
Broadband Breakfast on November 26, 2025 - The State of AI: What It Means for Kids
This discussion will explore how AI is redefining education and childhood in the digital age.

Anchor Institution Say Mission Endures as Policy Climate Shifts
Coalition leaders outline long-term strategy for the future of digital equity and inclusion.

Education Representatives Warn of Obstacles on Teaching and AI
Educators from across the U.S. are tackling the promise and pitfalls of AI in classrooms.

Big Tech is Paying Millions to Train Teachers on AI, in a Push to Bring Chatbots into Classrooms
Tech giants are funding AI training for hundreds of thousands of teachers through partnerships with unions, raising questions about corporate influence in schools.

Dale Hatfield, Wife Give $2.5 Million to Endow Chair at CU Boulder
The aim is to strengthen the rules and norms of the emerging space age

New York E-Rate Coordinator Argues for Wi-Fi on School Buses
New York official urged FCC to continue funding school bus Wi-Fi.

Students Face New Cellphone Restrictions in 17 States as School Year Begins
In total, 35 states have passed laws or rules to limit student phone use in schools, with 29 states taking action this year.

For These Incarcerated Students, Online School Has Been a Disaster
Frustration with virtual school is sometimes leading students in juvenile detention to get into more trouble, extending their stay.

Thune: Expect Senate Resolution Overturning FCC’s Wi-Fi Hotspot Rules
The Congressional Review Act resolution will likely be taken up soon, Thune said.

Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Taps Joey Wender as Executive Director
Wender joins SHLB from the Capital Projects Fund at the Treasury Department, where he oversaw billions in broadband infrastructure.

12 Days of Broadband
An annual series of the year's top 12 stories in broadband.

Ramping Up the BEAD Workforce: 5 Things States, ISPs, and Construction Firms Can Be Doing Now
Every state and territory’s BEAD Initial Proposal includes a workforce readiness plan.

Broadband Breakfast on November 20, 2024 – What Happens to Homework and Wi-Fi Hot Spots?
Join us as our expert panel explores the potential impacts and challenges of the FCC’s off-premise Wi-Fi funding.

SHLB: FCC Should Not Cap Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Periods
Schools and libraries should be able to style their lending practices, coalition says

FCC Defends Bus Wi-Fi Before 5th Circuit
The court weighed whether a school bus can be considered a classroom under the E-Rate program’s guidelines.

Wireless Players Want FCC to Expand Wi-Fi Hotspots Approach
Qualcomm, CTIA agreed FCC should support LTE-enabled Chromebooks widely used in schools.

School Leaders Press FCC for Expanded E-Rate Support Beyond Hotspots
'Embedded cellular devices are less expensive than separate hotspot devices.'

FCC Secures Court Procedural Win in E-Rate Legal Battle
The court case may be dead for now, but reconsideration petitions at the FCC live on.

Some Educators Urge FCC to Go Beyond Wi-Fi Hotspots
LTE-enabled devices may be a more cost-effective solution for connecting students at-home.
Molaks Urge Fifth Circuit Not to Dismiss E-Rate Hotspot Case
The FCC moved to throw out the case, involving cyberbullying, earlier this month.
Memphis School District Fears $5 Million Loss on Devices
The district said an administrative error created the reimbursement issue.

Texas Couple Challenges FCC’s Wi-Fi Hotspots Order in Fifth Circuit
The Molaks also have a petition for reconsideration pending before the FCC.

T-Mobile Supports FCC’s Rosenworcel on Wi-Fi Hotspots
‘Un-carrier’ says the agency should reject Molaks' petition for reconsideration.

Molaks Seek Review of FCC’s Wi-Fi Hotspots Order
The Molaks' challenge follows the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright ruling restricting agency deference.

Why 'Non-deployment' Funds Are Important
I saw the logic of the way Arkansas organized its broadband event into a series on panels on ‘infrastructure’ and ‘non-deployment’.

Groups Oppose Bill Linking E-Rate Funds to Content Filtering
The bill would also bar kids under 13 from creating social media accounts.

Jessica Rosenworcel Pushes Congress on Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC chairwoman reminded lawmakers the fund will freeze enrollments next Thursday, on February 8.

A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.

A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?

Fiber Industry Can Build Interest in Broadband Workforce By Catering to Student Interests: Experts
The BEAD program allows providers to use funds to deploy workforce development strategies.

Students Should Limit Screen Time, Panel Hears
Experts suggest a combination of active activities and group projects.

Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?

A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?

Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.

Craig Settles: And a Little Child Shall Lead Them — Digitally
How many communities are leveraging their teen populations in the pursuit of broadband and digital equity?

Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.

Anchor Associations Asking for Deadline Extension on Emergency Connectivity Fund Deployment
Associations say delays in getting fund approval and services/equipment means not getting full use of the program.

Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.

Digital Learning is Here to Stay, Necessitating Multi-Sector Collaboration: Connected America Conference
The pandemic heightened the urgency of closing the digital divide, but several barriers remain.

Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.

What to Know About Build America, Buy America Provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?

Subsidies for Hotspot Devices a ‘Great Idea,’ FCC Chairwoman Says
The commission has been exploring the broadening of the E-Rate program, a high-cost program under the Universal Service Fund.

What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.

Workforce Training Gap Next Great Challenge for Broadband, Conference Hears
There is a widespread concern that there is a lack of skills training provided for broadband deployment and maintenance.

The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.

Chart of States' Planned BEAD Deployment by Technology
Broadband Breakfast is tracking planned BEAD connections by technology

Chart of Fixed Wireless Access Subscribers
Broadband Breakfast is tracking fixed wireless access subscriptions.

Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers
Broadband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscriptions.

Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers By Technology
Broadband Breakfast is tracking wireline and wireless broadband subscribers by technology.

Metaverse Can Serve as a Supplement, Not Replacement, For Educators: Experts
The virtual world where avatars can meet as if they were in real life can be a companion for education.

Fiber Broadband Companies and Consultants Tout Their Work for Social Good
Fiber providers, equipment companies and consultants discussed their work in communities in a session at Fiber Connect

Education Executives Tout Artificial Intelligence Benefits for Classroom Learning
Artificial intelligence can help fill in gaps when teacher resources are limited, an event heard.

Closing Digital Divide for Students Requires Community Involvement, Workforce Training, Event Hears
Barriers to closing the divide including awareness of programs, resources and increasing digital literacy.

FTC Approves Policy Statement on Guiding Review of Children’s Online Protection
The policy statement provides the guiding principles for which the FTC will review the collection and use of children’s data online.

Justin Reilly: Rising Ransomware Threats on Schools Require Better Approach to Cybersecurity
Ransomeware attacks are a costly lesson for educators.

American Library Association Concerned With Burdensome Infrastructure Bill Reporting Requirements
The organization is concerned that access to federal money will come with burdensome reporting.

Coalition Says FCC E-rate Portal Proposal Could Create More Problems
Industry officials say the commission’s approach to E-rate competition would burden applicants.

FCC Commits Another $603 Million in Emergency Connectivity Fund Money
The agency has now committed $3.8 billion from the $7.17-billion program.

Texas High School Students Enter the Fight for Better Connectivity
Students in a Houston-area school district hosted a panel on connecting schools and libraries as part of a national event on bridging the digital divide.

National Non-Profit to Launch Joint Initiative to Close Broadband Affordability and Homework Gap
EducationSuperHighway is signing up partners and will launch November 4.

Federal Communications Commission Says $5 Billion Requested for Emergency Connectivity Fund — in Just Round One!
The program is designed to help schools, libraries and students.

Technology Problems Can Be Solved if Policy-Makers Listen to One Another, Says Colorado’s Phil Weiser
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser urges a version of the Golden Rule: ‘What would someone else say?’

NTIA Releases Details on Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Project
The $285-million program will help connect minority educational institutions.

Craig Settles: Libraries, Barbershops and Salons Tackle TeleHealthcare Gap
Craig Settles describes the important role that community institutions have played in promoting connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Broadband Breakfast CEO Drew Clark and BroadbandNow’s John Busby Speak on Libraries and Broadband
Friday’s Gigabit Libraries Network conversation will feature Drew Clark of Broadband Breakfast and John Busby of BroadbandNow.

FCC’s Rosenworcel Acknowledges Demand for Covid Broadband Program Will ‘Outlast’ Crisis
Acting chairwoman said the need for the Emergency Broadband Benefit will outlive the pandemic.

FCC Opens Emergency Connectivity Fund for Applications
The FCC is now accepting applications for the historic $7-billion Emergency Connectivity Fund to help get students connected.

How Gamifying Education is Keeping Students Engaged
Experts sing the praises of gaming in education.

Libraries Can Be a Resource for Algorithm Governance and Data Technology
June 7, 2021- Librarians and broadband enthusiasts affiliated with the Gigabit Libraries Network discussed the benefits of connectivity from new satellite broadband services. Soon after the beginning of the pandemic, the group has been hosting sessions around the theme of “what is a library when a p

FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Funds Ineligible for School and Library Self-Provisioned Networks
The FCC’s May 10 order said schools and libraries could not use connectivity funds to build self-provisioned networks.

AT&T Phasing Out 3G, Iowa Expands Broadband Funding, NY Mayor Drags Kids Back To School
AT&T will no longer support 3G networks by 2022, Iowa’s broadband bill, Mayor de Blasio ending distance learning.

Broadband Equity for All Coalition Sets Sights On Long-Term Broadband Benefit
In the wake of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, a new group emerges.

Facebook and Utah Valley University Fund Tech Training Program for Utah Elementary Schools
AMERICAN FORK, Utah, May 13, 2021 – Facebook’s involvement in Utah technology education has grown since it broke ground in 2018 on its data center in Eagle Mountain, a growing community on outskirts of the “Silicon Slopes” community here. “STEM curriculum and hands-on educational opportunities are

FCC Launches Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is designed to help economically disadvantaged households get reliable broadband at a subsidized rate.
Treasury Announces Summer Deadline For Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund
$10 billion dollars are being made available to communities in need to better connect their communities.

Surveying Broadband Issues Faced by Students Under COVID-19, CoSN Offers Its Recommendations
The speed of the broadband service used was only one component of the issues students faced.

Verizon Selling Digital Properties, Florida Aims To Limit Social Media Bans, Starry Participating In EBB
Verizon is selling Yahoo and AOL, Florida going after social platforms, and Starry is getting in on EBB.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Unveils Proposed Rules for Emergency Connectivity Fund
Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on Friday released rules for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, answering many questions about the program.

Vice President Kamala Harris Will Oversee Administration’s Broadband Goals
Biden has assigned Vice President Kamala Harris with the broadband portfolio.

Rosenworcel Says Anti-Muni Network Legislation Unfair, Hopes States Change Their Tune
FCC acting chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said she hopes state legislatures change stance on muni builds.

Multilingual Digital Navigators Crucial For Inclusion
Digital liaisons who speak multiple languages can help guide multilingual communities for the digital future.

FCC to Vote On Emergency Connectivity Fund Policies By Mid-May: Rosenworcel
The agency is expected to vote on policies for the new connectivity fund by mid-May, chairwoman says.

Libraries Must Be Vigilant To Ensure Adequate Broadband, Consultants Say
April 7, 2021 – Libraries should monitor their broadband speeds and ensure they are getting quality connections, according to library consultants. Carson Block from Carson Block Consulting and Stephanie Stenberg of the Internet2 Community Anchor program told a virtual conference hosted by the Americ

Schools And Libraries Look For Solutions With $7 Billion In Federal Help
April 6, 2021 – In a webinar last week hosted by the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB), panelists discussed opportunities schools and libraries have to better serve their communities with the recent $7 billion provided through the American Rescue Plan, a $1.98 trillion corona

Lack of Awareness Sees Michigan Schools And Libraries Miss Out on E-Rate Funding: State Coordinator
March 30, 2021 – Despite expanded funding for the E-Rate internet subsidy program for schools and libraries, the Michigan State program coordinator said there’s an awareness problem that is causing those institutions to miss out on money in the state. “I don’t know any school or library that feels t

Educators Worry About ‘Zoom Fatigue’ In Students, Recommend Innovative Teaching Techniques
March 24, 2021 – Educators must come up with ways to enhance the online learning experience or students will end up suffering from “Zoom fatigue” and falling behind, the Broadband Breakfast live event heard Wednesday. David Weinberger, senior researcher at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet

Internet Access, Affordability Issues Creating Educational Disparities, Federal Reserve Panelist Say
March 24, 2021 – The lack of available and quality broadband access is worsening the disparity between low- and high-income demographics, educators say. A panel, hosted by the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank and discussing the “new future of work” on Monday, said those who are in an “elite” categ

Students Should Be Able To Choose Online Learning When In-Person Classes Resume: Principal
March 23, 2021 – Assistant principal William Jeffery has noticed a trend. In an interview with Broadband Breakfast on Monday, the assistant principal at Columbia High School in the Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District in Texas said some of his students don’t do well with virtual learning, w

Universal Service Contribution Hike, Chinese Threat Classifications, Wireless Access Licenses, Educational Applications
March 15, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission on Friday announced that it would raise the contribution to the universal service fund to 33.4 percent, representing another record amount. This would increase the current fee charged to the telecom companies’ voice services from 31.8 percent, whi

Praise For E-Rate Expansion in COVID Relief, Tim Wu at White House, Film on Telecom Law
March 8, 2021—Democrat senators praised their chamber’s passing of a massive stimulus bill that includes money to expand the E-Rate broadband subsidy. The Senate passed on March 6 the $1.9-trillion relief bill, which includes $7.6 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund that will go toward exten

SHLB Applauds House Passage of E-Rate Expansion
March 1, 2021 – The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition has applauded the House of Representatives passing a bill that would expand the E-Rate program to households. The expansion is in the $7.6-billion Emergency Connectivity Fund, which is part of the $1.98-trillion stimulus bill. “Fo

More Emergency Broadband Funding for Homes, Pandemic and Privacy, Facebook and Australian News
March 1, 2021—The House of Representatives on Saturday morning passed a bill that would fund $7.6 billion, out of the $1.9 trillion care package, to prop-up the E-Rate program and extend it to homes. The bill would expand the internet subsidy program for libraries and schools by shuttling the money

Labor Department Official Addresses Apprenticeships at Wireless Infrastructure Event
February 25, 2021—As the demand for broadband continues to grow during the pandemic, so too must the workforce responsible for deploying it. One avenue for growing this workforce is apprenticeships facilitated by broadband providers, often in conjunction with universities or trade organizations, suc

Texas Education Commissioner Says State Has Closed Digital Divide Through Access to Computers
February 23, 2021 – Texas education commissioner Mike Morath declared in January that the state “basically completely closed” the digital divide in students’ access to take-home computers. This was largely due to the massive state and local purchases amid the pandemic. Texas’ public school districts

Datacasting Helping Bridge Education Gap Where Broadband Is Limited
February 23, 2021—During the COVID-19 pandemic, television broadcasting stations have implemented datacasting technology to assist in the distance learning that many American children now face, though issues persist. Datacasting refers to the practice of using radiofrequency spectrum currently occup

Privacy Concerns Increase With Ed Technology Boom, Says Acting Chair of Federal Trade Commission
February 16, 2021 – As the educational technology industry sees an explosion of interest as more kids are schooled at home, the Federal Trade Commission’s acting chairwoman said the agency is prioritizing the privacy implications of that. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter said the FTC is taking an all-hands-o

Biden Administration Should Approach Broadband Considering Adoption and Digital Literacy
February 12, 2021— The Biden administration has the opportunity to do what his predecessors failed to: Take a different tack on broadband that will include considering it critical infrastructure, experts say. “We have to look at [broadband] adoption and digital literacy and affordability,” said Anna

Representative Pallone Says Committee Charging Through With Broadband Goals
February 10, 2021— House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said the committee he heads will be focusing on broadband expansion, affordability and adoption. He said that the committee will focus on three primary goals: Universal broadband, particularly insofar that inner-c

Broadband Providers Grapple With Higher Than Normal Data Usage
February 10, 2021—While the world continues a work-from-home orientation, broadband providers are searching for new and innovative solutions to keep up with the demands of this new normal. “During the first six months of the last year, 2020, we have seen an increase of 62% in Wi-Fi data usage,” said

Expand E-Rate Program to Households: Former Head of National Telecommunication and Information Administration
February 8, 2021—The former head of the National Telecommunications Infrastructure Administration is recommending the government expand the E-Rate subsidy program, which provides discounts to access the internet, to households. The current version of the legislation only allows for the E-Rate progra
