Funding
Two New Broadband Bills, Including One Aimed at Rural America, Introduced in Congress
The bipartisan Hassan-Capito bill would provide state and local governments with new financing options for broadband projects.
Digital Inclusion
Both Pipeline and Retention Issues Have Resulted in Lack of African American Representation in the Tech Industry
October 1, 2020 — On Thursday, as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 50th annual Legislative Conference, a panel of experts on the intersection of technology, race, and structural inequity, gathered virtually to discuss the future of inclusivity and diversity in the tech industry. “
House of Representatives
Energy and Commerce Committee Advances 3 Communications Bills to the Full House
September 11, 2020 — The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced three communications and technology bills to the full house following a markup of 38 bills. The “Preserving Home and Office Numbers in Emergencies (PHONE) Act of 2019” H.R. 1289, ensures that phone providers don’t giv
House of Representatives
House Rural Broadband Task Force Unveils Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act
June 24, 2020 — House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., and other members of the Rural Broadband Task Force introduced the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act on Wednesday. The act would invest more than $100 billion in high-speed infrastructure in areas without comprehensive internet ser
Universal Service
New Bill Rolls Back Restrictions on Universal Service Fund-Eligible ISPs
June 12, 2020 — A new bill introduced by Rep. G. K. Butterfield, D-N.C., would get rid of a Federal Communications Commission restriction on which Internet Service Providers are eligible for the agency’s Universal Service Fund. The Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act would approve I
Education
Historically Black Colleges Urge Additional Funding to Close Broadband Gap
Panelists at an FCC roundtable on Monday stressed the importance of narrowing the digital divide that makes distance learning difficult for some students from historically black colleges and universities. The roundtable, hosted by FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and moderated by David Johns of the
FCC
Speakers at Minority Telecom Conference Call Broadband a 21st Century Civil Right
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2014 – Speakers at a Minority Media Telecommunications Council conference here on Monday advocated for expanded minority-based involvement with and access to broadband capital. “Broadband is the 21st Century’s civil right and our laws must reflect the digital shift,” said Rep. G
Broadband's Impact
MMTC Conference Kicks Off with Legislative Panel
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2013 – The Minority Media and Telecom Council began its eleventh annual Access to Capital and Telecom Policy Conference with a lunch panel of legislators discussing efforts to increase minority access on Tuesday. In his keynote speech, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-NC, discussed effo
Universal Service
Congress, Industry Execs Agree on Broadband in Revamped Universal Service Fund
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2009 -The Obama administration’s priority in broadband deployment injected an undercurrent of excitement into a Thursday hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Technology, Communications, Technology and the Internet.
