Digital Inclusion
Illinois Bill Seeks Broadband Price Caps for Low-Income Customers
The bill would direct the Illinois Commerce Commission to set broadband price protections for low-income residents.
Digital Inclusion
The effort to ensure that all communities have access to high-speed internet and receive digital skills education. Despite years of federal, state, and local investments, millions of Americans still lack broadband access due to geographic challenges, low population density, and high infrastructure costs.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Investigating Lifeline Providers as Advocates, Dems Push Back Against Increased ID Verification
The agency is set to vote Wednesday on a proposal that would seek comment on increased verification measures for the program.
NTIA
Arielle Roth Says NTIA Won’t Allow State Rules to Undermine BEAD Success
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth was also questioned on screen time use in schools.
Nicol Turner-Lee
Panelists Say BEAD’s Real Test Is Adoption, Not Infrastructure
The panel was focused on making the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program a success
Washington
State Audit Flags Gaps in Washington’s Digital Equity Strategy
Washington lacks a comprehensive statewide digital equity plan and clear leadership, the state auditor’s office found.
Digital Inclusion
New York Housing Authority Connects Residents with Free Internet
Through policies and pilot programs, NYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development delivers free internet to residents in affordable housing.
universal service
FCC to Vote on Lifeline Reform Next Month
FCC chair says only Americans ‘living and here legally’ should qualify for Lifeline benefits.
Digital Inclusion
TruConnect Proposes Lifeline Benefits Raise to $30
In a meeting with the FCC, a variety of Lifeline reforms were recommended.
Digital Inclusion
Pew: Technology Divides Persist Amid Increased Reliance on Smartphones
As smartphone use increases, broadband subscriptions have decreased, the survey found.
Digital Inclusion
VR Headsets Are 'Hope Machines' Inside California Prisons, Offering Respite and Practical Experience
Prisoners are now taking regular trips to far-flung, exotic locales such as Thailand. No passport required, just a virtual reality headset.
NTIA
New Mexico Unveils Plan to Expand Affordable Broadband
State proposes launching broadband subsidy program by 2027
Digital Inclusion
Libraries and Schools Urge FCC to Restore Off-Campus Wi-Fi Support
Backing petitions for reconsideration, advocates say E-Rate rollback threatens students’ connectivity.
12 Days of Broadband
With Denunciation of Digital Grants as ‘Woke Handout,’ $2.5 Billion in Funding Scrapped
As of Dec. 5, the government had not yet filed its response.
Tribal
NTIA Recommends $6.5M in Tribal Broadband Awards
Tribal consultations in January will help shape updates to the broadband program, NTIA says.
Digital Inclusion
FCC’s Order Raising Inmate Call Rates Faces Federal Court Appeals
Prison advocacy group asks Third Circuit to overturn rate changes
Digital Inclusion
Public Knowledge, NDIA Aiming to Platform Local Advocates
The groups' Connectivity Policy Corps will have a first cohort of 18 advocates from 14 states.
