Digital Inclusion
Congress Tried Twice to Reduce Prison Phone Rates
The House’s first attempt spelled out detailed limits; the final law left those details to the FCC.
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.
FBA
Kansas Wraps Up Major Broadband Program, Eyes BEAD Construction in 2026
Kansas broadband development official outlines next steps as Kansas nears BEAD deployment.
University of Washington Information School
Anchor Institution Say Mission Endures as Policy Climate Shifts
Coalition leaders outline long-term strategy for the future of digital equity and inclusion.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Adopts Higher Rate Caps for Prison Phone Service
The agency also proposed satellite licensing changes.
West Virginia
West Virginia Becomes 12th State to Launch Digital IDs in Apple Wallet
Residents can now verify their identity using an iPhone or Apple Watch.
Digital Inclusion
FCC to Nearly Double Call Rates for Prison and Jail Inmates
Vote expected Tuesday could raise rates by 83 percent, advocates say.
mergers
Verizon to California: Don't Add More Diversity Conditions to Merger
Verizon told the FCC it would roll back diversity initiatives to gain approval to acquire Frontier.
Digital Inclusion
Mission Telecom to Maintain E-Rate Prices for Off-Campus Wi-Fi After FCC Withdraws Support
Nonprofit carrier offers to help offset lost federal subsidies for 1,280 schools and libraries.
Digital Inclusion
California Tenants Can Soon Opt Out of Bulk Billing Plans
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1414 into law Friday.
Commerce
Trump Administration Sued Over Canceled Digital Inclusion and Skills Grants
Termination of $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act programs ‘unconstitutional and unlawful,’ attorneys argue.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Urges Court to Pause Prison Phone Case as Agency Changes Rules
Attorneys for the agency decline to defend prior ban on commissions to correctional facilities.
Digital Inclusion
Libraries and Schools Brace for FCC Cuts to Wi-Fi Programs
‘We don’t yet know the full extent of what this vote means for libraries and schools.’
Digital Inclusion
With Future Funding Blocked, Molaks Drop Legal Challenge to School Bus Wi-Fi
The FCC ended E-Rate funding for off-campus Wi-Fi last week.
Digital Inclusion
FCC to Revisit 2024 Inmate-Calling Rules
FCC chair says 2024 rate caps forced facilities to scale back phone access.
Digital Inclusion
Sudden Cuts Erode Public Trust, Digital Equity Advocates Say
Disrupted federal support has stalled state efforts in digital literacy, workforce, and affordability programs.
Digital Inclusion
NYC Extends Free Internet Program for Low Income
NYC’s Big Apple Connect, bringing high-speed internet to public housing, secured through 2028.
