Tennessee to distribute additional $813M to broadband providers in effort to expand rural access

National OnDemand, Inc. is thrilled to learn about Tennessee’s significant stride in expanding high-speed broadband access with an $813 million federal fund allocation. This move, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, focuses on enhancing broadband infrastructure in rural areas—a core aspect of our mission at National.

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NTIA Approves Latest State Proposal for Funding

by Shondiin Silversmith, Arizona MirrorAugust 13, 2024 The goal to provide every household in Arizona with reliable, high-speed broadband internet is one step closer to reality as the state received nearly $1 billion in funding from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Arizona’s Initial Proposals for the…

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Feds OK Kentucky plans to roll out $1 billion for broadband. Here’s what happens next.

Federal officials have approved Kentucky’s plan to deploy almost $1.1 billion to expand broadband, a key step toward connecting homes and businesses throughout the state. 

The funding was given to the state last year. Earlier this month the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the second volume of Kentucky’s proposed plans for using the money through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program, or BEAD, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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Fiber Optic Boom: Transformative Trends Lighting Up the Future

The United States is currently witnessing a significant boom in fiber optic deployment, driven by several critical factors that have converged to create a ripe environment for this technological surge. Fiber optics, with their capacity to deliver high-speed, reliable internet, are being rolled out in various parts of the country, propelling the nation toward a more connected and digitally inclusive future.

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Cable Subcontractor: 7 Incredible Fiber Industry Perks

Working as a cable subcontractor in the fiber optic cable industry comes with several positive aspects that can make it an appealing career path.

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Telecom Construction: 13 Exciting Details About Emerging Technology

When it comes to the evolution of telecommunications construction in the U.S., it’s amazing to see how much of an impact the industry has had on the nation’s technological advancement. Telecom construction has been an important part of furthering emerging technologies. It has shifted and rolled with sweeping changes over the decades. It continues to help shape the future of connectivity, security, and innovation in the U.S. 

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Aerial Lineman: Masters and Guardians of Telecommunications and the Grid – Part II

The advancement of technology in the utility and telecommunications industries continually presents new challenges and opportunities. Aerial linemen with up-to-date skills and knowledge in areas such as fiber optics, smart grids, and renewable energy systems may be particularly sought after.

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Rural Fiber Construction: 3 Aspects for Innovative Connectivity

Rural Fiber Optic Construction plays a crucial role in bringing high-speed internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas. National OnDemand collaborates with utility companies, electric cooperatives and Internet Service Providers to deploy fiber broadband networks across rural America. These efforts aim to bridge the  Digital Divide  by providing reliable internet access to every rural home and business.

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March is Workplace Safety Awareness Month

By Matt Rehlander March is a transitional time in many areas of the country. While some enjoy a warm-up, others are still dealing with wintery weather. Wherever you are, March has two safety messages that I want to share. Message Number One: March is Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month. That is why I want to… Continue reading March is Workplace Safety Awareness Month

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Planning for a ‘Broadband Breakthrough,’ Rural Illinois Counties Prepare

When Peggy Braffet and her husband opened their pick-your-own blueberry orchard in 1995 in the rural village of Carlock, Illinois, access to high-speed internet wasn’t a concern — it didn’t even exist.

Now it’s top of mind. 

When guests show up to the Braffet Berry Farm & Orchard, which also has strawberry plants and apple trees now, they sometimes expect to be able to pay with credit cards. The Braffets’ slow internet connection won’t allow it.

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How Much Money Can Broadband Bring a Rural Community? By Some Estimates, Millions.

As the federal government distributes $42.5 billion to expand broadband internet access across America and its territories, some local leaders are asking themselves: How much economic impact could faster internet create?

The true dollar figure would be spread across the economy, from agriculture and small businesses to harder-to-track impacts like an increased willingness for families to relocate to rural areas.

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Aerial Lineman: Masters and Guardians of Telecommunications and the Grid – Part I

When you first hear the term “aerial lineman,” it is easy to only think about those people who scale power poles and are dealing directly with electricity. However, it is important to point out that the telecommunications aerial lineman, plays a vital role in keeping the United States connected.

Both these types of lineman scale heights and defy gravity to install, repair and maintain overhead utilities. This blog will provide an in-depth exploration of the world of both of these types of aerial lineman, as we shed light on what they do, how they are trained, what challenges they face and why this profession holds immense value as a rewarding career path.

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Evers, Baldwin announce $140 million in federal money to be used for expanding internet access

Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced the U.S. Department of Treasury approved the use of $140 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to increase internet access and affordability across the state. 

The money, announced Thursday, will be used to fund two new grant programs. Expanding internet access has been a key initiative of Evers’ administration, with many rural parts of the state lacking access to high speed internet. Since 2019, state programs have brought or expanded internet to 395,000 homes and businesses. 

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Every state is about to dole out federal funding for broadband internet – not every state is ready for the task

When the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed in late 2021, it included US$42.5 billion for broadband internet access as part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The program aims to ensure that broadband access is available throughout the country. This effort differs from previous federal broadband programs because it promised to allocate the funding to individual states and allow them to figure out the best way to distribute it.

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December Safety For A Safer Holiday Season

As we enter the holiday season and start getting in the Christmas mood, it’s crucial to consider how everyone might be affected during this time. There are often additional responsibilities and many at-home tasks for everyone to catch up on. Or think about it. Or even worry about it. This can affect safety at work… Continue reading December Safety For A Safer Holiday Season

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Embracing Fall Weather: 18 Ways To Stay Safe While Working Outside

Autumn, with its vibrant foliage and crisp air, brings a refreshing change of scenery for outdoor workers. However, the shift in weather conditions necessitates a thoughtful approach to safety. There are numerous ways to ensure a secure working environment outdoors during the fall.

National OnDemand, Inc. and its managers track weather conditions closely and communicate with employees to help ensure that they are dressing properly and have the right tools and equipment to work outdoors when fall weather arrives.

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8 details that the power of Broadband Internet Reduces Latency

Broadband Internet has revolutionized how we live, work, and play. With every passing year, users expect faster speeds and a smoother online experience.  

However, while much attention has been given to improving download and upload speeds, there is another critical component to our online experiences that often gets overshadowed: latency.

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Bridging the Digital Divide: How Federal Funding is Improving America’s Connectivity Landscape

When will I finally get fast and reliable broadband internet?

It’s a fair question that far too many Americans are still asking even in 2023.

National OnDemand is doing its part to help eliminate that question for many Americans across the United States. With major projects ongoing in many states, National is helping bring connectivity and high-speed internet to cities and rural areas to close that digital divide.

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10 Summer Heat Safety Tips for Staying Cool and Safe in the United States

As the summer heat sets in, many workers across the United States, like those at National OnDemand, find themselves navigating scorching temperatures and potential health risks. Whether working outdoors or even in a hot indoor environment, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being using workplace heat precautions. We want to offer you some tips and suggestions to help you stay safe while also doing your job effectively. Our goal is to help you stay safe while working in hot weather using simple summer safety precautions. Practicing outdoor work safety is important

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Why Fiber Optic Splicing Could Be Your Ticket to a Lucrative and Fulfilling Career

Fiber optic cables are the backbone of modern communication networks, carrying vast amounts of data over long distances at incredibly high speeds. Fiber optic splicing is the process of joining two fiber optic cables together to create a continuous path for data transmission. In this article, we will discuss the different types of fiber optic splicing, the tools and equipment used for splicing, and the benefits and challenges of fiber optic splicing.

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Cable Installation Technician Makes ‘Recession-proof’ list 

The hottest jobs in 2022 saw double-digit increases in wages, with some topping 14-30 percent wage growth, according to research from Payscale.com. These findings led to Payscale labeling these jobs as “recession-proof” because employers are spending more resources and money to fill these roles due to a void and increased competition. Among that list is a cable installation technician.

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Digital Divide: The Best Advice You Could Ever Get

It might be hard to believe it, but the United States has a problem throughout rural households and areas when it comes to high-speed internet connectivity and the digital divide.

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Broadband Networks Accelerate Internet Speeds and Quality of Life

Various issues in rural communities are finally being addressed thanks to high speed internet. Telehealth services offer solutions to people unable to get to a doctor’s office to see a professional, as well as getting their prescription drugs delivered if they don’t have a pharmacy. Educational resources empower people to accelerate their careers or simply better understand ongoing issues such as upcoming elections.

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Necessity Or Luxury: Why Farmers Need Broadband

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, with the help of broadband internet, farmers are predicted to generate $18 billion to $23 billion annually. However, most of rural America lacks access to broadband. Farmers without broadband rely on poor internet connections to track thousands of data points that ultimately affect their success.

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How Your Location Decides Your Internet Speed Results

Billions of people connect to the internet every day. In the United States, internet service providers offer what we need to connect. These providers usually have tiered options for customers that determine their maximum internet speed. Although these numbers are publicly accessible and can be seen on your bill, performing an internet speed test is usually the best way to see what internet speeds you are receiving.

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From no Internet to Blazing, High-Speed Internet … out in the ‘sticks!’ 

Mike, a recent National OnDemand customer, had a major problem. He was a successful digital marketer, but he lived in the rural south with no access to high-speed internet when he was away from work. It’s hard to work outside the office with no connection. The crazy part is that Mike managed this technical disadvantage for a decade.  

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Fiber Splicing Training

Our fiber splicers are leading professionals in the telecommunications industry. Our fiber splicing training program acts as the catalyst to facilitate rapid growth in our splicers, turning inexperienced and driven people into top-of-the-line splicers in just a few short weeks.

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10 Ways Your Last Mile Partner Can Ensure Your Fiber Project’s Success

The last mile is where all the prior planning for a fiber project can result in a smooth, low-hassle high speed internet installation with a great end-user experience. Your last mile partner plays a key role that can be the difference between success and failure as you deliver the service to your end user. Here are some areas that make the biggest difference in the ultimate success of a fiber project.

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How to Become an Aerial Lineman: Skills and Training Tips

You may not have given much thought to what it takes for our beloved electronics like mobile phones, tablets, computers and gaming consoles to work. Streaming your favorite movie, browsing through YouTube, or sending memes to your friends can be done in seconds, with just the click of a button. High-speed internet exists thanks to skilled professionals who maintain telecommunication structures and install new fiber optic cables.

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High-Speed Internet in a Post-Pandemic Life

For those of us who live in urban or suburban areas, navigating life without high-speed internet is truly unthinkable. How tough would life have been if the internet had not been around during the pandemic? Just a fair bit of research on previous pandemics will leave you feeling deeply grateful.

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