Co-Lin and Southwest Mississippi Community College hosted a focus group, including regional municipal leaders, educators and internet service providers, to help establish regional priorities for expansion of broadband internet, which the state is seeking to facilitate.
With a priority placed on high-speed internet infrastructure, a statewide emphasis on broadband infrastructure and increasing accessibility has been initiated through the Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) under the Department of Finance and Administration as the state’s one point of contact for all broadband issues. It currently is spearheading a five-year expansion plan for the state with a $1.2 billion allocation of broadband funds in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
“We are ready to provide training, but want to know what is needed,” Southwest Community College Workforce Center Director Dr. Wendy Smith told the focus group. “We are here to train as many people as we can if that is what you need, but our goal is to better understand the needs in our region.”
Talking points centered on the importance of broadband infrastructure throughout the state, how to help the region gain funding priority, and the expected training needs for the workforce related to the five-year network buildout in the state. Workforce training was also at the forefront of discussion.
Regional service providers and related infrastructure employers expressed a need to train individuals within the industry with new skills for fiber to allow them to keep their workforce even after the five-year BEAM initiative is complete. Schools presented a variety of ways to provide a trained workforce, such as on-the-job-training funds workforce custom training events, and short term training programs. While training plans are not complete, all representatives expressed commitment to the expansion of broadband and advancement of the needed skills for the initiative.
Co-Lin Workforce Center Director Luke Laird encouraged participants in the focus group to help provide BEAM with much needed information. “We need to paint a true picture of internet connection in Southwest Mississippi, and the public can help,” said Laird. “The BEAM office is about to manage a $1 billion grant and needs to decide on what requests will get the state more bang for the buck. Providing data that demonstrates the lack of coverage will elevate the region to the top of the list.”
Mississippi computer users can test their internet speed at BEAM’s website, which collects speed test data of those who currently have some form of internet access. They should visit the site while connected to their home network --www.broadbandms.com -- and go to“Test Your Internet” to run speed tests. The data is used to make a broadband Mississippi service map. A Connectivity Survey, which will take approximately five minutes or less to complete, is also accessible at www.broadbandms.com/connectivitysurvey. It asks a series of questions about current internet service or lack thereof. Those with no internet service at home may text or call 601-439-2535.
Broadband access enables people more affordable and efficient access to basic services such as health care, education, and government services. Economically, high speed internet is a priority criterion for relocating businesses. Fully wired communities are best positioned to interest and then retain new business and encourage expansion of existing industry. Employers benefit and so does the workforce as broadband allows for more accessible career and skill development opportunities. Online and hybrid learning allows for skills improvement at any time and on any schedule. Distance learning is not only for the enrolled student, but also for the employed or underemployed who need improved or new skills.
Hwy 27 South of Tylertown, Ms doesn't have internet. We have been told by all phone companies we can't get it here. 13 Ginn Rd. Tylertown, ms