Digital Inclusion
Older Adults Technology Gap Persists Despite Gains: Broadband Breakfast Panelists
One panelist called the broadband gap among older Americans a national crisis
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.
Brian Fitzpatrick
Senators Propose Update to Communications Accessibility Law
Bill would a 2010 law to expand accessibility requirements to emerging digital services.
Digital Inclusion
FTC Moves to Crack Down on Hidden, Unfair Rental Fees and Perhaps Bulk Billing
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr last year said a Biden-era ban on bulk billing would have sent internet bills soaring for renters.
Funding
Judge Won’t Pause Suit Over Trump’s $2.75B Digital Equity Act Cuts
National Digital Inclusion Alliance failed to show overlap with separate case, D.C. Circuit orders
Broadband Mapping and Data
Researcher: About 12.7 Million Seniors Lack Broadband Subscription, 7.2 Million Lack Computer or Tablet
The White House is proposing Congress claw back canceled digital equity funding.
Digital Inclusion
Lack of Data Makes Evaluating NY Affordability Law Difficult: Benton
The act went into effect a year ago, but participation rates are unclear.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on April 29, 2026 – Older Adults Connectivity
Older adults remain among the least likely to have home broadband access or the digital skills to fully benefit from it.
USF
Bill Revoking State-Run Lifeline Eligibility Introduced
The bill could impact Oregon and Texas, the remaining two states with their own Lifeline verification process.
Digital Inclusion
Securus, Pay Tel Looking to Drop Legal Challenge to Prison Phone Rates
The FCC issued a new order last year raising its price caps.
Digital Inclusion
Diversity Barriers To Entry Level Tech Policy Jobs Remain, According Public Knowledge Report
The study conducted in 2025 concluded that sustained attention will be required to improve diversity metrics.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Proposes More Lifeline Vetting
The agency also moved to expand private broadband use in the lower 900 MHz band.
Illinois
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
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.
