Digital skills are a necessary foundation for workforce development, said panelists at the Nov. 14 event.
Officials from broadband funding programs emphasized the important of non-deployment projects at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
A core component of Americans — about 20 percent — are not connected to the benefits of better broadband.
The program sets aside $14 million in ARPA funds for digital literacy and affordability efforts.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AT&T, Verizon, and industry trade groups met last week with commission staff to voice concerns.
The event is organized by NetworkOn, National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Broadband Breakfast, and sponsored by Comcast.
The internet subsidy dubbed the Affordable Connectivity Program is set to dry up as early as April 2024.
The rules would aim to prevent unequal broadband access along racial and class lines.
Disparate impacts, rather than discriminatory intent, should be the commission's focus, the agency said.
A broadband connection opens a universe of opportunities and benefits for older adults that grows exponentially.
The nonprofit Connect and Literacy Fund is planning to increase ACP adoption in Mississippi.
Trade group says telecoms are not discriminating when they don’t build in financially difficult areas.
The effort is aimed at raising awareness about federal internet subsidies among housing assistance recipients.
Data reveal the program’s benefit is reaching the lowest income households
Digital Equity projects will be an ongoing effort for many states.
The benefit would go beyond tribes to other high cost locations.
Eligible Americans are not getting through the entire ACP application process, event hears.
Largest beneficiaries of ACP do not participate financially in federal programs designed to promote broadband adoption.
The ACP has connected millions of families and communities to high-speed internet, and it needs to be extended.
More than just access, new technology users also need help navigating software applications.
The USF needs to first be reformed for its own sustainability.
The FCC’s expertise does not translate to a social distribution mechanism.
A new Senate working group is set to consider reforms to the USF.
Programs like the ACP and technologies like fixed wireless can play a key role in connecting older adults.
Speaking simply will improve community engagement in digital inclusion efforts.
There can be no standardization of digital equity approaches, agree panelists.
Engaging local communities can build trust, which is an important factor in increasing adoption.
NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer zeroed in on the need for good data.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration is seeking comment on how to structure the programs.
FCC laws should not include unintentional acts of discrimination, say industry voices.
By working with existing entities like utilities, states can establish more effective state offices.
Digital Equity provisions are central to state broadband offices’ plans to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law.
BEAD requirements a unique opportunity for underrepresented communities to be involved in broadband builds.
Sen. Lujan once again voiced concern that the FCC’s national broadband map contains major inaccuracies.
The program is helping low-income households afford internet access, but some experts warn that the fund will soon be depleted.
Without efforts to drive adoption, federal investment in connectivity will fall short, agreed Brookings panelists.
The FCC requested input on allowing economic and technical feasibility exceptions to the definition.
According to analysis, the middle class spends on average $69 per month on internet service.
In 2021, the FCC charged the council in its mission to prevent digital discrimination.
'The percentage of households in major metro areas...using the program is smaller than the percentage of households enrolled.'
