Digital Service Tax
USTR Criticizes Canadian Digital Tax, Pew Report on State Broadband, Fiber in the UK
The United States Trade Representative is concerned about Canada’s proposed tax of online services.
Latest
Rural
FCC Announces Largest Approval Yet for Rural Digital Opportunity Fund: $1 Billion
The agency said Thursday it has approved $1 billion to 69 providers in 32 states.
Infrastructure
Experts Debate Merits of Open Access Models on Broadband Breakfast Live Event
Keller and Heckman Partner Jim Baller says model could lead to a race to the bottom, but UTOPIA CEO disagrees.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast for Lunch on January 12, 2022 — The Agenda of Internet and Tech Stakeholders
Broadband Breakfast returns to being the “go to” gathering place for broadband policy and internet technology in Washington.
Verizon
Public-Private Partnerships Will Help Bridge Digital Divide, Industry Leaders Say
The Panasonic Foundation said Investing in public-private partnerships will create better outcomes for communities.
USDA
USDA Announces $120 Million in Broadband Infrastructure Loans and Grants
Money comes from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Community Connect programs.
Infrastructure
Alan Davidson’s NTIA Nomination Clears Commerce Committee, On to Senate Floor
The committee did not raise Gigi Sohn’s nomination during its meeting.
Infrastructure
Experts Disagree Over How Broadband Rollout Should be Handled with New Federal Dollars
Gary Bolton and Nicol Turner Lee debated technology use to tackle the digital divide.
Infrastructure
Supply Chain Issues Delaying Fiber Builds and Concerning Industry Before Influx of New Federal Money
Industry also debated merits of fiber versus other technologies, and speeds.
China
WaPo Huawei Investigation, New Mexico Google Settlements, DHS Bug Bounty Program
New documents allegedly reveal Huawei is more involved with Chinese surveillance than previously known.
COVID
Vaccine Makers Promote Use of Artificial Intelligence for Development
Artificial Intelligence assists in the development of vaccine research and trial testing, makers say.
FCC
Local Government Advisors Concerned by Delay in Sohn Confirmation Process
They also believe Alan Davidson will be viewed more favorably to head the NTIA.
Antitrust
Former FTC Commissioner Calls for Increased Antitrust Enforcement Resources
An American Enterprise Institute panel proposed Congress increase regulator resources rather than actively try to hinder Big Tech.
FCC
FCC Narrows Small Provider Group for Accelerated Robocall Compliance Timeline
Providers that are not facilities-based will need to meet their robocall obligations by June 2022.
precision agriculture
Virginia Plans 90% Broadband, Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force, Ookla Buys RootMetrics
Gov. Northam announced funding that he hopes would bring Virginia’s broadband penetration up to 90 percent.
FCC
Police Oppose Gigi Sohn, Instagram’s White Supremacist Content, FCC Interagency Group Staff
Fraternal Order of Police said they oppose Gigi Sohn’s nomination for FCC commissioner for her support of end-to-end encryption.
