Broadband's Impact
Low-income Californians Cite Cost as Significant Barrier, Experts Mourn Loss of ACP
Without action by Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program is likely to run out of funds by April 2024.
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.
Expert Opinion
Sean Gonsalves: New Municipal Broadband Networks Skyrocket in Post-Pandemic America
Since January 1, 2021, at least 47 new municipal networks have come online, with dozens more in planning or pre-construction.
Broadband's Impact
Rhode Island Invites Public Feedback on Digital Equity Plan
The state is gearing up to receive money from the NTIA's digital equity capacity grant program.
Broadband's Impact
FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program Shutdown Silent on Broadband Labels
What will happen to the agency’s rules that legally require ISPs to display broadband 'nutrition' labels that promote the ACP?
Broadband's Impact
Provider Says FCC Should Freeze Affordable Connectivity Program Transfers
After February 7, the FCC is not going to require ISPs to accept ACP transfers.
Broadband's Impact
FCC Issues Timeline for ACP Wind Down
The FCC order came a day after bipartisan legislation was introduced to extend ACP.
Broadband's Impact
12 Days: How Soon Will the Affordable Connectivity Program Expire?
The remaining funds are anticipated to be depleted by May 2024, according to the ACP Dashboard tracker.
Broadband's Impact
Republican Lawmakers Criticize ACP as 'Wasteful' in Letter to FCC Chairwoman
The internet subsidy for low-income households is set to dry up without Congressional action.
Expert Opinion
Emma Gautier: Addressing Digital Discrimination Will Take More Than Policing ISPs
It is crucial to prioritize community solutions where service is offered in partnership with trusted community institutions.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on November 29, 2023 – FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order
The FCC just struck the gavel on a set of rules aimed at holding telecom companies accountable for business practices that result in digital discrimination, whether intentional or not. This decision has intensified an ongoing debate that began when the rule proposal was initially released for public comment in December
Digital Inclusion
Connect20 Summit: The Crucial Role of Digital Skills Training
Digital skills are a necessary foundation for workforce development, said panelists at the Nov. 14 event.
FCC
Concern About Digital Discrimination Rules, Governors Call for ACP Funding, Newark Benefits from ACP
Industry associations are not happy about the FCC’s new digital discrimination rules.
Biden-Harris Administration
Federal Officials Agree: Infrastructure Alone Will Not Close the Digital Divide
Officials from broadband funding programs emphasized the important of non-deployment projects at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
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.
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.
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.
