Computers4Kids via ConnectedTN

ConnectedTN's Computer4Kids partnered with Ciber Inc., based in Colorado, but with broad presence in Nashville and Memphis, to provide 35 Dell computers to boys and girls clubs. The CA reports.

ECD supports ConnectedTN

As reported here earlier, ConnectedTN and its parent company have gotten plenty of criticism, which was reported by The Wall Street Journal. Yesterday, the State Science & Technology Institute (based in Ohio) provided an even-handed review of the dispute in SSTI's weekly news update, including mention of Tennessee. Almost simultaneously, over at the Economic and Community Development agency led by potential Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Matt Kisber, ECD communications staff issued a news update that included a brief definition of ConnectedTN's duties, with no reference to the ongoing criticism of the company. ConnectedTN is working for ECD under a 3-year, $6.25MM contract that runs another year. ConnectedTN chief Michael Ramage recently told VNC he doesn't believe the criticism of the parent company and its service model is significantly affecting operations in TN. Ramage said he believes much of the criticism is typical of the kind of controversy and interests that swirl around public-private partnerships of all kinds.

Wariness clouds ConnectedTN parent

Updated 6:54 p.m. - As made clear in this report from The Wall Street Journal, some broadband activists are critical of the opaque relationships between Kentucky-based ConnectedNation, and subsidiaries like ConnectedTN, and such telcos as AT&T and Verizon. The sudden prospect of Stimulus funding for broadband has heightened already-tense relationships, in all directions. Regulators and consumer advocates say they are frustrated in efforts to verify ConnectedNation broadband infrastructure data by nondisclosure agreements in each of 10 states, including Tennessee. ConnectedTN has a contract with the state to collect and map data and provide broadband educational services designed to increase broadband usage and technology penetration, particularly in rural TN. ConnectedNation insists that only confidentiality ensures the participation of Cable and Telcos, who don't want competing players to have their detailed network maps. Late this afternoon, ConnectedTN chief Michael Ramage referred VNC and readers to ConnectedNation's rebuttal, here. An AT&T Tennessee spokesperson said he is not aware of any forthcoming comment on the WSJ article from his company.