‘National Purposes’ Aspect of National Broadband Plan Aims For Bold Actions Without Much Spending
Broadband's Impact, FCC, National Broadband Plan, Privacy, Smart Grid, Transparency
March 15th, 2010
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2010 – Blair Levin, head of the Federal Communications Commission’s national broadband plan and the “national purposes” team at the agency previewed key points from the upcoming national broadband plan.
The object of the plan, they said, is not just to expand broadband networks, but to enable the creation of applications and innovations built upon that network. The six primary objective areas presented were healthcare, education, energy, civic engagement, economic expansion, and public safety.
Mignon Clyburn Blasts Carriers For Raising Broadband Prices; Urges National Digital Literacy Corps
Broadband's Impact, FCC, National Broadband Plan
March 10th, 2010
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2010 – With the national broadband plan due to be unveiled next Tuesday at the Federal Communications Commission, the commissioners have been speaking about issues surrounding broadband adoption.
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn has been particularly vocal about the need for affordable rates and increased digital literacy; both issues ranked at the top of reasons why non-adopters claim to not use the internet.
Housing Secretary Donovan Compares National Broadband Plan to Interstate Highway System
FCC, National Broadband Plan
March 10th, 2010
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2010 – Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan on Tuesday compared broadband expansion in the United States to the development of the interstate highway system under President Eisenhower, speaking at the Knight Center for Digital Inclusion.
Also speaking at the event was Federal Communications Commissioner Chairman Julius Genachowski, who addressed the various impacts of broadband on the wider economy and the need for expansion in order to spur innovation. Genachowski also commented on the fact that the United States has fallen behind on key metrics; once number two globally, the United States has fallen to a distant 15 in connectivity.
State Telecom Regulators Score NTIA and RUS for Unclear Tax Situation; Seek IRS Ruling
Broadband Stimulus, States
March 8th, 2010
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2010 – The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners on Monday urged the Treasury Department to clarify the tax implications for the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
NARUC criticized the Commerce Department and the Agriculture Department for failing to clarify whether Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program grants, Broadband Infrastructure Program grants, and broadband mapping grants are taxable.
Regulatory Experts Discuss States’ Broadband Goals
Broadband Stimulus, Broadband Updates, Broadband's Impact, Smart Grid, States, Universal Service
February 22nd, 2010
WASHINGTON, February 22, 2010 – A meeting of regulatory commissioners last weekend included much discussion of major telecommunications issues such as the state of the nation’s broadband.
FCC Chief Raises Curtain on Bits of Broadband Plan
Broadband Stimulus, Broadband Updates, Broadband's Impact, FCC, National Broadband Plan, Smart Grid, Wireless
February 16th, 2010
Washington, February 16, 2010 – Federal Communications Commission chief Julius Genachowski previewed the agency’s upcoming plan to outfit the nation with broadband access at a winter committee meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Virginia Tech Foundation and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative Win Middle-Mile Grants
Broadband Stimulus
February 8th, 2010
WASHINGTON, February 8, 2010 – While the federal government is closed today due to inclement weather, Sen. Mark Warner and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra announced the newest broadband stimulus grants.
The two Virginia projects will receive $21.5 million in funding to expand middle mile networks to rural and underserved areas of the state.
FCC Wrestles With Depth, Breadth of Net Neutrality Comments
FCC, National Broadband Plan, Net Neutrality, Net Neutrality Comments
February 8th, 2010
WASHINGTON, February 8, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission has received thousands of comments both lauding and criticizing its proposed plan to address the controversial issue of network neutrality.
Net Neutrality Comments: Verizon Says Net Neutrality Rules Unnecessary, Unconstitutional
Net Neutrality Comments, Wireless
January 18th, 2010
WASHINGTON, January 18, 2010 – Verizon Communications’s net neutrality filling is unique in that the telecom giant is one of the only companies which provides broadband service via high-speed fiber optic cables and copper digital subscriber lines, plus wireless broadband via third-generation and fourth-generation wireless services.
The company’s opposition to net neutrality is based on, it says, the lack of evidence that users’ internet rights have been violated. Additionally, the companies said that enforcement of such principles will have negative economic consequences.
NTIA and RUS Will Each Issue Separate Notices for 2nd Round Broadband Grants
Broadband Stimulus
January 15th, 2010
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural Utilities Service on Friday announced the availability of a second round of broadband stimulus funding, with two separate Notices of Funds Availability from the respective agencies.