Infrastructure
Experts Weigh What Future Of Broadband Could Look Like Under Biden’s Infrastructure Plan
Experts at the Broadband Breakfast Live Online event debated what “future-proofing” broadband would look like.
Latest
Infrastructure
Biden Presses Infrastructure Plan, FCC Date For Mapping, T-Mobile Fixed Wireless Service
April 8, 2021 – President Joe Biden wants America to think more broadly about what infrastructure means, countering Republican criticism against his new American Jobs Plan. In a Wednesday speech, Biden reiterated his goals for the $2.3-trillion infrastructure package and urged a broader view of what
Infrastructure
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
Infrastructure
Focus On Community Networks In Biden Plan A Positive 180-Degree Policy Change, Advocates Say
April 7, 2021 – Despite criticism levied against President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure plan, some broadband industry experts are excited about what it could mean for municipal and co-op networks. Biden’s “American Jobs Plan” would dedicate $100 billion for broadband infrastructure improvements ac
Infrastructure
Broadband As Civic Infrastructure, Telehealth Under Net Neutrality, Worre Studios Builds Virtual Arena
April 7, 2021 – The German Marshall Fund is calling for broadband to be considered part of the civic infrastructure to draw more public and private partnerships and funding to connect more citizens. Equity issues in communications policy have only worsened during the coronavirus pandemic, and redefi
Infrastructure
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
Abell Foundation
FCC Asked To Include States In Mapping, Maryland’s $300M For Broadband, Energy-Saving STB Agreement
April 6, 2021 – Senate Democrats and independents are pushing the Federal Communications Commission to include state, regional and tribal governments in its development of more accurate broadband maps, according to a letter dated April 1. “We strongly urge you to incorporate the voices of state, loc
Judiciary
Supreme Court Declares Trump First Amendment Case Moot, But Legal Issues For Social Media Coming
April 5, 2021—Despite accepting a petition that avoids the Supreme Court deliberating on whether a president can block social media users, Justice Clarence Thomas on Monday issued a volley that may foreshadow future legal issues surrounding social media in the United States. On Monday, the Supreme C
FCC
Sen. Mike Lee Promotes Bills Valuing Federal Spectrum, Requiring Content Moderation Disclosures
April 5, 2021 – Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said Friday spectrum used by federal agencies is not being utilized efficiently, following legislation he introduced early last year that would evaluate the allocation and value of federally-reserved spectrum. The Government Spectrum Valuation Act, or S.553 and
Infrastructure
Californians Adopting More Devices, As Smartphone-Only Connections Drop
April 5, 2021 – A new survey released late last month suggests Californians are adopting more devices as smartphone-only connections in the state continue to drop. The California Emerging Technology Fund, a non-profit foundation focused on digital equity in the state, and the University of Southern
FCC
Loopholes Allowing Private Purchase Of Chinese Goods Must Be Closed: Commissioner Carr
April 5, 2021 – Loopholes that allow U.S. companies to use private funds to purchase equipment from Chinese-based companies like Huawei and ZTE should be closed, Federal Communications C Commissioner Brendan Carr said Tuesday. Carr said last week at a virtual event hosted by the Center for Strategic
Infrastructure
Google Wins Fair Use Case, New Texas Broadband Authority, Vetro Cares For Maine, ADTRAN Hire
April 5, 2021—The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Google on Monday morning in a copyright dispute that has spanned more than a decade, setting precedent for the fair use of programming. In a 6-2 decision (the case was heard before Justice Amy Coney Barrett had been confirmed), the Supreme Court agre
Infrastructure
Vermont House Backs $150 Million Broadband Plan Creating New State Office
A bill dedicating $150 million of anticipated federal funding to create a new state broadband office to coordinate and accelerate the expansion of high-speed Internet access throughout Vermont passed the State House of Representatives last week with overwhelming bipartisan support. On March 24th, th
Broadband Live
State Broadband Authorities Play Crucial Role in Mapping, Planning and Educating for Digital Inclusion
April 2, 2021 – State broadband authorities working close to the ground say that the key to tackling the digital divide are states and local communities. Accurately mapping where broadband is available has been a challenge for many years, and the latest Federal Communications Commission effort is cr
Infrastructure
Experts Concerned About Connectivity After Emergency Broadband Benefit Fund Runs Dry
April 1, 2021 – Experts are concerns about the long-term implications of the $3.2-billion Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB) running out of money without a plan for what happens after. The fund, created by Congress in December, provides up to $50 in a monthly internet discount for families an
Infrastructure
Reaction To Biden’s Broadband Plan A Mix Of Praise, Caution And Criticism
April 1, 2021 – In response to President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure “American Jobs Plan,” including $100 billion for broadband projects, many in the broadband industry are applauding the administration’s effort to bridge the digital divide, but with some caution and criticism as well. “We share
