At the beginning of his term, Governor Northam set the goal of universal broadband access across Virginia by 2028. Four years later, Virginia has invested $124 million and connected 140,000 locations. Kyle Rosner, Deputy Broadband Advisor, will provide an overview of the multi-pronged effort to achieve universal coverage, including the VATI program, CARES Act investments, the utility middle mile program, and future state/federal investments.
Several panelists from the S.V. will also share views from provider, education, government, and user perspectives. This luncheon will kick off a longer-term discussion re. the Valley’s broadband and what role the SVTC and all of us can have. [Registration link, below]
Please read ahead – there is much to know (projects, tool kits, bills, grant funding):
- A wealth of Virginia information:
- Commonwealth Connect site, incl. the Commonwealth Connect Report and the toolkit
- VIRGINIA TELECOMMUNICATION INITIATIVE (VATI)
- Virginia has been apportioned $17 billion in the America Rescue Plan to expand access to high-speed broadband
- T-Mobile’s Project 10Million
- Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
- FCC’s E-Rate program
About the Speaker
Kyle Rosner serves as Deputy Broadband Advisor in the Office of Governor Ralph Northam. Kyle previously served as Broadband Policy Assistant since January 2019. Prior to joining the Northam Administration, Kyle was a government relation and advocacy associate for Patient Services, Inc. and served as Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of Administration in the McAuliffe Administration. Kyle is a native of Winchester, VA, and a graduate of Radford University.
Panelists confirmed to date:
Topic: K-16 Education
Tom Lundquist, Director of Technology, Staunton City Schools
Tom Lundquist is an innovative, service-oriented, project leader. A successful entrepreneur, Tom has a strong business background, management, finance, and enjoy marketing. Tom fully appreciates business profits and the need to keep the technology growth in line with realistic goals and strategies for success. Incorporate this with proven adaptable technical abilities, enthusiasm to work with people, and a passion to solve problems bringing solutions to an organization. Tom has often been positioned as a liaison to bridge the communication gap between business administration and the technical staff since he works in both arenas.
Topic: Telecommunications (providers)
James Funkhouser, Business Development Manager, Fiber Sales at Shentel
James joined Shentel in 2010 as business development manager for fiber sales, following a 14-year career with Verizon. The primary focus has been expanding USAC E-Rate contracts with schools, libraries, and USAC Rural Healthcare. Shentel is one of the largest E-Rate providers in the State providing service to 47 entities and growing, and serves on an advisory committee for the Virginia Department of Education. These expansions augment the growth of residential and business broadband with expansion through GloFiber (Fiber-to-the-home/business) and BEAM (Licensed Fixed wireless). Other major projects in the area include: Dark and lit fiber leases to Harrisonburg City and Schools, Lit fiber solutions to Rockingham County and Schools, Verizon Wireless fiber-to-the tower, Massanutten Resort, Staunton City and Schools, and Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board. BS Business Administration from Shepherd College and MA Speech Communication from West Virginia University. James and his wife Debbie are lifetime residents of Strasburg.
Topic: Locality (city/county)
Pam Carter, Pastures Magisterial District Supervisor, Augusta County
Pam Carter has served on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors since 2018 and is the Board Liaison for the Augusta County Broadband committee. She has been actively involved with identifying and exploring various ways to bring broadband to the citizens of Augusta County. This includes working with providers and identifying ways to cover the costs. She also serves on the FCC Intergovernmental Advisory Committee which has provided valuable networking opportunities. “If there is one good thing that has resulted from the pandemic, it would be increased awareness regarding the need for good broadband coverage. It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.”
Topic: Higher Education
Josh Fitzpatrick, Chief Information Officer, Lord Fairfax Community College
Josh is an educational-focused technology professional, with over 15 years supporting the technological needs of Higher Education and K-12 within Virginia with a passion for helping educational professionals leverage technology to inspire. He has served in various technical capacities within Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, including positions at James Madison University, Blue Ridge Community College, the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia, and his current role as Chief Information Officer at Lord Fairfax Community College. Josh is also an adjunct instructor at Piedmont Virginia Community College. He holds an AS in Business Administration from PVCC, a BS in Business Administration from Old Dominion University, and an Information Security MBA from James Madison University. Josh, his wife Tanya, and their children reside in Fishersville.
Register in advance for the April 21 SVTC Luncheon
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information (Zoom link).
Based on the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps™ program for Lean Startups, ICAP helps inventors and entrepreneurs take the right first steps in bringing new technologies and innovations to market. Click Here to Apply.
ICAP includes FREE introductory training programs and counseling services offered through ICAP instructors and local SBDC counselors. ICAP helps startups identify potential customers and develop successful business models based on that knowledge. It is an ideal program for early-stage companies trying to prepare for eventual venture investment.
Preferred Sectors
The cohort will give preference to startups focused on cyber-related solutions, but all companies are encouraged to apply:
- Software
- Telecommunications
- Information & Communication Technologies
- E-Commerce
- Networking & Equipment
- Electronics/Instrumentation
- Sensors
- Materials
- Drones
- IoT
This cohort is being supported, in part, by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, an investment in the advancement of cyber R&D, innovation, and workforce development. For more information about CCI, please visit their website.
Important Dates
- April 25, 2021 – Applications are due by midnight (2 days before introductory call)
- April 27, 2021 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Introductory Webinar
- May 4, 2021 – Acceptance notifications and communication with next steps (7 days after Intro call)
- May 11, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Customer Segments and Initial Team Presentations
- May 12, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Value Proposition
- May 13, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Customer Discovery
- May 20, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Each team reviews their Customer Discovery Progress over the first week
- May 27, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Final Team Presentations
During this introductory program, there is extensive work done outside the virtual classroom. In addition to the virtual class meetings, participants should expect to spend another 10-15 hours per week on customer discovery and course assignments. At the conclusion of the program, you will remain connected with your ICAP adjunct to continue your progress on the Five Steps to Startup Success over the following 6 to 24 months.
The introductory program is designed to generate a maximum impact over a relatively short duration and should be considered a required first step for anyone interested in commercializing a technology or product, whether through a startup or licensing arrangement. Some graduates of this cohort may be eligible to apply to NSF’s Seven-week National I-Corps Program, which includes non-dilutive grants for customer discovery and prototype development. Additionally, this program can help teams develop better submissions for SBIR and CRCF grants from Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technologies. For more information email: icap@virginiasbdc.org.
