The pandemic displayed for us the genius of telehealth - but also its Achilles’ Heel. As millions of workers, students, and others went into lockdown, people everywhere from the comfort of their homes were able to see doctors. But over 14 million urban and 4 million rural homes have ZERO broadband and are left out of this digital miracle.

The episode of Gigabit Nation explores strategies to ensure that these billions of dollars the federal government plans to spend on broadband are used smartly, equitably, and with better accountability. We’ll talk broadband planning, needs assessment, and accountability.

And talk about genius, nothing says "pulse of a community" like laundromats! It’s a block party, gossip fest, kids’ playground and now, telehealth. Local libraries and volunteer groups are turning laundromats across the country into centers of learning and engagement.

Today’s digital equity warriors are:

Drew Clark's day job is telecom attorney at the CommLaw Group. But his a long-standing rep in the broadband world is: Editor and Publisher of Broadband Breakfast, a digital newsletter and a weekly Webinar. His on-point analysis is bringing us through this unprecedented government funding of broadband and digital technologies

Katherine Trujillo is Director of Education and Deputy Director of Libraries without Borders, a nonprofit that develops unique library services into low-income communities. She creates pop-up library and digital literacy programs internationally. In the U.S., Ms Trujillo oversees the Wash & Learn program in laundromats. She served on the White House Domestic Policy Council.

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Get info about telehealth deployment services that help save lives, reduce cost, and improve efficiency of public health.