1 00:00:00,210 --> 00:00:05,190 Intro: The following program is brought to you by the Tennessee Broadband Association. 2 00:00:05,190 --> 00:00:10,560 Lead Tennessee Radio, conversations with the leaders moving our state forward. 3 00:00:10,740 --> 00:00:18,270 We look at the issues shaping Tennessee's future: rural development, public policy, broadband, 4 00:00:18,270 --> 00:00:22,800 health care and other topics impacting our communities. 5 00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:27,660 Carrie Huckeby: Hello, I'm Carrie Huckeby, the executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association. 6 00:00:27,690 --> 00:00:35,100 In this episode of Lead Tennessee Radio, we're talking to Paige Shapiro, Tennessee's federal program officer for 7 00:00:35,100 --> 00:00:41,590 BEAD, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program and Digital Equity. 8 00:00:41,590 --> 00:00:49,590 BEAD, as you may know, will provide over $42 billion to expand high speed Internet access by funding 9 00:00:49,590 --> 00:00:55,560 the planning, the infrastructure deployment and adoption of programs in all 50 states. 10 00:00:55,590 --> 00:01:03,450 The Digital Equity Act provides almost $3 billion to establish some grant programs that will promote digital 11 00:01:03,450 --> 00:01:05,520 equity and inclusion. 12 00:01:05,610 --> 00:01:13,500 The aim here is really to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, the technology and the capacity to reap the 13 00:01:13,500 --> 00:01:15,960 full benefits of our digital economy. 14 00:01:16,140 --> 00:01:23,730 Paige, in her role as the FPO, will serve as the main federal point of contact for these programs here in our 15 00:01:23,730 --> 00:01:27,600 state, so she's got a big job ahead of her. 16 00:01:27,630 --> 00:01:29,160 So welcome, Paige. 17 00:01:29,670 --> 00:01:31,920 Paige Shapiro: Thank you. I'm so excited to be here. 18 00:01:31,950 --> 00:01:39,540 Carrie Huckeby: Well, before we jump in and talk about BEAD, start off by telling us a little bit about your background and how you found 19 00:01:39,540 --> 00:01:42,510 yourself in this position with NTIA, the U.S. 20 00:01:42,510 --> 00:01:43,770 Department of Commerce. 21 00:01:44,570 --> 00:01:45,740 Paige Shapiro: I'd love to. 22 00:01:46,100 --> 00:01:48,770 So I am a true Tennessean. 23 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:51,980 I was born and raised in East Tennessee. 24 00:01:52,130 --> 00:01:55,730 I graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. 25 00:01:55,760 --> 00:02:00,740 Go Vols, and my first job out of college was in Nashville. 26 00:02:00,740 --> 00:02:04,520 So I've always been here trying to serve those in our state. 27 00:02:04,550 --> 00:02:12,170 I actually my first job out of college was working with Governor Haslam and his administration in a two year 28 00:02:12,170 --> 00:02:13,550 fellowship program. 29 00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:21,590 I studied business in college, and I had a bit of a mid-life crisis and decided that I would go see how 30 00:02:21,590 --> 00:02:29,120 I could help make government a better place and make Tennessee a better place to live, work and raise a 31 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:37,010 family. Through that fellowship program, I got placed in the Department of Education and really found a 32 00:02:37,010 --> 00:02:38,090 passion there. 33 00:02:38,630 --> 00:02:46,160 I worked in early literacy for several years, where I specialized in early literacy program design, implementation and 34 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:54,050 adoption. I just happened to be looking for a new challenge when I heard about this role, and I felt like my skill sets 35 00:02:54,050 --> 00:03:01,970 and my knowledge and just the great relationships I had already across Tennessee would be really valuable in helping connect 36 00:03:01,970 --> 00:03:05,390 all of our citizens to high speed, reliable, affordable Internet. 37 00:03:06,740 --> 00:03:11,990 And I just think this is such a great goal, so I interviewed with NTIA. 38 00:03:12,020 --> 00:03:16,790 I am very lucky that they thought I would be a good fit, and here I am today. 39 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:19,010 Carrie Huckeby: Well, we're glad to have you. 40 00:03:19,520 --> 00:03:25,970 You bring an extensive background in Nashville and, of course, born and raised here in our great state of Tennessee. 41 00:03:25,970 --> 00:03:30,550 So that's a great thing, an advantage all on its own. 42 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:33,260 I think you're a little young for a midlife crisis, though, right? 43 00:03:34,700 --> 00:03:35,780 Paige Shapiro: Maybe a little. 44 00:03:35,810 --> 00:03:42,830 I looked at changing my business degree, and it was just going to cost way too much time and money. 45 00:03:42,830 --> 00:03:49,970 So I was like, okay, I will get my business degree and then go work for a business-minded governor and see where that takes me. 46 00:03:50,450 --> 00:03:58,310 Carrie Huckeby: Well, as things are ramping up for BEAD, you know, I know there's a lot of details that are still being worked through and federal 47 00:03:58,310 --> 00:04:01,040 program officers are being assigned. 48 00:04:01,130 --> 00:04:05,120 Tell us what the responsibilities are of a federal program officer. 49 00:04:06,640 --> 00:04:10,510 Paige Shapiro: Yes. So this is what I think is a really exciting job. 50 00:04:10,750 --> 00:04:18,280 First and foremost, I'm here and all of the federal program officers are here to partner with state broadband 51 00:04:18,310 --> 00:04:25,820 offices to be a resource and a means of communication to relay important information to and from NTIA. 52 00:04:25,840 --> 00:04:32,020 So that's really the most glaring thing on my job description. 53 00:04:32,590 --> 00:04:40,000 But we are also here to be a spokesperson and an advocate for our NTIA programs and more importantly, the 54 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:42,820 stakeholder communities that surround them. 55 00:04:42,910 --> 00:04:50,770 So we absolutely know that building relationships with stakeholders is the only way we can successfully deploy this 56 00:04:50,770 --> 00:04:58,120 program. So it is a huge responsibility of mine and partnership with the Department of Economic and Community 57 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:05,920 Development to listen and ensure that what our citizens say is correctly reflected 58 00:05:05,920 --> 00:05:08,500 in our state's final plans and proposals. 59 00:05:08,950 --> 00:05:16,360 And then there's some grant administration things: helping ensure plans are ready, being a trusted 60 00:05:16,360 --> 00:05:23,890 expert, especially by your members, and then knowing about how other Internet related programs 61 00:05:24,160 --> 00:05:25,780 coincide with ours as well. 62 00:05:27,010 --> 00:05:34,720 Carrie Huckeby: And I don't remember before if an NTIA employee actually worked in the state of Tennessee. 63 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:40,660 Is this the first time there's been an official role in Tennessee for NTIA? 64 00:05:41,320 --> 00:05:43,210 Paige Shapiro: Yes. We laugh. 65 00:05:43,210 --> 00:05:50,830 We compare ourselves to a startup quite a bit because before the BEAD program and the Digital Equity 66 00:05:50,830 --> 00:05:54,490 Programs came to be, NTIA was a very small team. 67 00:05:54,490 --> 00:06:01,330 And so now they are hiring, I think, they've tripled or quadrupled the size of the NTIA team. 68 00:06:01,330 --> 00:06:08,530 So first time that NTIA has had a Tennessean in Tennessee working with their programs. 69 00:06:08,710 --> 00:06:16,150 Carrie Huckeby: Which makes those conversations you're having with everyone and that educational piece of what you do and all that, just that 70 00:06:16,150 --> 00:06:17,440 much more important. 71 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:19,120 Paige Shapiro: Absolutely. 72 00:06:19,120 --> 00:06:25,400 Carrie Huckeby: And I said that there's an FPO assigned to each state, but that was an assumption on my part. 73 00:06:25,420 --> 00:06:30,220 Is there any state or any reason a state would not get an FPO? 74 00:06:30,820 --> 00:06:38,170 Paige Shapiro: Yeah. So generally speaking, most states will or have already been assigned their own 75 00:06:38,170 --> 00:06:41,560 FPO. We're in the final stretch of hiring. 76 00:06:41,950 --> 00:06:49,750 That said, depending on some states size and their proximity, they may be covered one FPO for 77 00:06:49,750 --> 00:06:55,210 two states. But I'm lucky that I get to focus on serving us right here in Tennessee. 78 00:06:55,240 --> 00:06:57,950 Carrie Huckeby: Well, we appreciate that, having your full attention. 79 00:06:57,970 --> 00:06:59,620 Paige Shapiro: Yes, absolutely. 80 00:07:00,040 --> 00:07:06,610 Carrie Huckeby: Well, you recently attended and participated on a panel at KTA/TNBA Fall Conference in Bowling Green. 81 00:07:06,610 --> 00:07:10,210 And we really appreciated you coming and doing that. 82 00:07:10,210 --> 00:07:16,660 And I know you've been meeting with some of our other member companies and having those visits. 83 00:07:16,660 --> 00:07:24,280 So how are those conversations helping you prepare for what's coming with the BEAD program, or what are you taking away from 84 00:07:24,280 --> 00:07:25,120 those visits? 85 00:07:25,150 --> 00:07:27,340 Paige Shapiro: Thank you for having me at the conference. 86 00:07:27,340 --> 00:07:32,080 It was such a fun time and very informative for me as well. 87 00:07:33,370 --> 00:07:40,600 And there are so many takeaways that I've had from the visits that I've had so far, and I'm looking forward to the ones that 88 00:07:40,600 --> 00:07:42,700 I'm currently in the process of scheduling. 89 00:07:42,910 --> 00:07:50,710 But probably my largest takeaway so far is that Tennessee has been doing such incredible work 90 00:07:50,710 --> 00:07:57,070 to connect our communities to high speed, reliable and affordable Internet for years. 91 00:07:57,160 --> 00:08:02,980 And the collaboration among industry partners is just so very strong. 92 00:08:04,300 --> 00:08:12,160 And that's particularly exciting for both me and Tennessee, because I just so clearly 93 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:19,810 see that we are a state that is poised to be successful and deploying these programs and connecting everyone 94 00:08:19,810 --> 00:08:26,840 because there is just such a desire, a deep seated desire and willingness to do so. 95 00:08:26,840 --> 00:08:30,740 So that's probably my, you know, my three biggest takeaways. 96 00:08:30,890 --> 00:08:38,840 My fourth would probably be I learned that splicing fiber is an incredibly technical skill, 97 00:08:38,840 --> 00:08:46,820 and we should all be very thankful that that is not my part of this program, because I 98 00:08:46,820 --> 00:08:47,960 would not be good at it. 99 00:08:48,380 --> 00:08:49,760 Carrie Huckeby: Oh, I bet you would. 100 00:08:51,320 --> 00:08:53,450 Paige Shapiro: I was just so impressed. 101 00:08:53,450 --> 00:08:56,300 Carrie Huckeby: It is. It's a very technical job. 102 00:08:56,300 --> 00:09:03,200 So, you know, those folks spend a lot of time in those fiber trailers day in and day out. 103 00:09:03,200 --> 00:09:09,050 And also down in, you know, the holes and doing that in all kinds of situations. 104 00:09:09,050 --> 00:09:13,090 So great respect, like you, for those people that do that. 105 00:09:13,100 --> 00:09:14,640 Paige Shapiro: Yes, I am. 106 00:09:14,780 --> 00:09:16,700 I am in awe of what they do. 107 00:09:16,700 --> 00:09:24,140 And the more that I learn, the more that I'm just so impressed with the knowledge and commitment in this industry. 108 00:09:24,380 --> 00:09:32,210 Carrie Huckeby: And I'm happy, very happy to hear you say that, because as the director of the association, I know our members work really hard 109 00:09:32,210 --> 00:09:38,890 and, you know, strategically planning and all the things that it takes to connect Tennessee. 110 00:09:38,890 --> 00:09:45,650 And they've been doing it a long time and still want to continue that effort until every Tennesseean is connecting. 111 00:09:45,650 --> 00:09:50,150 And so I'm glad that comes across in those conversations that you have with them. 112 00:09:50,570 --> 00:09:51,890 Paige Shapiro: Oh, absolutely. 113 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:59,990 Carrie Huckeby: Well, the possibilities and the opportunity of receiving BEAD funding, you know, of course, is exciting to our members, and 114 00:09:59,990 --> 00:10:07,790 certainly for those residents and businesses that don't have broadband access today or don't have a reliable connection 115 00:10:07,790 --> 00:10:11,880 today, in Tennessee and the other 49 states. 116 00:10:11,880 --> 00:10:19,220 With all this funding being made available down the road, what challenges do you think NTIA will have in 117 00:10:19,220 --> 00:10:20,540 administering the funds? 118 00:10:20,540 --> 00:10:23,420 What's going to be their greatest challenge with that? 119 00:10:24,650 --> 00:10:26,240 Paige Shapiro: That's a great question. 120 00:10:26,780 --> 00:10:33,200 I would say that probably the largest challenge that we have is that this is just such a tall order. 121 00:10:33,770 --> 00:10:41,630 Connecting everyone in America to quality Internet services has obviously never been accomplished, and if it were easy, it 122 00:10:41,630 --> 00:10:42,810 would have already been finished. 123 00:10:42,830 --> 00:10:50,540 So, you know, I think that just the fact that the scope of this project is going to be a little 124 00:10:50,540 --> 00:10:51,740 bit difficult. 125 00:10:52,710 --> 00:11:00,150 I also think we're asking states and their partners to dig deep, sometimes literally digging deep to make this 126 00:11:00,150 --> 00:11:07,200 happen. And we're just going to have to be nimble to address the unforeseen challenges that we don't know are coming in a way that 127 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:14,700 we probably haven't been used to, especially as government, while still ensuring that we're taking all of the right 128 00:11:14,700 --> 00:11:18,720 steps along the way to do this, the right way to make it last. 129 00:11:18,720 --> 00:11:22,110 So I think those are those are probably the biggest challenges. 130 00:11:22,260 --> 00:11:29,190 Carrie Huckeby: Well, like any big project, you don't know what you're going to have a problem with until it starts, and you're in the middle of 131 00:11:29,190 --> 00:11:35,640 it. So, you know, then it'll become finding a solution that works for everyone and finding a quick solution, I guess. 132 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:36,810 Paige Shapiro: Right. 133 00:11:36,810 --> 00:11:44,430 Carrie Huckeby: From the broadband provider's perspective, what challenges do you think they will see applying for the funding, and how will NTIA 134 00:11:45,540 --> 00:11:47,730 assist them with that application process? 135 00:11:48,180 --> 00:11:50,880 How will they help in moving it along? 136 00:11:51,690 --> 00:11:59,100 Paige Shapiro: Yes, So I do want to point out just for your listeners that it is really important to remember that Tennessee 137 00:11:59,310 --> 00:12:07,260 has to develop a comprehensive local coordination approach that will begin in the development of all the 138 00:12:07,260 --> 00:12:13,590 way from the Five-Year Action Plan, which is that strategic plan that we talked about at the conference that we'll do first and 139 00:12:13,590 --> 00:12:18,570 can continue all the way through awarding and implementation. 140 00:12:18,750 --> 00:12:26,640 And so our Internet service providers really need to be sure that they're a part of that process to help limit the challenges 141 00:12:26,640 --> 00:12:28,090 that they may face. 142 00:12:28,090 --> 00:12:34,980 Because no one knows the challenges that are going to come up in this process better than those that have been doing it, and 143 00:12:34,980 --> 00:12:39,630 especially in your organization when they have been doing it for such a long time. 144 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:45,420 So please be involved so we can help avoid as many as possible. 145 00:12:46,290 --> 00:12:54,090 And then we also need you all at the table to advocate for actions that will facilitate faster 146 00:12:54,090 --> 00:13:02,070 broadband deployment, cheaper broadband deployment, and just more easily accessible broadband to those that are unserved and 147 00:13:02,070 --> 00:13:04,840 underserved. So just wanted to highlight that. 148 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:06,150 That didn't answer your question. 149 00:13:06,150 --> 00:13:13,980 So I will answer your question in the way that one of the largest concerns that we've heard so far is 150 00:13:13,980 --> 00:13:20,110 just about workforce availability when the grants are awarded. 151 00:13:20,110 --> 00:13:26,730 You may know, and if you haven't seen it yet, our technical assistance team has already begun providing some great resources, 152 00:13:26,730 --> 00:13:29,790 including a Workforce Planning Guide that are available for that. 153 00:13:30,450 --> 00:13:32,880 They're on the Internet For All web page. 154 00:13:33,510 --> 00:13:41,490 And a really exciting thing about this particular challenge is now is the time for our providers to assess their workforce needs 155 00:13:41,490 --> 00:13:48,570 and work with us to make sure that the right training and resources are available and in place to help mitigate this risk 156 00:13:48,570 --> 00:13:56,370 later on. We are so excited that this is a huge job creation opportunity for Tennessee and that we have time to plan. 157 00:13:56,370 --> 00:14:03,810 So we know that that challenge is coming, and we're going to work with all of you all to help mitigate that along the way. 158 00:14:04,530 --> 00:14:12,270 Carrie Huckeby: Well, that workforce conversation happens in every meeting and every conference and almost every 159 00:14:12,270 --> 00:14:16,440 face-to-face conversation right now because there is such a shortage. 160 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:24,810 And also, you know, our challenge is getting out there to educate the high schools or the technical 161 00:14:24,810 --> 00:14:28,980 schools and talk about the jobs that are available in our industry. 162 00:14:29,700 --> 00:14:37,290 And I know I have one vendor that has been looking for AutoCAD employees, and it's just difficult to find them. 163 00:14:37,290 --> 00:14:40,740 So that's definitely a challenge. 164 00:14:40,740 --> 00:14:47,460 So I'm glad that we will be able to work with your group and your organization to try to solve that. 165 00:14:47,850 --> 00:14:55,710 Paige Shapiro: Well, and I think that what is so exciting about the BEAD and DE program specifically, is we do have a 166 00:14:55,710 --> 00:15:03,030 large opportunity to make these high quality and desirable jobs, but it is just making sure that we 167 00:15:03,030 --> 00:15:10,680 go and talk to members like you all and bring high school and career and 168 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:17,850 technical education and our TCATs and just bringing everyone to the table to really help highlight this future need. 169 00:15:17,850 --> 00:15:24,630 Not that you all haven't been doing that, but now that we know there's money coming, how can we help streamline all of those 170 00:15:24,630 --> 00:15:26,910 incredible efforts that are going on already? 171 00:15:26,910 --> 00:15:30,660 Carrie Huckeby: Right. Right. Funding certainly helps push things through. 172 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:31,440 Paige Shapiro: It does. 173 00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:33,570 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. And get things going faster. 174 00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:41,790 The TNBA member companies have had a good working relationship with our state broadband director, Taylre Beaty, over at the 175 00:15:41,790 --> 00:15:43,080 Tennessee ECD. 176 00:15:43,110 --> 00:15:47,940 And you mentioned earlier about your role would be working with that office. 177 00:15:47,940 --> 00:15:55,940 So how do you see your job or your role and others in the same job working with each state's broadband director 178 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:57,250 ? How does that look? 179 00:15:58,270 --> 00:16:04,240 Paige Shapiro: We'll continue to be a resource and a means of communication with Taylre and the Broadband Office. 180 00:16:04,240 --> 00:16:11,890 From, again, that five year action plan, which is step one all the way through implementation, we will 181 00:16:11,890 --> 00:16:18,520 have traditional grants management roles when it comes to working with Taylre and her team. 182 00:16:18,520 --> 00:16:26,230 So that will just be making sure that the plans are prepped, that all of the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed in 183 00:16:26,230 --> 00:16:31,120 terms of getting those plans approved through NTIA. 184 00:16:31,630 --> 00:16:38,860 And then we'll also be working with then, and again, I already mentioned this, but just really making sure that that stakeholder 185 00:16:38,860 --> 00:16:43,170 engagement piece is woven throughout the process. 186 00:16:43,180 --> 00:16:50,620 So in the beginning it might be listening sessions, but as we get through to post award, it might look like visiting 187 00:16:50,620 --> 00:16:57,900 construction sites and talking with providers to find out what's going well and what challenges there are. 188 00:16:57,910 --> 00:17:04,990 And so it'll really just be that constant communication because Taylre is going to hear things from 189 00:17:04,990 --> 00:17:08,000 stakeholders that I won't and vice versa. 190 00:17:08,020 --> 00:17:15,730 So it's really just making sure that there are two people devoted to – two people and then everyone else – but two people 191 00:17:15,730 --> 00:17:23,230 that are waking up every day and thinking about it, that this is going smoothly for everyone from providers to 192 00:17:23,230 --> 00:17:24,580 community members. 193 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:28,540 Carrie Huckeby: Well, we will look forward to working with you and Taylre both. 194 00:17:28,540 --> 00:17:34,300 It sounds like you'll be a very strong team working together on this program. 195 00:17:34,300 --> 00:17:40,660 So it's, you know, that's only advantage, another advantage for here in our home state of Tennessee. 196 00:17:40,660 --> 00:17:43,570 So look forward to that. 197 00:17:43,600 --> 00:17:45,760 We're going to switch gears just a little bit. 198 00:17:45,820 --> 00:17:49,720 We've been talking about the money, you know, the BEAD funding and infrastructure. 199 00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:54,990 But let's talk a little bit about that digital equity, because that's a big part too. 200 00:17:54,990 --> 00:18:02,590 Getting the Tennesseans, not only the access, but also educating them to learn how to take advantage of it 201 00:18:02,590 --> 00:18:05,140 and what the benefits of it are. 202 00:18:05,170 --> 00:18:13,120 So what are some of the things that NTIA is evaluating to ensure that Tennesseans can connect to broadband service 203 00:18:13,120 --> 00:18:14,200 after it's built? 204 00:18:14,230 --> 00:18:22,030 Paige Shapiro: So just want to reiterate that the digital equity piece of this program is so incredibly important. 205 00:18:22,360 --> 00:18:26,710 We have a saying, and it stuck with me, so I want to share it with everyone. 206 00:18:26,710 --> 00:18:30,310 That "BEAD without Equity is just BAD." 207 00:18:30,700 --> 00:18:32,020 Carrie Huckeby: Oh, I like that. 208 00:18:32,470 --> 00:18:34,510 Paige Shapiro: Right. Easy. It's catchy to remember. 209 00:18:34,510 --> 00:18:34,960 Carrie Huckeby: Yes. 210 00:18:35,380 --> 00:18:42,940 Paige Shapiro: So even though NTIA has two separate programs for BEAD, and DE, we really don't see them as separate. 211 00:18:43,570 --> 00:18:46,390 We do have a guide. 212 00:18:46,660 --> 00:18:54,340 It's the Five-Year Action Plan and Digital Equity Guide on our again, Internet for All web page that can really 213 00:18:54,340 --> 00:18:58,000 help our service providers understand the overlap of the two plans. 214 00:18:58,450 --> 00:19:02,720 So if they are interested in learning more, I would point them to that resource. 215 00:19:02,740 --> 00:19:10,540 I believe one of the best things about NTIA and its approach to the digital equity piece and BEAD for that 216 00:19:10,540 --> 00:19:18,220 matter, is that the understanding and acknowledgment that states have different issues and challenges 217 00:19:18,430 --> 00:19:23,380 . And that they really want states to do what's best. 218 00:19:24,310 --> 00:19:27,820 They do not have a one-size fits all approach. 219 00:19:29,460 --> 00:19:36,970 You know, NTIA has asked all states to ensure that they actively seek input and engagement from 220 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:39,100 eight covered populations. 221 00:19:39,310 --> 00:19:46,480 And these covered populations are essentially groups and communities that historically have been disproportionately 222 00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:49,450 impacted by digital inequity. 223 00:19:49,450 --> 00:19:57,280 So this includes groups like our veterans, our people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, 224 00:19:57,280 --> 00:19:59,440 those that live in rural areas. 225 00:19:59,740 --> 00:20:04,450 I just listed four. You can go look at all of them in our Notice of Public Funding if you're interested. 226 00:20:05,410 --> 00:20:09,930 But NTIA wants us to go to these eight groups. 227 00:20:09,930 --> 00:20:17,170 And then they're asking states to complete a framework that essentially reflects the feedback, the 228 00:20:17,170 --> 00:20:24,640 challenges and the solutions proposed from these people that they're hearing from, from these covered 229 00:20:24,640 --> 00:20:31,810 populations to ensure that when everything is said and done and access is built out 230 00:20:31,810 --> 00:20:34,360 everywhere, that people are connected. 231 00:20:35,660 --> 00:20:43,370 A really short way to say what I just said is that Tennesseans ultimately will be the key stakeholders 232 00:20:43,700 --> 00:20:46,910 who will evaluate what we need to measure to ensure digital inclusion. 233 00:20:47,780 --> 00:20:53,630 And then we'll create the measures of success to know that we've done a good job. 234 00:20:53,630 --> 00:20:59,990 So NTIA is saying, Hey, here are these eight groups that you need to make sure that you talk to. 235 00:21:00,020 --> 00:21:04,490 It doesn't just have to be these eight groups, but it definitely needs to include these eight groups. 236 00:21:04,490 --> 00:21:09,050 And then from there, the information is flowing from everyone that we talk to. 237 00:21:09,080 --> 00:21:16,760 Carrie Huckeby: I think that's definitely a positive that NTIA is going into it where, as you said, one size does not fit all 238 00:21:16,760 --> 00:21:17,180 . 239 00:21:17,180 --> 00:21:17,190 Paige Shapiro: Right. 240 00:21:17,190 --> 00:21:24,890 Carrie Huckeby: And we talk about the landscapes of 50 states that you can always find something beautiful in every state to 241 00:21:24,890 --> 00:21:31,400 see. So the same thing can be said about every state has its challenges, 242 00:21:33,410 --> 00:21:38,900 it successes and what's working and what needs to be worked on. 243 00:21:38,900 --> 00:21:46,460 So I think it's a really positive way to look at this program and say, tell us what you need versus us telling you what we 244 00:21:46,460 --> 00:21:47,300 think you need. 245 00:21:47,840 --> 00:21:48,710 Paige Shapiro: Exactly. 246 00:21:48,740 --> 00:21:54,380 Carrie Huckeby: Is there anything else, Paige, that we haven't talked about that you would like to add as we wrap up? 247 00:21:55,010 --> 00:22:02,870 Paige Shapiro: Yeah, the only thing that I will add is that we've been told time and time again that this truly is a once in a 248 00:22:02,870 --> 00:22:04,430 lifetime opportunity. 249 00:22:04,550 --> 00:22:12,530 And so I would just encourage everyone to get involved because what we are doing matters, and 250 00:22:12,530 --> 00:22:16,490 it's important for the health and wellbeing of Tennessee long term. 251 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:23,380 And so please, just if you want to find out how you can get more involved, reach out. 252 00:22:23,390 --> 00:22:29,660 I would be more than happy to help point you in the right direction or be a resource for you. 253 00:22:29,900 --> 00:22:36,680 We are definitely partners in this, and I'm really looking forward to working with all of you. 254 00:22:36,710 --> 00:22:43,520 Carrie Huckeby: Is there an email or a website that you would like to direct people to to get information from you? 255 00:22:43,670 --> 00:22:49,460 Paige Shapiro: Yes. My email is pshapiro@ntia.gov. 256 00:22:52,610 --> 00:22:55,990 Again, that's pshapiro@ntia.gov. 257 00:22:56,030 --> 00:22:59,290 If you are listening in your car, just email Carrie. 258 00:22:59,300 --> 00:23:00,430 She'll send it to you. 259 00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:01,640 Carrie Huckeby: That's exactly right. 260 00:23:02,060 --> 00:23:09,920 Paige Shapiro: And if you are interested in any of the resources that I talked about, you can just Google "Internet 261 00:23:09,920 --> 00:23:11,480 For All," and it'll pop right up. 262 00:23:12,050 --> 00:23:13,400 Carrie Huckeby: Yes, that's a great website. 263 00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:17,360 I went to it other day, and it's got a lot of good information on there. 264 00:23:17,960 --> 00:23:18,670 Paige Shapiro: Great. 265 00:23:18,680 --> 00:23:20,270 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. Well, thank you, Paige. 266 00:23:20,270 --> 00:23:24,170 I appreciate you taking some time out of your schedule to talk to me today. 267 00:23:25,070 --> 00:23:26,240 Paige Shapiro: Happy to do it. 268 00:23:26,240 --> 00:23:29,210 And I would be happy to come back any time. 269 00:23:29,390 --> 00:23:36,620 Carrie Huckeby: My guest has been Paige Shapiro, Tennessee's federal program officer with the US Department of Commerce, NTIA. 270 00:23:36,650 --> 00:23:42,200 You've been listening to Lead Tennessee Radio, produced by Tennessee Broadband Association. 271 00:23:42,200 --> 00:23:48,680 Cooperative and independent companies connecting our state's rural communities and beyond with world class broadband.