What's Happening?
Joshua Edmonds, the Chief Executive Officer of DigitalC, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB). DigitalC, a nonprofit internet provider based in Cleveland, focuses on delivering affordable high-speed broadband, digital skills training, and workforce support. Under Edmonds' leadership, DigitalC has successfully connected over 6,400 households since January 2024, marking one of the fastest citywide broadband deployments in the U.S. Edmonds' previous roles include serving as the City of Detroit's Director of Digital Inclusion and completing fellowships at the University of Michigan and the Cleveland Foundation. His appointment to the AAPB board follows the recent addition of Lexi Christensen from UTOPIA Fiber and Brian Vo from Connect Humanity, further strengthening the board's expertise in public broadband initiatives.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Joshua Edmonds on the AAPB board is significant as it brings a wealth of experience in digital inclusion and broadband deployment to the organization. This move is likely to enhance AAPB's efforts in expanding public broadband access across the United States, addressing the digital divide that affects many communities. By leveraging Edmonds' expertise, AAPB can further its mission to provide affordable and reliable internet access, which is crucial for economic development, education, and social inclusion. Communities that have struggled with connectivity issues stand to benefit from improved broadband infrastructure and services, potentially leading to increased opportunities for residents in terms of education, employment, and access to information.
What's Next?
With Joshua Edmonds joining the AAPB board, the organization is expected to continue its focus on expanding broadband access and digital inclusion initiatives. Future efforts may include developing new partnerships and strategies to connect underserved areas, leveraging Edmonds' experience in rapid broadband deployment. Stakeholders such as local governments, community organizations, and technology providers may collaborate with AAPB to implement innovative solutions for bridging the digital divide. The board's enhanced expertise could also lead to advocacy for policy changes that support public broadband expansion, potentially influencing national broadband strategies.
