Expert Opinion

Drew Clark: We Need Humans to Make Digital Inclusion Work

A core component of Americans — about 20 percent — are not connected to the benefits of better broadband.

ACP

New DISH CEO Hamid Akhavan, Data Submission on Affordable Connectivity Program

Hamid Akhavan is to be the CEO and president of DISH Network and Echostar following the finalization of their merger.

FCC

Public Interest Groups Make Push on Proposed Digital Discrimination Rules

The commission is set to vote Wednesday on its proposed rules, which industry groups have opposed.

FCC

Biden Administration Announces Plan to Free Up Spectrum

The NTIA will study repurposing 2,786 MHz of spectrum in the next two years.

Digital Equity Act

North Carolina Launches Digital Equity Grant Program

The program sets aside $14 million in ARPA funds for digital literacy and affordability efforts.

Broadband's Impact

Hawaii and Oregon Release Draft BEAD Proposals

Comments are due to Oregon’s broadband office on December 10, and to the University of Hawaii by December 9.

Robocall

USDA Announces Rural Funding, Public Knowledge Testimony, Robotext Numbers Up

The USDA announced $1.2 billion in rural development funding.

Broadband's Impact

After BEAD Letter of Credit Changes, Work Still Remains, Advocates Say

Group who pushed for LOC changes are looking to ensure state contracts work well with performance bonds.

FCC

‘It Was Graft’: How the FCC’s CAF II Program Became a Money Sink

Of $10 billion spent through 2021, 93 percent of households received only 10 * 1 Mbps service.

Wi-Fi

FCC Proposes New E-Rate Initiative to Fund Off-Campus Wi-Fi

The FCC’s proposal would allow schools and libraries to request E-Rate funding to support remote connectivity.

Funding

South Carolina and Georgia Release Volume Two of BEAD Initial Proposals

Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.

NTCA

Coalition Wants Funds for Rip and Replace, Advertising Universal Service, Washington State Broadband

A coalition of telecom associations are urging Congress to appropriate money to fund the Rip and Replace program.

FCC

Industry Pushes Back on FCC Digital Discrimination Rules as ‘Rate Regulation’

U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AT&T, Verizon, and industry trade groups met last week with commission staff to voice concerns.

Defense Department

Need for Federal Privacy Law, North Carolina BEAD Proposal, Lumen Partners with DOD

Frank Pallone wants national privacy legislation in light of military data broker reports.

Laurel Leverrier

Panelists and Program for the Free Connect20 Summit on November 14

The event is organized by NetworkOn, National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Broadband Breakfast, and sponsored by Comcast.

BDC

Precision Agriculture Task Force Seeks Better Broadband Mapping, Rural Priority

The task force, mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, pushed both the FCC and USDA on mapping and subsidies.