Most people find internet access easily attainable. While that’s the case for most of America, Hispanic and Latino communities are among those who have faced challenges due to rural locations and antiquated infrastructure. According to a Dell Technologies article, Increasing broadband access for Latino communities across America, LULAC and SER have joined forces to combat the issue.
While their initiative will advocate for universal access, Leadership Connect offers a solution to help non-profits and companies build relationships with subject matter experts and influencers across the public and private sectors.
Current Broadband Bills in Progress
- 2911 American Broadband Buildout to Eliminate America’s Digital Divide Act of 2021
- Sponsor Senator John Cornyn (TX)
- Legislative Aide Brian “Patrick” Michaels
- R.4374 Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act
- Sponsor Representative David Scott (GA, 13)
- Legislative Director Christofer Horta
Who’s Who in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau [WTB]
- Jean L. Kiddo, Senior Deputy Chief
- Charles Bradford Mathias, Deputy Bureau Chief
- Sean Spivey, Assistant Bureau Chief
Policy Influencers
- Elizabeth A. “Lisa” Hone, Senior Advisor for Broadband and Technology Policy, National Economic Council [NEC]
- Thomas James “Tom” Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture [USDA], Co-Chair Broadband Opportunity Council
- Broadband & IP-Enabled Services practice at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
NGO’s & Interest Groups
- NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, Government Affairs Team
- Telecommunications Industry Association [TIA], Melissa Newman, VP of Government Affairs
- CHCI’s session “We’re all Connected: Broadband, Electrification & Digital Infrastructure,” covers America’s digital infrastructure, and how the public and private sectors are working to ensure Latino communities are connected in the 21st century.
State & Local Leaders and Influencers
- Raymond H. Gonzales, Adams County Manager and President of Local Government Hispanic Network recognizes three communities in ICMA’s PM Magazine article “Closing the Latino Digital Divide”.
- The Digital Connectivity Act of 2021, signed by Maryland Governor “Larry” Hogan established the Office of Statewide Broadband to work toward getting all Marylanders connected to high-speed, affordable broadband internet by 2026.
- Latinos for Education will be serving on The Broadband Equity Commission approved by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to make recommendations for the digital divide.
According to Tom Wheeler, Visiting Fellow – Governance Studies, Center for Technology Innovation at The Brookings Institution “Striking a deal to strengthen broadband access for all”, President Biden has appointed Vice President Harris to take the lead on the broadband component of his infrastructure plan demonstrating the issue’s high priority. As we observe the developments in the coming months, Leadership Connect will continue to stay ahead of the fast-paced changes of who’s who in broadband.
