Okay, so we are now recording, we are starting the meeting. And welcome all. So, I like to start, we're going to get started pretty quick. I don't know, Sandip, how long you're gonna be able to stay on. So I wanted to make sure we give you as much time as possible.
Sure I can. I can start in next few minutes. Do you want to wait for people or we should start?
I think we should go ahead and get started. And let me just take two minutes to make a couple of introductions and then we'll go and then we'll go ahead and get started with you.
Okay, sounds good.
Okay, so do we have any new people today? Anybody new joining us today? Oh, I take that to be you know, I
was, was that
I see my name. I'm sorry. I'm having some difficulties with my camera. But my name is Nubia Estrada and I'm the ACP administrator with Chicanos Por La Casa.
Great. So maybe a little bit later we can get an ACP update. I thought that was was that you were with the CPLC. So, maybe a little later, you can give us a little update on what's what's happening with you guys and the ACP initiative.
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
We also have Eric on the line. Hey, Steve, it's me Lupe right now.
Okay. Well, we'll, we'll get to you in a little bit. But I do want to make sure we give Sandip, plenty of time. And I did get a note from Derek. Unfortunately, he had planned to be here today. But he's traveling. And his travel didn't go exactly as he planned. So unfortunately, he won't be here today. And Janet and Mala are also traveling today. So they won't be here either. But we're going to charge ahead anyway. So with that, Sandip, why don't I just turn it over to you? I want to, I think most of you probably know, Sandip or no of Sandip, who is our broadband manager with the Arizona commerce authority. And he has just been doing a yeoman's job in trying to get all of our grants and everything and all of our funding in place. And of course, obviously a great, congratulations, Sandip for the almost billion dollars of broadband money that's going to be coming to the state. And I know that has a lot to do with the work that you and your team did. And so that's greatly appreciated. And so with that, I'm going to turn it over to you and Karen, obviously, and those of you who don't know, Karen Ziegler, Karen has been a longtime partner with us, is with Ziegler consulting, but is also working with the state. And so Karen, feel free to join in as as you feel desired. And with that, Sandip is going to turn it over to you and let you do your thing. Because Eve,
CV, is there any way to share my screen?
Absolutely. Now you can share I just stopped sharing. I don't know if you want to turn your camera on or not Sandy, but that's desirable or not, but that's up to you.
No, I'm going to just need to figure it out.
Sandip, as I was mentioning, really appreciate all the work that you've done. I know it's been a huge task for you. And you've done a great job. So thank you.
Appreciate it. Thank you, Steve. Hi, everyone. My name is Sandy bromic. I hope you can all see my screen. I will update you all today about Arizona carparks authorities broadband initiatives, what currently we are working on and where we are in the process. Just want to put a disclaimer the number you will be seeing in the screen today. Not still 100% accurate. It's a tentative number. We'll have better updates in future. Having saying that, my I'll start my presentation and we'll go from there.
So
I would like to start with the DVD grant. So last year, Arizona, State of Arizona received 100 and $90 million from the US Treasury from for the CPF ICT infrastructure and 100 million dollar was allocated for broadband expansion. So we have invested 100 million dollar in 14 rural and six urban projects. And we're able to draw $112 million in local matching funding. And it was a statewide deployment in unserved and underserved area. Let's take a quick take a quick look, what exactly would be the outcome of this program. So 82 proposals were received from across the state 67 from rural counties and 15 from urban, we considered Maricopa and Pima County, which is most populous and mostly covered county when it comes to broadband infrastructure as our urban and 20 projects were recommended by the multi agency valuation committee for funding. So this whole apdg allocated 75 point 7 million to 14 our bodies in rural counties, and 2623 point 6 million to six hours in urban counties, which opened up 112 Almost 100 and $30 million in local matching fund. So so the projected outcome for this project would be total investment would be $230 million. And total mile or mile of fiber or coax line deployed will be 3300 miles. And that includes middlemen for middle mile projects and 60 Last Mile projects, and 73 communities will be served, total populations are going to be almost half a billion, half a billion. And sorry, half a million and total number of the household would be 700, FTEs 100,000 households. 22,000 businesses will be served out of this project and 734 anchor Institute will be connected with one gig symmetrical speed. Now, these are the tentative number from the proposals we have received. The number of households number of miles can change. But I we don't expect to see a dramatic change in the in the outcomes. As part of this compliance process. We have submitted our application last year in September for going through back and forth with US Treasury and justifying all the projects we have we are intending to fund, we got approval in February, fulfilled all the requirement with US Treasury and just started sending out all the contracts to our sub recipients. Some of the contracts are coming back to us signed and ready for execution. So in next few months, you will start seeing this project getting rolled in into your communities. And there are 24 months with an option of six month extension to complete this project. So this would this would be the first major investment in the state when it comes to brand value investing. We did one more investment in broadband few years ago. And that was in 2019. And that was for $3 million. So this is definitely significant. Let's talk about the Arizona State middleman broadband network. So few years ago, ACA and ADA took a hard look into our state middleman and our privately owned middle mile and we did not have enough middleman to cover the beat funding. So we went through a feasibility study and the legislation process last year. And we had we by going through the legislation we establish a statute which allows us or a DOD to deploy state middle mile network in Iraq right away. So all the interested state highways are eligible for middle mile deployment as part of that effort. Arizona Department of Transportation and ACA identified few highly crucial routes which need dire middle mile connection and then categorized each category into different parts. So on left side, if you can see you will see which are the top priority then priority high priority state routes and the additional routes. So following the feasibility study, we started working on deploying middle mile fiber on ice 17 I 19 and I 40 West. So where we are in this process currently on a 17 which is Phoenix to Flagstaff. Construction was completed in June 2023. We are going through some stress testing and network testing. And we have invested all $44 million in that project on i 19 which is Tucson to Nogales. Construction was completed in June 23. And investment is $21 million dollar. Again we are running some trick testing before we hand it to OMC vendor and I 40 West which is Flagstaff to California and investment of $74 million was announced in February con struction is expected to actually there are some wrong information typo in this PowerPoint construction will start end of this year and expected to finish in early 2025. Where we are in this process, so, of course, it or ACA we are, we are going through this process to select a YMCA vendor who will be managing this network for next 25 to 30 years. Arizona Department of Transportation and sand corridor network is ACS primary state partner in this initiative ACN Arizona Department of Transportation will execute an IGA which will establish governance to expand this funding, whatever revenue will be earning from this middle mile network and decide that how this money will be will be well spent in future when expanding other middle mile, middle mile network interstate routes and everything. So basically, this this money or revenue which will be earning from this network will go to it go to a state highway smart highway transportation fund. And we will be using this money to expand our middle mile network. We are in process of selecting your one C vendor. Last year we put out an RFP. And we received multiple applications or proposal, we went through an evaluation process. And we just kicked off the negotiation process with one of the organization out of that proposal. It's actually procurement, so I cannot make any more comment about it. But we are hoping to finalize a contract with that OMC vendor in next one and a half to two months and hoping to get this middle mile going before even we kick off the BT funding. Next we'll talk about weed. As you all know, State of Arizona received almost $943 million from the funding. So here's a quick snapshot $100 million was the minimum allocation from the federal government or NTA. And then for the high cost areas, we have received $223 million and remaining allocation, which is a average deployment cost for every single household, we received $673 million. So the total is 994 approximately. And if we get the 25% matching, which is expected or as per the novel, that will be another $235 million, and the total capital will be invested in bead would be $1.25 billion. Now, on your left side, if you look at the underserved BSL, that is 141,000 so far here in Arizona still lack high speed broadband connection, less than 100 and less less than 100 Download and 20 Upload and underserved VSL which has less than 25 Download and three upload. This underserved number was the main driving factor, which was was determined how much money states are getting, not the answered. So we have total be eligible areas approximately 270 297,000 addresses. However, there are still addresses missing in the maps and we are working diligently with the local partners ISPs nonprofit organization to submit those as part of the map improving process. I just want to note one thing that any address we saw any address we submit in this process after this date or after the allocation will not be considered into into the funding process it just to make sure that we are not leaving behind any addresses in any community from the high speed broadband deployment.
Let's do take a look at the at the timeline. So last year, we received the initial planning fund and we are right now in July. Our five year action plan is due in August 27. And after that the major deadline which is coming is initial plan which is due in December. After the initial plan. We once we submit the initial plan, we can open up the challenge process. The challenge process is basically allowing the state the local government nonprofit organizations to challenge the state on the availability of the broadband coverage. So if you are in a community, which marked as served into the FCC Broadband Map, but you know that's not the situation, you can definitely submit a challenge to the state. It's pretty unique because Arizona Commerce Authority our state will basically prepared the local government nonprofit organization or a service provider to make sure they can submit a successful challenge and we can open up those areas for BT funding. But it will be submitted to us so that we can make a decision and any carriers if if they are they have submitted information Um, that, that certain areas will be covered more than 100 by 20. But that's not the case in real life, we will be considering few sets of speakers data, direct feedback from the community to make sure that we are opening up those areas for broadband or big funding, we actually identified few of the issues, especially when it comes to fixed wireless. That data which was submitted is a little bit questionable. So we are going through a process to reach out to both the community and working with county supervisors Association and both leaks of cities to make sure that they're we're reaching out to the carriers, as well as they are submitting a challenge process to make sure that those areas are not wrongfully being wrongfully been taken off or blocked from the been funding. So that challenge process and all the financial analytics that how much money we'll be spending is super important. We every how much money we'll be spending for every VSL in every single county will be done beginning of next year. And once the initial plan which will which will be submitted this December get approved, 20% of the funding will be released. Now this 20% As per NTIA, that's the best case scenario, it can be 12%, it can be 15% Based on the state's need. And at that point, we'll be able to roll out some of those grants. At the end of 2024, or beginning of 2025, we'll be submitting a final plan. And once the whole final plan is submitted and approved, the rest of the funding will be released for grants. So as you can see, it's a long, lengthy process of planning the whole thing before even we send out the money for infrastructure deployment. So we'll start seeing the whole money start rolling out in 2025. But in 2024, we will have the both activities probably some of the funding will be out there to build and also we will document the final plan or draft the final plan and publish it for public review and public comments. Having seen that I would like to move forward on to our last topic which is digital equity state currently is going through a digital equity planning we have received the planning money from NTi. Last year, the due date for digital equity draft and submission is September 30. However, I want to aware everyone in this call a lot of you are directly engaged with the digital equity activities in the state level. And we are applying mostly a lot of the states are applying for an extension. And we are going through the same process which will mostly put us into end of this year deadline. So we'll be submitting a plan at the end of this year. However, we're hoping to publish a a draft report beginning of November end of October, which will be open for one month for everyone's comment feedback. And we'll take those comments and feedback integrate that in as part of the plan. And we'll submit the final copy to NTI in 2020. end of this year, December. After that there will be a gap period and Nia will release the guideline to apply for the capacity grant, State of Arizona will submit an application received the capacity grant and the capacity grant will be distributed between different projects, plans, digital equity related initiatives telemedicine workforce, anything related to digital equity that will be the capacity grant will be granted to different organizations, state local government, Department of Education library nonprofit organizations to make up Arizona is bridging those gaps in digital equity. So that's the quick overview we have I will be happy to take any questions from now on. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Steve. I really appreciate it.
Well, thank you, Sandip for really appreciate you being here. I know you're overwhelmed. And so we're appreciate the time to be here today. So questions or comments for Sandy.
When you talk about underserved and unserved locations. Are you including small businesses in that or is it all households? Those are residentials it's all residential. And do you have a breakout of how much is tribal versus non tribal? No, we don't.
Have a quick
I had a quick question on when you talk digital inclusion and then you talk the overall award right 900 Is the digital inclusion components funded by the overall award or is this two separate funding source opportunities that just happen to be taking place at the same time?
Great question, Lucy. No, it wouldn't be a separate funding. So that $993 million, the eligible spending from that money would be mostly infrastructure deployment, which is broadband deployment. Some of the 5% of that cost will go towards the consultant state broadband office providing technical providing the technical assistance to our community members, counties, cities, states, everything else. And some of the money we are planning to spend on the workforce development. So workforce development is as part of the broadband deployment is an allowable cost. Now, State of Arizona will receive a different set of funding from NTIA to deploy, basically to deploy digital equity related project. So that would be completely separate. Once we submit the plan at the end of this year, and NTIA released the guideline to apply for that capacity grant, we will know how much money the state of Arizona will receive. So this this would be a two different set of funding.
We're going to show it wants to go ahead, Vaughn
Real quick. When you run those trends, those broadband lines, like you got on the map from Tucson general Dallas, what are the other communities in between like Green Valley? And and do they get a connection off? Bright? Yes. Okay.
Great question, Vaughn. So, if you drive on i 17 or 19, you will see that on the left side, I think on i 17. It's on South Side. And I think I 19 is the same case, you will see on the left side there is a junction box in every single three miles. So all the way we wanted to make sure that the junction box are open and communities have a really easy access to these middlemen Network. Thank you.
Sandip, I think I've heard somewhere on the way that we we thought that almost every community was within five miles of those interstates. Is that still a correct assumption?
Yes. So, well. There is a when we went through the feasibility study, we found out that 95% of Arizona's population lives within five miles of the interstate and state highway network. Now, what we are deploying right now is a small piece of what proposed so far, it just like three interstate route, which is which was on mostly in dire condition. So we'll be we'll be expanding our network. But we have to wait on that. But I cannot say for sure that 95% of Arizona population will be served. So we'll be leveraging both private middleman invested by private network private companies and also state middle mile network in this process to support big. Sandy,
this is John. I saw on the chart, it was in purple, the route on State Road 69 from 17 Up towards Prescott. What did purple mean?
So we just created some priority based on how many household we have right next to that. So let me take a step back, John, when the legislation was passed, basically this is not a DOD smart highway project, or this is not a project to connect superscalar here in the state. This is a project to identify Where's where how, how many households do we have right next to that interstate highway or, or state highway, how many people are living there and how many people are without the Internet. So based on the number we set a priority, so probably interested, you just mentioned has less amount of people living right next to it. So we set a priority based on that. That doesn't mean none of them are important. Some of the state highways are left alone, because it's getting built by private entities and will be hopping into their network to connect the last mile or be deployment
and share the more cold stream. So it would be the case that in proposing a last mile project for a community, you can include the middle mile extension to the highways, the stubs, in other words might be five or 15 or 50 miles. But though the bead grants will focus on last mile, they will enable funding of stubs to reach communities Correct?
Yes. So
yes, and yes. And yes. Nicole is here my my colleague from NTIA should be able to emphasize this more, but I would. I would tell you this like the amount of households we have here in the state. Once we submit the initial plan, we will be going through a financial analysis analytics which we are doing right now anywhere, basically that will, that will, our ultimate target is to deploy a state Broadband Map with this initial with this financial number so that every community knows that how much money they will be needing to deploy high speed broadband into their community. So that includes both fixed wireless that include both fibre to home also satellite. So the way NTIA deployed or NTIA give us this fund, they categorize the whole fund into two category, which is high cost and regular average cost. We are thinking of categorizing this funding into three different categories, average cost, high cost and extremely high cost, the extremely high cost areas are going to be a great place for wireless or satellite application. Of course, we are leaning towards more on the licensed wireless, but extremely are high cost and Everest cost areas we are hoping to deploy fiber to home. Now in this process, if we see that Arizona really needs a lot of middleman to cover these areas, we will start tapping into our private investment. So there are areas in Arizona where multiple ISPs are interested. So match 20, that 25% threshold match will definitely go up in those areas, if they are more competition, and will basically take that money and invest in an area where Mark, you just use that as an example that probably need a 50 mile of middle mile fiber. So it's all about look, this money is not sufficient to cover all the household with fibre to home. But we will try to maximize our private investment in this whole process to make sure that we are covering as many household as possible with fibre to home. So to answer your question, Mark, yes, we will try our best, but where it's not possible or financially does not make sense. Probably we will go ahead and do wireless or some kind of other technologies.
Thank you. JT.
I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Go on to it.
Yes. Okay. So quick, two quick questions. Number one is at the junction boxes that you mentioned. You mentioned the possibility of fiber access. And you did mention wireless access. So are those boxes right now equipped to take fiber and or wireless? Or would they? Is it just a break in the fiber where you could insert those types of technologies?
No, it's completely the construction was done in a way that it's operational from day one.
Okay, and then the second question is a larger picture question. And that is with the middle mile project. Are there plans to ensure that across the entire middle mile and all the last mile stuff that's going on with BT and NTIA and digital equity, that there is a plan for making sure all of that is connected for purposes of so for example, disaster recovery, fire, flood, Blizzard, dust, Storm, public safety and sort of in those sorts of things. So there's an inner interconnection between the networks so that if something happens in one part of the state, that they don't lose their connectivity, because they're not connected to a middle mile?
Resources?
God, that's it. That's a great question. I wish I had a very concrete answer. That's not something we're in a luxury right now are have funding to secure. But we are working with our private partners to make sure that we're covering as much as much redundancy as possible. I know this is not probably a satisfactory answer more of a political answer or futuristic answer. But that's all I have right now.
You have a map Sandip of the private sector, middle mile fiber deployment, that shows you where the gaps are.
And we do have a map but unfortunately, it's it's a paid version, we pay for it and the middleman provider, private investor, they don't want to make this make this thing to public. We will only put in the state Broadband Map which is allowed by entities are allowed by Arizona Department of Transportation as a public network, but everything else is is basically right now is a licensed use.
Any other questions for Sandy?
I guess the last question I would have is on a scale of one to 10 and 10. Being like you're at a position where you got everything you need, meaning your systems are set to manage and disperse. And you know, even enrich with geospatial mapping. So you feel like you have everything you need to deploy this successfully? Or is there still opportunity for, you know, partner vendors, tech companies to come in and say, Hey, listen, this is how we may be able to help your life next to it. Did we miss that opportunity? Or is that still open for no?
No, Lucy? That's a great question. So whatever we have, I'm learning every single day. Like, there is a reason this whole process is almost two year we started this last year. And we're learning every single day, every single day, I'm getting emails from somewhere that you miss this address, or this fixed wireless provider is claiming this feed. But basically, it's, it's not meeting the threshold, right. So we are developing ideas in our head, of course, in compliance with NTIA every single day. So this is a continuous process. It's basically I call it flying the plane at the same time and building the plane at the same time. So we would have to have a we'd love to have any feedback from your end. As far as we are going through this whole planning process. Until next one and a half year, it'd be great to have hear your voice what you want to see in this process. There will be service out there which you can take provide your feedback. If you are a organization who's providing digital equity related service, we would like to add you into our digital equity asset list. Apparently state of Arizona has a lot of digital equity program and a lot of cool program we are running. So my my vision as estate broadband Director, why? Why do we even like worried about this, there are a lot of projects we can ultimately fund, basically take them as an asset inventory. And once the capacity is available, we can fund those projects. And you can expand your program or the telemedicine distance learning anything you are doing. So we'd love to have your feedback. And as far as we are into the planning process, I think everyone has some kind of opportunity to provide input and participate into this process. So I will post my email address, feel free to reach out.
Thank you so much. Yeah. Great. Anything else for Sandip? Sandip, before we move on, you want to just quickly you've got a couple of your folks. And we want to certainly hear from them that are on your team here. I know Karen's here and Cindy's here. Do you want to just introduce them real quickly? And many of you, I think already know them, but I think it'd be good. And I don't know if there's anybody else on your team that's on this call that we've missed? Sure.
I would definitely would like to introduce Cindy Hogan. Cindy is our digital equity program manager. And a lot of you know her. And any question regarding digital equity, any asset inventory, please feel free to copy Cindy, in that email, send it to me or you can do otherwise. And I would like to really recognize Karen Ziegler was in the call a huge applaud for her. She's not only our consultant for ACA broadband. Also, I'm I'm, I'm proud to call her as my mentor, and also proud to call her as my friend. And she's the reason a lot of the apdg stuff, the 100 million dollar grant, we are able to push out really quickly because her Veteran experience with the compliance with federal agencies and state agencies is impeccable. And really use your plot to her for her contribution for Arizona broadband expansion. And I'm sorry, Karen, for dragging your impairment all the time. So but we need you.
Thank you, Sandip. So, so Sandip, if you need to go, you know, feel free to go. I'm gonna actually put somebody on the spot here in just a minute and see if there's anything. I know you've got a bunch of listening sessions and stuff coming up. And Karen, I don't know if you have anything that you want to add. But So Sandy, thank you very much for being here today. And again, if you need to go feel free to drop off, we'd love to have you stay but if you gotta go, you gotta go. Thank you. I'll
stay here for another 15 minutes. Karen if you want to add something on top of that where we are. If I missed anything as a as a whole initiative wise,
that'd be a great help. Yeah, thanks, Sandy. But the only thing I was just going to offer some opportunities for feedback and participation. Steve, you mentioned the listening sessions. If you go on the ACA website, you'll see under the broadband digital equity there was a series of listening sessions. Well, excuse me roundtable sessions every month that you can register for there's one tomorrow at Three o'clock I posted that in the chat. There's also listening sessions across the state that the digital equity Institute, which is the partner with ACA on this digital equity plan, we've done a series of them already. There's a couple more left on the western part of the state. So the first part of August will be La Paz County, Mojave County and Yuma county. So if you weren't able to attend one of the listening sessions, there's a link to a survey that the digital equity Institute is asking people to complete, whether you're a community anchor, institution, nonprofit, local government, even a community member, on your thoughts and feedback on digital equity, says you've mentioned the plan as well. So there are both there'll be two plans a digital equity plan, as well as a bead infrastructure plan. There'll be 30 day comment periods on both of those plans. And we'll have those posted on the website as well. So lots of opportunities to get involved. If you miss one of the roundtables like Sandeep said, you're always welcome to reach out to Cindy Cindy myself, and we can capture your feedback, you know, individually as well.
Great.
Thanks, Karen. Any questions for Karen? Cindy, you have anything you want to add? You're on mute Cindy. Gotcha.
Sounds like it sounds like they they covered it pretty well. I I also wanted wanted people to know that that we have started tribal roundtables for for tribal members. That's that's been an interesting process. Just just really wanting to include include them in this whole this whole conversation and it's going really well.
Yeah, that's a great point. So the ACA just hired a tribal liaison, Candice, Hamas.
That Correct? Hamas?
Yes, Candice Hamana. She's half Navajo and half Hopi. So this is this is really a unique initiative, because I don't think any other state organization has a tribal liaison except eight out. So we are moving forward for that direction that no, we are not going to leave anyone behind when it comes to broadband. So she's going to take an active role to make sure all our tribes are included in this process. And we are covering all the tribal households.
You may notice that we've been talking about wanting to do at one of our meetings, kind of an update on what's happening with the tribes. And so is it possible that we could get her to perhaps come to one of these meetings and kind of just introduce herself and kind of give us an update on what's going on?
Oh, yeah, Steve, Ithink certainly, just keep in mind, she just started what, two weeks ago, so we may want to give her a little bit of time to get up to speed. I know her her number one goal is to get out into the communities. So she is starting her road trip all over the state. But I'm sure we can grab some of her time for what about the upcoming meetings?
Happy. Great. Any other questions for Cindy? Karen, or Sandip? Okay, yeah. Thank you all. Go ahead. Somebody has a question. Yeah.
During 2017 alone, at least according to Symantec, Internet Security Threat Report attacks against IoT devices increased well over 600%. What I'm wondering here is, you know, what, what measures are taken to address conceivable vulnerabilities in this space having a high speed connectability and am I likely,
no, there was a pause and then we will resume.
Then
I think somebody needs to unmute
Sandip, are you still there? Yep. So I think part of the question is, what's in all this planning and funding? Where is there any initiatives regarding cybersecurity?
So the cybersecurity is an integral part of the digital equity planning process. It is one of the threats that are brought up, you know, regularly and that, Cindy, I'm not sure if you may be able to answer you know, clearly but that will be built into the digital equity programs that will be off funded through the capacity grant program
And I believe it's also part of a requirement for BEAD. That there there needs to be cyber cyber planning, cyber security planning. Yes, it's definitely on the radar. And it's really, it's really good to have have all of this language in legislation right in front of us and the whole country playing off the same playbook. Because all the pieces are so necessary. So so it's, it's, this is a, this is a real gift to the country. And I'm, I'm, I'm really hoping we make the most of it. And it seems like we're going to do that we're getting a lot, a lot of responses from people a lot of input and feedback. And, yeah, it's it's a really interesting effort. And one of the things I say all the time is that yes, there's yes, there's money coming in. That's wonderful. That's big, you know, it's unprecedented. It's bigger than anything we've seen, but but the thing that one of the things that that is going along with that is we're all having these discussions, I mean, these discussions are happening. And we need to keep them happening. Because whatever we do with this money, we need to make this sustainable and long term. So it's really good to have all these all these pieces coming up into the public conversation. And we need to groups like this need to keep it up there and keep it keep it present and keep bringing awareness to our communities about about what's what's really going on and, and what's needed in communities that a lot of us don't know. So really, really important to keep the conversations going.
And this is mark on the cybersecurity issue, I have been taking a pretty deep dive in the BEAD, preliminary NOFO. And there was just a guide put out the other day, I'll see if I can come up with the link, the link is directly to a PDF, not to a web landing page. So I have the document, but not the link handy. But regarding cybersecurity, there are very specific criteria were the applicants must have NIST compliant framework, cybersecurity practices in place documentable, and those require ongoing threat recognition and evaluation and grading and response plans and maturity models. It's actually quite an extensive set of requirements on on all applicants for the bead funding. And interestingly, I've only seen it more recently elsewhere on chips act, but for grants that I've worked on, but there is a supply chain risk management component, also requiring quite formal and specialized procedures for how are you getting your parts? How are you? You know, stocking spares? How are you doing multi source vendors, this that. And the other thing meant not only to deal with the lead times in the supply chain, but the response times to failures in the field. And then there was a question from Chris Johnson in the chat about high speed internet what that is, and it's a minimum of 100. Download 20 Upload. I don't think I've heard anyone answer that.
Any other questions? So Karen, have you guys had any conversation with Ryan over at Homeland Security, since there have a lot of responsibility for, particularly for the state agencies in terms of cybersecurity, but I know they're working with the Department of Ed and I'm not sure who else from I think local communities in addressing cybersecurity issues. Yeah,
right now, we're working with the governor's office on setting up that state agencies meeting, because that's going to be a big part of both plans, a digital equity plan as well as the BEAD plan so that we don't have that on the calendar. But that is a top priority to pull all of those state agencies together
to have those discussions. Right. Thank you. Okay, any other questions for Cindy or Karen? I think Sandy may be gone. Any other questions for them? And Nicole, are you still here? Or am I not seeing you?
I think the call had to drop for another meeting.
Okay. Well, I'm sorry that she had to go. So next up on the agenda is is to talk a little bit to maybe get some updates. A Petro I don't know if we can put you on the spot a little bit just what's happening with the, with your ACP grant. And you know, if you're ready to just take a minute to talk about that. Can you hear me, Steve? I can.
Oh, good. Well, I'm sorry, I lost my pictures. But yes, well, thank you for letting me say a few words. We've put together a great team,
excuse me, Petra, can you just tell people who you are? Where you are, please.
I'm Petra Falcon. I'm the Executive Director of Promise Arizona. I'm a lifelong Arizona, and I've been organizing and communities across the state and nationally, in very underserved communities on issues like immigration and education and, and, and issues like SB 1070. And I've gotten off all the way to Florida to visit with colleagues there. But most recently, we did, we were awarded a ACP grant. And we are covering South screening. So we're covering weather looping and visiting NUMA. And so I were put together a great team, and we're putting together our our toolkits that we can, we've started to go out into the community and certainly in in one of the looping, we've already met with the weather loop partnership committee and been working with with those organizations, and we've been visiting schools and, and we're going to continue to do that until we we try to get as many people as possible in inside the broadband world. And we're learning a lot, I'm learning a lot. And certainly, these conversations are important. I, I've been attending Santa listening sessions, and I will continue to do that. And I think we need we need to really do some more listening session sessions here in my own community in South Phoenix. And, and in weather looping. But, but this is such an important venture. I recently was also involved with the light rail project in South Phoenix, we're helping to make sure that that the light rail is also going to be one of those vehicles that brings brings the future to this community and is helpful in transforming underserved communities into communities that thrive and not just survive. So I'm just looking forward to this work, even though I've been organizing for a long, long, long time, and I still have some steam so that I can continue to organize. So thank you, Steve, for welcoming me. And Cindy has just been a great resource to to Promise Arizona and I will continue to reach out to as many people as possible, so that we can be learners and also share the knowledge that we're we're getting from all of you that have been this is a lot longer than I have. So thank you again, Steve, for recognizing my space here. But I'll be back.
Sure. Any questions for Petra before we move on? So one of the other ACP initiatives is BUNA. Is that how you pronounce your name? Am I pronouncing it correctly? He knew Yes. Correct. And you were with CLPC right with Chicanos Por La Causa. And you guys have an ACP grant to you're wanting to talk about that quickly? Actually, no, I'm not a part of that committee. I'm
with the Navajo County. Brian. Yeah. Sorry. Yeah,
that's okay. But Hi, everybody might be new. So who was it was there from CL PC? Or somebody? CPLC CPLC. Excuse me.
Hi, yeah, my name is Nubia. And I'm with CPLC, and I'm the ACP administrator. And we're really excited to, to start and to have lots of events. And with me, we also have Eric Martinez. His first day was today. And he is one of our coordinators. And we're excited to also have our second coordinators start next Monday. So we're having some events here in Phoenix, as well as Las Vegas in a few weeks from now. And we're currently working with HUD up north to coordinate some future events as well.
Thank you,Lupe. I apologize. Are you on the phone and not? Yeah, we're all in the same room. Oh, there you are.
The owl. So captures everybody in the in this office. So right now I'll give you the top three people that last talk. So Eric, if you want to say hi,
everyone is there 14 As part of the program.
So it'll show like the latest people that talk so yeah, we have a team. We're kind of getting our team going and already planning events for the next two weeks and then we're gonna be getting our August calendar scheduled and um Starting the kind of the phases here, Arizona but also moving at concurrently in the other states as well. So we're excited to kind of hit the ground running. And then our great team will be doing the traveling since I'll be going on maternity leave in very like, congratulations. Thank you very soon. So not soon, but maybe two more months. Hopefully, that was over here. My coworker, maybe in one month maybe a little bit longer.
So Nubia, I apologize. I got the wrong person. I was supposed to introduce for you guys. So do you want to say anything? You know, Lupe has been great about attending our meetings. But you want to say anything? While you're there?
Oh, yeah, sure. So I've been with the company. I've been with CPLC for 13 years. I joined the IMTS. Department about two weeks ago. And I was excited for the initiative and what's happening in the community and just really closing those gaps. And just, you know, working on digital inclusion. So yeah, I think, yeah.
And yeah, Nubia has worked with the community with our parenting Arizona team for many years, as well as early childhood development program. And then Eric, too, he's actually internal as well. And I don't know if you want to share what you did with CPLC. And how we're going to kind of
Yes, yeah. So previously, within CPLC, I was a wellness coordinator. So I took care of our employees to help them on this. Try to get everyone healthy, but excited to be more working out in the community and in being able to help outside of organizations as well. Okay.
Did I miss anybody who's who also is working with the ACP? Community grants? I don't think so. Okay, let me see what else we got on the agenda today. Are there any other announcements? Looks like our library people? May not be here today. Megan, I don't know. You don't usually report but do you want to say anything? Since Marla and Erin are not here today. And
I don't have any updates. I've just attended to take some notes for Erin said she had to join the another board meeting this afternoon. But I really appreciate Sandip's update. And I'm sure you're gonna be hearing from Erin and Mala next week. Thanks.
Okay. Thank you. So let me see your have a good memory just a little short. So let me get back to my screen here. If there's anything else we need to talk about Aaron's not here? I don't think so. Mark, do you have any announcements that you want to make? I was on mute.
Don't believe so though. Nicole could confirm expecting NTIA tribal round two, which is the last billion of a $3 billion program to be announced any time now. So that's my only particular news and I don't have and she may not have an official date for that but we are expecting tribal round to to launch momentarily.
Okay. Okay, you're still online. Kirk there.
I am I was just yet to find the mute button.
You want to say anything about the IoT conference coming up?
Yes, and Sandip is actually moderating a broadband panel at the Tech Council,
it kind of fades in and out Kirk Yeah.
And now can hear me now? Yep.
Sorry about that. Um, Sandip is moderating a broadband panel at the AZ tech Council, Smart City and IoT conference September 19. I put a link in the chat, September 19, that ASU sky song starts at 1:30 and goes till six. Just got confirmation to Dominic Papa. Scale a lot of DNA and all this is also going to be keynoting. And also, on my panel at that same conference from Amazon Web Services. he used to be at commerce and ASU.
Okay, and we'll be sending out information about that conference. When I send out my updates, Okay, anybody have anything else that they want to announce? We're already Yes. Where are you still online? You have anything that you want to provide update about? Oops, sorry.
No, we were, you know, we're we're cranking along. We are working with Derek on a project right now and trying to get some internet to some lower income families and finishing up what the last of the final mile projects up in Cebu Q, which is on the Navajo reservation property. You know, we've got some new equipment we've been we've been launching out one gig services out, we're testing even two gig in some areas. That's that's pretty much it. So keep it a little busy.
Okay. Paul, did you have something? Okay. Oh, it sounds like we might be might be done today. Any other announcements?
Oh, just Steve is Steve. Since Rory mentioned, Derek and Sun Corridor Network. I have had communication with Laura Ettager. Regarding the ATIC Board meeting, she wasn't able to make it but you indicated you thought she perhaps had moved on. But I can confirm that she's still with them.
Yes, I've noticed that I saw that too mark.
Steve, I just put a quick link in there, you know, we were able to talk start talking about health and its intersection in this whole broadband space. So the force for health is going to kick off the summer learning series called my healthy broadband. And so the link is in there. So if anybody wants to continue conversation about why it's so important that data transparency systems equity matters in this space. We're gonna be doing that it's free. So not that we're all not busy, but we're going to kick that series off.
Thank you, Lucy.
I need to correct something and fortunately, somebody corrected me if the Apache reservation is where the super cute tribe is located at. So thank you.
Okay, anything else anybody has for today? If not, I'm gonna stop recording and then any of you who want to stay online for a little bit and chat. You're welcome to do that. And if that's not of interest, we'll and end for today
