Vermont Community Broadband Board to Hold In-Person Listening Session in Brattleboro
WHAT: Listening Session
WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
WHO: Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB)
WHERE: Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St, Brattleboro, VT

The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is holding an in-person listening session to hear input on the current state of internet service; barriers Vermonters have accessing, affording, or using it; and what can be done to improve it. VCBB is gathering input to develop Vermont's Internet for All plans to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Vermonters have access to affordable broadband as well as the knowledge and equipment to use it.

Everyone is welcome at this free event. Participants will receive a $20 gas card to compensate them for their travel expenses and refreshments will be provided.

VERMONT COMMUNITY BROADBAND BOARD INVITES VERMONTERS TO SHARE HOW THEIR DIGITAL EXPERIENCE CAN BE IMPROVED DURING VIRTUAL LISTENING SESSIONS 

Montpelier, Vermont –The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) wants to hear from you. VCBB is holding two virtual listening sessions next week to hear input on the current state of internet service; problems Vermonters have accessing, affording, or using it; and what can be done to improve it.

The sessions will be Wednesday, June 14 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 15 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. You can find the links to attend the sessions on the VCBB website. Everyone is welcome.

VCBB is gathering input to develop Vermont's Internet for All plans to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Vermonters have access to affordable broadband as well as the knowledge and equipment to use it. The effort is part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Act, which will distribute more than $45 billion nationwide to expand high-speed Internet by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, mapping, adoption programs, and promote digital inclusion and advance equity for all.

The federal government requires states to engage with and reach out to people who are affected by the digital divide when planning their programs. VCBB is calling for input from all Vermonters and specifically members of the following populations: aging people, those with household incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level, people with a language barrier, people living in rural areas, veterans, incarcerated people, members of a racial or ethnic minority group, people with disabilities, tribal populations, LGBTQ+ people, unhoused people, and migrant farmworkers.

If you would like to share your experience with internet access, the digital divide, and/or have ideas about how to ensure digital equity, you can also email your comments to vcbb.info@vermont.gov, write to VCBB, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620, or call (800) 622-4496. You can find this and more information on our website, Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Act | Department of Public Service (vermont.gov). Information about local in-person events and listening sessions will be coming soon.

Event Info

Nov 14, 2024, 3 to 4 PM

Nov 14, 2024, 4 to 5:30 PM

Nov 16, 2024, 10:30 to 11:30 AM