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Broadband's Impact
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More about Broadband's ImpactBroadband and Health News
Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Permanently Expand Medicare Telehealth Access
Covid-era flexibilites are set to expire Sept. 30.
Vermont Looks To Bring Oasis of Fiber-Connected Telehealth Hubs to ‘Healthcare Deserts’
None of this would be possible without the only telecommunication infrastructure capable of delivering telehealth at scale: Fiber networks.
Chicago Quantum Corridor Nourishes Neighborhood Transformation in AI World
The Quantum Corridor on Chicago's South Side is designed to expand American competitiveness in the 21st century world.
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.
FCC: Broadband Gaps Worsen Maternal Care Across U.S.
FCC’s updated mapping platform highlights critical links between connectivity and health outcomes.
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’.
Broadband Accessibility a Focal Point in Hearing on Telehealth
Participants consider broadband internet an integral part of expanding telehealth accessibility.
Amid Calls for Accountability, FCC Proposes Georouting Initiative for 988 Lifeline
Days before the FCC proposed location-based routing for 988 calls, the program's unused funds were flagged for audit.
Craig Settles: Hospital at Home Telehealth Can Drive Broadband Adoption
When it's a matter of life and death, it's all about wireless internet, says the author.
Treasury Approves $22.5M Funding for Broadband Healthcare in Washington, D.C.
The Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center will be able to serve an extra 10,000 residents with telehealth.
Ar’Sheill Monsanto: Houston, We Have a Connectivity Program
More than 400,000 Houston households are eligible for Affordable Connectivity Program. But only 30% have adopted.
WISPA Panel Urges Small Broadband Providers to Embrace Telehealth
Connecting healthcare clinics can benefit communities, the panel said.
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?
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.
Craig Settles: There’s a TAP for That!
Through Telehealth Access Points, we can consider broadband and telehealth as the double-edged sword of digital health.
Craig Settles: The Role of Telehealth in States’ Broadband Plans
Communities need a strong human element for telehealth to succeed, so digital navigators are key to the team.
Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.
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?
FCC Proposes Notification Rules for 988 Suicide Hotline Lifeline Outages
The proposal would ensure providers give ‘timely and actionable information’ on 988 outages.
FCC Eliminates Use of Urban-Rural Database for Healthcare Telecom Subsidies
The commission said the database that determined healthcare subsidies had cost ‘anomalies.’
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.
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.
Craig Settles: Communities to Roll Out Telehealth Integration
‘We figured out how to train people to be digital navigators [and] get customers comfortable with telehealth.’
FCC Testing Wireless Alerts, 6 GHz Concerns, California Privacy Bill for Minors
The FCC will test the location accuracy of wireless tests over two days in September.
Providers Call for More FCC Telehealth Funding as Demand Grows
‘I think obtaining funding from the Universal Service Fund would go a long way.’
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Has Benefits, But Also Challenges That Must Be Rectified: Experts
The technology needs to be examined to ensure it doesn’t create inequities in healthcare, panel hears.
States Lagging on Bills to Implement 988 Suicide Hotline Mandate as Deadline Approaches
As of June 7, 20 states have passed legislation to implement the 988 suicide hotline mandate, according to FCC data.
Digital Literacy Training Needed for Optimal Telehealth Outcomes, Healthcare Reps Say
Digital literacy should be a priority to unlock telehealth’s potential, a telehealth event heard.
Craig Settles and Sean Gonsalves: Telehealth For All is a ‘Stroke of Genius’
Without access to a secure broadband connection, the co-author of this Expert Opinion would have died.
‘Ample Evidence’ Telehealth Contributed to National Covid Response: FCC Commissioner Starks
Geoffrey Starks said adoption of telehealth services has ballooned during the pandemic.
FCC Telehealth Program Creating Real Positive Changes in Medical Care, Says Trade Association Rep
The program has allowed more providers to open telehealth services and is creating more audio-only sessions.
Telehealth Has Potential to Shift Medical Focus to Preventative Care and Wellness
Experts say continued investment in telehealth is necessary to improve care systems.
FCC Announces $43 Million in COVID-19 Telehealth Subsidies
The Federal Communication said the awards will help connect patients to critical health services during a new wave of Covid-19.
Ask Me Anything! Friday with Craig Settles, Community Telehealth Pioneer at 2:30 p.m. ET
Visit Broadband.Money to register for the Ask Me Anything! event on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Another $700 Million for 26 States Through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
Over 400,000 locations across the U.S. will get broadband in this funding wave.
Senate Subcommittee Hears Broadband Affordability, Regulatory Flex Key to Reducing Hospital Burdens
Health providers testified before a Senate subcommittee that Congress should be open to all forms of telehealth.
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.
Institutions Must Continue Riding Telehealth Growth Momentum for Post-Pandemic Care
Governments and health providers have an opportunity to carry the momentum of 2020 for telehealth’s future.
Laura Miller: 7 Reasons Working From Home Might Be Here to Stay
As most of the business world scrambled to be productive in a remote existence, established work-from-home companies were left unscathed.
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.
Healthcare Startup, Boosted By Pandemic, Wants To Alleviate Fears Before And After Surgery
PatientPartner, which helps surgery patients connect with each other, is seeing rapid growth during the pandemic.
5G In 12 GHz Band, Vaccine Hotline, NAB On Fox Free Speech Case
Industry groups ask for 5G space on 12 GHz band, new hotline for vaccines, NAB on Fox free speech case.
Vice President Kamala Harris Will Oversee Administration’s Broadband Goals
Biden has assigned Vice President Kamala Harris with the broadband portfolio.
Gigabit Speeds: Marketing Spin or A Necessity for the Future?
Experts discuss the short- and long-term need for gigabit speeds.
Regulatory Commission Needed To Monitor Big Tech Collection Of Consumer Data, Professor Says
April 8, 2021 — There needs to be a digital regulatory commission created to ensure big tech cannot run wild with consumer data, said Robin Gaster, a George Washington University public policy scholar. Gaster, who’s also president of Incumetrics, a data and program evaluation consultancy, published
Pandemic Creating Long-Term City Solutions to Technology Challenges: Route Fifty Town Hall
March 24, 2021 – Partnerships between cities and tech companies have not only allowed municipalities to acquire technology to get online quickly during the pandemic, but it’s also helped city staff absorb technological training to address challenges in the future, a virtual town hall heard Tuesday.
With Security And Cost Concerns, Telehealth Is A Double-Edged Sword: Harvard Professor
March 4, 2021 – The benefits of telehealth, especially during the pandemic, is being offset by the enhanced security requirements and the increased costs to adapt, a professor of Harvard’s medical school said at a House hearing Tuesday. Ateev Mehrotra said at the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Debra Berlyn: Telehealth is Here Today and Here to Stay
The COVD-19 pandemic has been an extremely difficult time for everyone and has led to the implementation of major changes in our daily behaviors. In order to overcome this adversity and adapt to living in a new age, great innovations have been advanced. New tech devices and programs have offered man
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
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Prioritizes Visits to Hospitals in Telehealth Push
February 7, 2021 – Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday made a visit to Children’s National Hospital, and a virtual visit to the University of Virginia, to emphasize the agency’s goals of investing in telehealth strategies, with a specific emphasis on se
States Commiserate About How They are Plagued by COVID-19, Data Collection Issues
February 4, 2021 – The administration of President Joe Biden has a full plate of state priorities waiting to be worked on, and leaders representing states and the White House on Thursday discussed the pressing need to address COVID-19. The pandemic has played a significant role in how state governme
Digital Health Companies Adapted With Agility to Meet Outstanding Demands During the Pandemic
January 19, 2021—The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pressure digital health companies to adapt and scale with remarkable agility to meet unprecedented demands for their services. At the Consumer Technology Association’s annual Consumer Electronics Show on January 12, David Kirkpatrick, editor-in-chi
Particularly for Millennials, Telemedicine Skyrockets to the Mainstream, Say CES 2021 Panelists
January 12, 2021 – The growth of telehealth has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon, panelists agreed at CES 2021. Health economist and blogger Jane Sarasohn-Kahn used a session on “Telemedicine Skyrockets to Mainstream” to declare that
Shortcomings in Telehealth Revealed By Increase in Demand From Pandemic
October 13, 2020 — Shortcomings in telehealth services were revealed when the COVID-19 crisis caused telehealth visits to skyrocket nearly overnight. “Consumers were only sort of ready, and we as providers were definitely not ready,” said Dr. Roberta Schwartz, executive vice president and chief inno
Coronavirus Pandemic Has Encouraged a Mobile, User-Centered Approach to Healthcare
September 8, 2020—Panelists at the Connected Health Summit on Thursday agreed that the pandemic has encouraged a more mobile, user-centered approach to healthcare, particularly with the more-prevalent deployment of artificial intelligence. “The pandemic has caused people to consider what the right m
At NATOA Conference, 5 Municipalities Highlight Broadband Efforts During Coronavirus Pandemic
September 5, 2020 – Telecommunications officials and advisors from five municipalities described how they have approached broadband during the time of a pandemic. Speaking at the virtual conference of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors on “Leveraging Smart Communiti
Telehealth Market Has Expanded Exponentially in Response to COVID-19, Say Connected Health Panelists
September 3, 2020 — COVID-19 has disrupted the entire healthcare ecosystem and marketplace, and consumers and providers alike are changing their attitudes towards telehealth in response. According to panelists on two Tuesday webinars, which were both part of the week-long Connected Health Summit spo
America’s Race for Universal Telehealth May Rely on Making Medicare Payments Permanent
August 31, 2020 – Kimberly Sanders was recovering from a heroin addiction when the coronavirus struck. She had been homeless before and struggled to commute long distances for treatments. But because of her failure to attend several appointments, her previous doctors stopped seeing her. Years later,
Panelists Discussed Innovations in Patient Telehealth Use During Connected Nation Webinar in Michigan
“The telehealth industry has experienced a five-year shift in six months,” said Nick Sarantis, system director of digital health at Baptist Health System, during a Connected Nation Michigan sponsored webinar on Tuesday. The virtual discussion featured a panel of experts from Michigan State Universit
Republican Leaders Respond to Queries Over Lack of a Platform Before the Republican National Convention
August 25, 2020 – Republican delegates questioned about the party’s decision to not write a platform in the lead up to the party’s convention said they expected “more of the same” from President Donald Trump. “There’s no platform. What policy is the president pushing? What is his second term agenda?
Aspen Institute Panelists Discuss Technology’s Role in Combatting Mental Illness
August 13, 2020 — As a result of 2020’s myriad challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread economic instability and a societal reckoning with inequality, mental health issues are on the rise across various populations. This moment of heightened loneliness and mental health crises unders
Telemedicine is Increasingly Important, But Comes With Challenges, Say Route Fifty Panelists
August 11, 2020 — Telemedicine is crucial for treating patients during the coronavirus pandemics, but carries limitations, agreed participants in two Route Fifty webinars on Tuesday. Dr. Judd Hollander, associate dean of strategic health initiatives at Thomas Jefferson University, said that there ar
Hospital Robocall Protection Group Undertakes Responsibilities in Inaugural Meeting
July 27, 2020 — Health care institutions have reported a rise in the number of robocalls and I.D.-spoofed calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of robocalls has drastically increased since January, according to Dave Summit, chair of the Hospital Robocall Protection Group. Speaking at the gr
House Democrats Call to Increase Funding for Coronavirus Testing and Tracing
July 20, 2020 — As the United States fosters record breaking infection rates of COVID-19 and looks toward a second wave, it is clear that the crisis will be continuing for some time to come, said members of Congress on Monday. In a conference call sponsored by the New Democrat Coalition, representat
Adoption of Cloud Computing in Municipalities Aids Public Health, Transportation and Safety
July 17, 2020 — Adoption of cloud computing services by public entities impacts many civic sectors, said local officials on Wednesday. In an Amazon Web Services webinar, local representatives from Louisville and Minneapolis detailed how cloud services helped spur innovation in their respective munic
States Must Increase Accessibility of Both In-Person and Remote Voting, Say Brookings Panelists
July 15, 2020 — The November election will be extremely vulnerable to widespread voter suppression, making it increasingly important for states to have robust plans for both absentee and in-person voting, said Brookings Institution panelists Wednesday. On what was formerly scheduled to be the third
Air Force Aims to Expand 5G Capabilities to All Bases, According to CTO Frank Konieczny
July 15, 2020 — 5G technologies will eventually revolutionize government, said panelists on a Wednesday webinar sponsored by AT&T. Owen Rodgers, federal government chief architect at AT&T, said he expects to see 5G innovation in the areas of defense, health and education throughout government. The U
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai Calls for Expanding Telehealth Initiatives
July 15, 2020 — Continuing to expand access to telehealth to facilitate health care during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond is essential, said Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai on Tuesday. In a virtual event sponsored by Axios, Pai explained why the fight for telehealth accessib
Libraries Play a Crucial Role in Coronavirus Response, Say Panelists at Route Fifty Webinar
July 14, 2020 — Libraries have a unique opportunity to respond to the coronavirus and are well equipped to assist vulnerable populations, said participants in a Route Fifty webinar Tuesday. Felton Thomas, executive director and CEO of the Cleveland Public Library, said that his library played an imp
Federal Communications Commission and Media Must Combat Black Mental Health Crisis
July 13, 2020 — Recent data from a survey launched by the federal government, originally intended to trace the effects of the coronavirus, has revealed that anxiety and depression rates among Black Americans have spiked disproportionately in the weeks following the widely-circulated video of George
Contact Tracing App Can Assist in Reopening Localities Safely, According to AI Task Force Panelists
July 9, 2020 — In the absence of federal leadership, the number of coronavirus cases has continued to climb in the United States, reaching a new single-day record number of infections on Wednesday with 60,000 cases recorded in 24 hours, according to infectious disease physician Dr. Krutika Kuppalli.
Bold Action Necessary to Recover from Coronavirus’ Economic Toll, Says Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President
June 16, 2020 — Mary Daly, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, said in a National Press Club live event on Monday that “bold action” was the only way to recover from the coronavirus’s economic impact. Daly said that the passage of the CARES Act was an excellent step toward a hast
Chinese Coronavirus Response Both Success and Failure, says Paulson Institute Researcher
June 16, 2020 — The Chinese coronavirus response was a mix of success and a failure, said Paulson Institute Senior Research Associate Neil Thomas in a Center for Strategic & International Studies webinar Monday. Thomas said that while the country was unable to control the virus’s spread, Chinese Pre
Asian and European Nations Taking Very Different Approaches to Coronavirus Pandemic Contact Tracing Apps
June 10, 2020 — The development of digital contact tracing solutions raises endless security issues: Where should data be stored and for how long? Should public health authorities have access? Should app adoption be voluntary or involuntary? In a webinar hosted on Wednesday by the Center for Democra
Early Coronavirus Testing Insufficient, Regulatory Barriers Too Strict, says CATO
June 9, 2020 — Diagnostic testing for the coronavirus was severely lacking when the virus reached the United States, and this could have been avoided by loosening regulatory barriers, said participants in a Cato Institute webinar Monday. The United States’ response to the global coronavirus threat
For-Profit Hospitals Ineligible for Federal Telehealth Funding, Say Panelists on FCBA Webinar
June 8, 2020 — The Federal Communication Commission’s recent initiatives to increase funding for telehealth services, or broadband-enabled healthcare, are not accessible to for-profit hospitals, according to panelists speaking on a Federal Communications Bar Association webinar on May 21. The three
Lack of Privacy and Limitations of Broadband Access Pose Threats to Future of Telehealth, say Panelists
June 5, 2020 — The rise of telehealth across the country could mean a lack of privacy for its users, said participants in an LBJ School webinar Wednesday. Speaking to the organization about the privacy risks posed by the increasingly widespread use of remote healthcare technologies, panelists said t
Public Knowledge’s Internet Superfund is a Vaccine Against Toxic Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories Run Rampant
June 4, 2020 — In a video that quickly went viral, discredited medical researcher Judy Mikovits claimed that the novel coronavirus was intentionally unleashed upon the world by Bill Gates’ elite cabal and that wearing masks can worsen COVID-19 symptoms, among other conspiracies. Facebook, YouTube an
Panelists Strategize on Improving Telehealth and Call for Consumer Empowerment
June 3, 2020 — “In a matter of three weeks, telehealth has advanced three years,” said Maryann Copenhaver, vice president of business partnerships at Mercy Virtual, on a webinar Thursday about the future of telehealth. Panelists on the webinar, which was hosted by Dell Technology, agreed that the CO
Broadband is Vital to the Future of Sports, Says Owner of Washington Capitals and Wizards
May 29, 2020 — Believe it or not, even the midst of a pandemic, the sports industry is still producing record viewership numbers. According to Ted Leonsis, former executive at AOL and the CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wiza
Senators Introduce Healthcare Broadband Bill as House Companion, Proposes $2 Billion Telehealth Expansion
May 26, 2020 — On Friday, Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, John Boozman, R-Arkansas, Gary Peters, D-Michigan, Angus King, I-Maine, Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Ed Markey, D-Mass. introduced “Health Care Broadband Expansion During COVID-19 Act,” the Senate
Apartment Industry Sees Stable Payments, Labor Shortages and Preventative Innovations
May 21, 2020 — Apartment communities face unique challenges in coping with the coronavirus pandemic, according to a webinar hosted Wednesday by Broadband Communities. In spite of the economic havoc caused by the pandemic, rent payments have remained stable, according to Caitlin Walter, vice presiden
Two Brendan Carrs Tout the Importance of Telemedicine in a US Telecom Webcast
May 20, 2020 — In a web forum Wednesday, Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr said that while the U.S.’s broadband response to the coronavirus pandemic has been satisfactory, the country still has room to improve with applications such as telemedicine. The US Telecom forum featured a con
FCC Digital Divide Steps Successful, Says Agency Chairman Ajit Pai
May 19, 2020 — The Federal Communication Commission’s measures to address the digital divide have been overwhelmingly effective, Chairman Ajit Pai claimed in a teleconference Tuesday. The teleconference, hosted by House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle, D-Pa., and Ranki
Healthcare Deregulation Best for Competition, Says Federal Trade Commissioner
May 18, 2020 — Deregulation of healthcare will increase competition and personal choice, said Federal Trade Commissioner Christine S. Wilson in a Monday webinar. The webinar, hosted by the Federalist Society and moderated by Svetlana Gans, vice president associate general counsel of NCTA, the Intern
Using Handwashing Kits, Gloves and Face Masks to Aid Installs With 75 Percent Usage Increase
May 13, 2020 — The second tier of broadband providers has successfully adapted to the age of the coronavirus by providing customer service and high-speed internet amid social distancing recommendations across the country, said representatives in a webinar Wednesday. The webinar, hosted by Broadband
Melinda Gates Touts Role of Women in Coronavirus Response, Also Notes Importance of Broadband Access in Coping
May 7, 2020 — Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures, said Thursday that Congress must focus on vulnerable populations in the next stimulus plan. “We’re seeing what’s happening to people of color who are disproportionately affected,” Gates said
In a Few Weeks, Telehealth Has Gone from Pre-COVID19 Convenience to Life or Death Necessity
May 1, 2020— There will be an outcry if the telehealth tools are taken away from Americans following the coronavirus pandemic, said Mei Kwong, executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy, at a webinar hosted by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation on Wednesday. Ann M
The Right Response to Pandemic: How Taiwan Has Gone Five Days with Zero Coronavirus Cases
April 30, 2020 – On the last day of 2019, “No More Pipe,” a user on PPT Boards, Taiwan’s version of Reddit, reposted a message by a Dr. Li Wenliang that warned about a respiratory disease spreading in Wuhan, China. At around the same time, Luo Yi-jun, was unable to sleep. The deputy director for […]
