ARPA
Treasury Department’s Final Rule Uses Less Restrictive Language to Qualify for Broadband Funding
Treasury Department departed from its original proposed rule, granting recipients flexibility on broadband download and upload speeds.
Benjamin Kahn
Former Reporter Ben Kahn is a graduate of University of Baltimore and the National Journalism Center. His work has appeared in Washington Jewish Week and The Center Square.
Commerce
Commerce Department’s NTIA Issues Request for Comment on IIJA
Comments are due on February 4, 2022, focused on the infrastructure grants, middle-mile program, and digital equity planning grants.
Innovation
CES 2022: Technology Not Expected to Wholly Replace Aspects of Travel, Marriott President Says
Travel companies and hotels will still depend on humans despite advances in technology.
AI
CES 2022: Artificial Intelligence Needs to Resonate with People for Widespread Acceptance
Even though stakeholders may want technologies that yield better results, they may be uncomfortable with artificial intelligence.
X (Twitter)
Greene, Paul Social Media Developments Resurface Section 230 Debate
Five days into the new year and two developments bring Section 230 protections back into focus.
FAA
Biden and Rosenworcel Commend 5G Airport Compromise, Rand Paul Departs YouTube, Samsung’s NFT Vision
President Joe Biden and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel commend agreement on 5G delay around airports.
Media Ownership
LeGeyt Appointed President and CEO of National Association of Broadcasters
LeGeyt was the organization’s executive vice president of government relations and COO.
AEI
U.S. Needs to Modernize with Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Said Former Trading Commission Chairman
Christopher Giancarlo said U.S. falling behind China on new wave of innovation, driven by blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
FAA
5G Airport Delay, Sohn Endorsements, Benton Leadership, Digital Equity Nominations
Despite their initial refusal to delay, Verizon and AT&T reversed course on their position to delay 5G deployment around airports.
Big Tech
Year in Review: With Key Hires On Antitrust and Looming Regulation, A Look Back at Big Tech in 2021
Big technology companies faced hurdles in 2021 — and it’s only the beginning of a Biden administration crackdown.
BBC
Leading Telecom Media Heads Expect More Fiber and Public-Private Partnerships in 2022
Leading figures in telecom media share thoughts on what the next year will hold for the industry.
FCC
Lifeline Underutilized, China’s Problem with Starlink, FCC Approves GMEI/iHeartMedia Deal
The Internet Innovation Alliance said less than 6.5 million Americans participate in the subsidy program.
BBLO
Broadband Experts Agree on Multiple Datasets, Disagree on Level of Granularity for Maps
Three broadband experts on a Broadband Breakfast live event discussed data collection and specificity of mapping.
FBA
Starlink Download Speeds Fell Below New Federal Broadband Standard in Q3, Ookla Data Show
According to data from Ookla, Starlink’s median speeds in the U.S. dipped below 100 Mbps download, the speeds required for federal infrastructure bill money.
iija
Ajit Pai’s Views on IIJA, Outreach Needed for Broadband Adoption, Meta Voted ‘Worst Company’
The former FCC chairman said mapping issues need to be resolved before money leaves the door.
Innovation
Open RAN Technology Could Play Key Role in Narrowing Digital Divide
Generic radio components could provide the flexibility and versatility needed to bring broadband access to those in need.
