Overview

July 12

The recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) makes billions of dollars available for broadband improvements — offering an unprecedented opportunity for states, cities, counties and higher education to expand broadband access, enhance research networks and address the digital divide. On July 12, Government Technology will host experts from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Oregon Fiber Partnership, Lumen and Cisco for a live webcast focused on using IIJA funds to expand connectivity and strengthen digital equity.

This important session will provide:

· An overview of IIJA programs and funding streams for broadband
· Insights on how these funds can be used to improve research and regional networks
· A look at how the state of Oregon is expanding broadband access and addressing the digital divide
· Innovative examples of how institutions and organizations have used federal funding to enhance research programs and build out middle-mile infrastructure

Speakers

Brenda Decker — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government and former CIO, State of Nebraska

Brenda Decker most recently spent five years with IBM as a Director for Global Government Industry services. Prior to IBM, Brenda served in Nebraska state government for 37 years, 10+ years as the state's chief information officer with responsibility for state government computing, telecommunications, public safety radio, and video conferencing. Her expertise leading, transforming and managing large IT organizations has created high-performing teams and partnered cross functional public and private organizations. Her work has garnered both local and national recognition for her contributions to government technology.

Scott Pohlman

Director of Business Development, Lumen Technologies

Scott Pohlman, the Director of Business Development in the Higher Ed Practice for Lumen Technologies. Scott has over 20+ years of experience in sales and technical roles supporting Higher Education customers, leading Lumen teams deploying fiber networks for national research backbones in the US and Canada, as well as Regional Optical Networks across the US.

Albert Garcia

Regional Sales Manager, Cisco

Albert Garcia, is a Business Development Manager for Broadband at Cisco. Albert Garcia has been with Cisco since July 1999 and is currently the Business Development Manager (BDM) for Broadband in the US Public Sector Organization.As the BDM, Albert is dedicated to leading the acceleration of solutions that our public sector customers are looking for to solve the digital divide. Major technology trends such as 5G, Long Haul Wireless, Routed Optical and other technologies offer new paradigm for our customers to meet the growing demand of their constituents.

Sarah Bleau

Broadband Specialist at US Department of Commerce, NTIA

Sarah Bleau, a Broadband Specialist at US Department of Commerce for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. As those of us on this call know, the NITA is engaged in a range of efforts to increase broadband internet access and adoption in America. Sarah is part of the team making that happen.

Steve Corbato

Executive Director, Oregon Fiber Partnership

Steve Corbato, the Executive Director of the Oregon Fiber Partnership. In his role, Steve oversees the formation of and initial service deployment of a new statewide optical network supporting broadband requirements of Oregon’s research universities, state government and other public sector entities.

Webinar

The Middle-Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program: How your organization can tap into billions of dollars in broadband funding