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.
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
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.
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.
Broadband's Impact
Biden Administration Asks Congress for $6 Billion to Continue ACP
The internet subsidy dubbed the Affordable Connectivity Program is set to dry up as early as April 2024.
Biden-Harris Administration
FCC Chair Set to Release Digital Discrimination Proposal
The rules would aim to prevent unequal broadband access along racial and class lines.
FCC
Biden Administration Urges FCC to Adopt Strong Digital Discrimination Rules
Disparate impacts, rather than discriminatory intent, should be the commission’s focus, the agency said.
Expert Opinion
Debra Berlyn: Five Questions Older Adults Should Ask About Being Online
A broadband connection opens a universe of opportunities and benefits for older adults that grows exponentially.
Digital Equity Act
Mississippi Nonprofit is Looking to Fill Gaps in Affordable Connectivity
The nonprofit Connect and Literacy Fund is planning to increase ACP adoption in Mississippi.
Biden-Harris Administration
Broadband Association Argues Providers Not Engaged in Rollout Discrimination
Trade group says telecoms are not discriminating when they don’t build in financially difficult areas.
