BEAD

Broadband Progress Hasn’t Closed the Digital Divide, Analysts say

The event examined the legacy of the Telecommunications Act of 1996

Kate Keith

Kate Keith

— 3 min read
Broadband Progress Hasn’t Closed the Digital Divide, Analysts say
Photo from left: Harold Feld, senior vice president at Public Knowledge; Drew Garner, director of policy engagement at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society; Francella Ochillo, professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Shawn Bone, senior policy executive and corporate advocate at Verizon.

WASHINGTON Sept. 23, 2026 — A major telecom law passed 30 years ago is running into modern problems.

The Class of '96: Legacy of the Fight to Close the Digital Divide panel featured Drew Garner, director of policy engagement at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society; Shawn Bone, senior policy executive and corporate advocate at Verizon; and Francella Ochillo, professor at Johns Hopkins University. Harold Feld, senior vice president at Public Knowledge, moderated the discussion.

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BEAD Public Knowldge Digital Divide Drew Garner Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Shawn Bone Verizon Francella Ochillo Johns Hopkins Harold Feld ACP

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