USF
FCC to Vote on Lifeline Reform Next Month
FCC chair says only Americans ‘living and here legally’ should qualify for Lifeline benefits.
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
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.
Digital Inclusion
NTIA to Review Federal Spending on Broadband, Tech for Education
The agency is holding an online listening session on the issue Dec. 10.
Digital Inclusion
Western Massachusetts Towns Become National Model for Community Broadband
New report chronicles how 19 rural communities built America’s densest collection of locally owned fiber networks
Digital Inclusion
Prison Technology Leaders Discuss Communication Costs, Connectivity During Broadband Breakfast Panel
The panel discussed balancing innovation with public safety, and whether inmates should bear security costs for phone calls and communication under new FCC rules.
Veterans Affairs
Digital Equity Advocates Call for Training, Not Just Subsidies, in Rural Broadband Push
Experts said broadband expansion must include digital skills and telehealth access.
Digital Inclusion
Bridging the Technical Divide for America’s Veterans
Through device access and digital skills training, Tech for Troops equips veterans with tools to rebuild their lives after service.
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.
