. Metro area, the digital need is significant. In Montgomery County, MD as example; 80,000 households are considered low-income (earning $50,000 or less annually).This represents 21% of all county households. Approximately 21,000 of these low-income households do not have a connected device to the internet. This is not due to a lack of broadband infrastructure, as Montgomery County is considered one of the most wired jurisdictions within the state of Maryland.
Lack of broadband and access to a computer at home disproportionally impacts households of people of color. In a recent Pew Research study (07.16.21) eight in ten White adults reported having a broadband connection at home as compared to 71% of Black and 65% of Hispanic adults.There was no statistical difference across racial and ethnic household comparisons in this same study when it came to the percentage of adults who own or have access to a smartphone at home (eight in ten). Those households who may own a smartphone but do not have broadband or even a computer will likely have fragmented knowledge when it comes to digital skills – potentially limiting their ability to compete for a broader range of jobs.
The CDC’s Healthy People 2030 plan is rooted in the framework of successfully addressing five of the key measures for Social Determinants of Health. In each one, Healthcare Access and Quality; Education Access and Quality; Social and Community Context; Economic Stability and Neighborhood and Built Environment; the access, availability and adoption of broadband internet amongst all households is a critical base factor towards achieving overall success. Connect recognizes this and is highly focused on successfully driving broadband adoption and enrollment amongst low-income households and to help close the digital opportunity gap.
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.
Reporting and
Transparency
Reporting and compliance are essential components for successful project implementation.
Connect works in collaborative partnership to help set proper benchmarks and from which progress can be measured by in full transparency.
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.
Josh's career includes fifteen years with a national internet service provider where he gained a thorough understanding of the dynamics required for the successful extension of broadband infrastructure and investment.
Josh has also worked with state government agencies on applications for the federal Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD) which will provide federal funding to make grants available for broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption.
Through Connect, Josh has successfully partnered with both local governments and nonprofit organizations to utilize awarded grant funding to implement digital skills training programs for seniors and at risk populations, such as parents of low-income households. Partnerships have also included the successful distribution (at scale) of needed computer laptops and related tech hardware.
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 help your organization, agency and community be on the digital forefront. How can we help you achieve your goals today?