Artificial Intelligence
FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program, YouTube AI Regulations, Infrastructure Act Anniversary
The FCC has proposed a pilot program to help schools and libraries protect against cyberattacks.
broadband roundup
FCC Waives Hurricane Idalia Rules, North Carolina Awards, Fiber Deployment in Kansas
The hurricane waiver relieves providers from Universal Service Fund rules.
FCC
FCC Adopts Proposal to Increase E-rate Program Funding for Tribes Reliant on School Libraries
The FCC broadened the E-rate eligibility to tribal colleges used as public libraries.
broadband roundup
FCC Funding for Cybersecurity, New AI Company, FCC Proposal on Cell Phone Scams
The proposal is an investment of $200 million over three years for cybersecurity.
Funding
FCC Seeks Comment on Simplifying, Expanding Tribal E-Rate Eligibility
The FCC is proposing to include in E-Rate tribal colleges that separately function as public libraries.
broadband roundup
E-Rate Bidding Portal Dilemma, Sustainable Funding for Indigenous Broadband, NYC Kills Internet Plan
Iowa’s education department said it faces breaking either FCC or state rules if E-Rate portal approved.
Cybersecurity
House Oversight Reveals Details of Investigation into Colonial Pipeline, Other Company Hacks
The committee released a memo stating that “small lapses” led to many prominent cyberattacks this year.
broadband roundup
Concern about Rip and Replace, China Telecom Appeals Expulsion, Clarity on Student Privacy
Rural Wireless Association is concerned rip and replace will not compensate for costs related to supply chain and labor issues.
Broadband's Impact
Report Finds Some Visible Minorities Left Out of Internet Access At Public Libraries
March 9, 2021 – The Open Technology Institute and New America’s Education Policy program released a new report this month on visible minority experiences at public libraries and how those institutions are combatting the digital divide during the pandemic. Over 2,600 people were surveyed on how they
Education
SHLB Applauds House Passage of E-Rate Expansion
March 1, 2021 – The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition has applauded the House of Representatives passing a bill that would expand the E-Rate program to households. The expansion is in the $7.6-billion Emergency Connectivity Fund, which is part of the $1.98-trillion stimulus bill. “Fo
Digital Inclusion
AT&T CEO John Stankey Joins Call For E-Rate Expansion To Households
February 23, 2021 – AT&T CEO John Stankey said on Tuesday afternoon that the E-Rate program that subsidizes internet for libraries and schools should be extended to homes, following a call by other leaders who say the pandemic has made this an obvious move. Stankey said the pandemic should be an opp
broadband roundup
Democrats Celebrate E-Rate, Remote Alaska Gets Broadband, Openreach and ADTRAN in UK
February 11, 2021 – Democratic Senators applauded Wednesday increased spending on subsidized internet devices and access as part of the House’s coronavirus relief reconciliation proposal. Senators Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, Maggie Hassan, D-
Education
Sen. Ed Markey Celebrates Telecom Act as Telecom Lawyers Tell Congress to Be Specific
February 2, 2021 – Democratic Sen. Ed Markey’s communications policy focus this Congress will be on net neutrality, children and climate change, the long-serving Massachusetts lawmaker said at a Federal Communications Bar Association event Tuesday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Telecommuni
broadband roundup
Petition to Extend E-Rate, China’s Influence on European 5G, Federal Workforce Needs Talent
January 28, 2021—Broadband advocates from the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition sent a petition on Tuesday to the Federal Communications Commission requesting the agency update the provisions of its E-rate program, to allow schools and libraries to connect learners without internet acc
FCC
Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Highlights Need to Bridge Digital Divide
January 26, 2021— “Access to the internet is the civil rights issue of the 21st century,” said Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, quoting the late Representative John Lewis, during his keynote address at the State of the Net 2021 conference on Tuesday. Efforts to bridge the digital
Universal Service
At US Telecom Event, Broadband Leaders Call For Changes in Universal Service Funding Mechanism
December 4, 2020 — Broadband industry leaders on Thursday called for the Federal Communications Commission to modernize Universal Service Fund programs, and highlighted other steps critical to making broadband affordable and available to all Americans, speaking during a US Telecom forum. “Affordabil
