Digital Inclusion
Supreme Court Still Won't Review N.Y. Affordable Broadband Act
A group of 22 states – including Massachusetts and California – supported New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office.
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.
Education
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Taps Joey Wender as Executive Director
Wender joins SHLB from the Capital Projects Fund at the Treasury Department, where he oversaw billions in broadband infrastructure.
Digital Inclusion
Prison Phone Providers Renew Legal Fight Against FCC Rate Caps
The First Circuit will review arguments on whether the FCC’s rate caps should remain in place.
Benton
Affordable Connectivity Program's End Spurs State-Level Action on Broadband
States are exploring new approaches to maintain broadband affordability for low-income households.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Defends Most Broadcaster Demographic Reporting
The agency dropped its defense of the nonbinary classification in its equal employment opportunity reporting rules.
Digital Inclusion
California Lawmaker Files Affordable Broadband Legislation Similar to NY
The Institute for Local Self Reliance is hosting a forum – 'Consider Affordable Broadband State-By-State' – on Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Digital Inclusion
Senators Push Bill to Restrict Minors' Social Media Use
Public interest group warned the bill violates First Amendment rights.
Funding
Massachusetts Awards $19 Million in Digital Equity Grants
Funding will increase digital access for nearly 20,000 residents
Digital Inclusion
Equity on the Line: Telecom’s DEI Dilemma
FCC ends DEI priorities after Trump’s executive order, leaving telecom’s equity mandates in limbo.
Digital Inclusion
Sen. Cruz Leads GOP Effort to Block FCC’s Wi-Fi Hotspots Order
Cruz and 12 other senators went for the jugular on the Biden Administration’s off-campus hotspot rule for schoolchildren.
Digital Inclusion
Brendan Carr Withdraws FCC's Bulk Billing Proposal
The proposal would have taken comment on banning the practice.
Digital Inclusion
ISPs Press Supreme Court to Reconsider N.Y. Internet Affordability Law
In a rare Supreme Court rehearing bid, ISPs argued the law was causing harm.
Expert Opinion
Sean Gonsalves: States Should Consider Adopting Affordable Broadband Laws
Massachusetts is advancing legislation to provide $15 monthly broadband service to low-income residents.
LEO
Texas Opens Funding for Starlink, LEO Rivals
Plan hopes to expand broadband access in rural communities
Digital Inclusion
SpaceX Asks to Shield Starlink from New York’s $15 Broadband Law
Starlink claims it serves 'fewer than 20,000 households' in the state, qualifying for an exemption.
Affordability
Maine Announces Updates to Starlink, BEAD Programs
State has received just under 200 applications for LEO project in the first month
