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Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Protect Teenagers from Online Image Abuse
Introduced by Klobuchar and Cruz, bill would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery.
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Fort Worth Sees Big Surge in Copper Theft from AT&T's Network
Criminals are targeting a critical piece of broadband infrastructure.
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FCC’s Starks Visits L.A. in Response to Wildfires
Met with local officials to discuss relief efforts
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O’Rielly Wants Federal Law to Target Copper Theft
Former GOP FCC Commissioner says we need steeper federal penalties.
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Carr Visits North Carolina In Hurricane Helene Aftermath
First official trip taken since Carr took over as FCC Chairman.
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Satellite, Direct-to-Cell Connectivity a Lifeline During LA Wildfires
Starlink and T-Mobile activate emergency services as wildfires devastate Los Angeles County.
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Senate Bill Would Fortify Networks Against Climate Disasters
Sen. Markey says rising sea levels threaten 4,000 miles of fiber across the U.S.
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CERCI, PSSA Challenge FCC’s 4.9 GHz Order
The agency moved in October to allow AT&T's FirstNet to access the band.
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Axon Waiver for Surveillance Devices Gets FCC Approval, Citing Public Safety
Critics said devices could disrupt Wi-Fi and fixed wireless services in the heavily trafficked Wi-Fi band.
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Telecom Industry Summit Puts Focus on Harms from Copper Theft
Surge in network vandalism and theft prompt industry push for tougher laws protecting communications infrastructure.
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Senators Demand Probe into Musk’s Russia Phone Calls
This isn’t the first time Musk’s actions have raised concerns about SpaceX's alignment with U.S. interests.
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FCC’s Simington Raises GPS Security Concerns
Simington urged the FCC to address security risks tied to foreign GPS alternatives.
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Senators Urge Biden to Review Subsea Cable Security
Lawmakers stressed subsea internet cables are vulnerable to attack by Russia, China, or other hostile actors.
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FCC Unveils Order Allowing FirstNet to Operate in 4.9 GHz Band
Opponents said the decision 'will be challenged and will be litigated.'
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Report: TikTok Let Through Disinformation in Political Ads Despite Its Own Ban
Facebook cited for improved content-moderation systems.
Still Monitoring Helene Recovery, FCC Readies for Milton
The agency activated its disaster reporting system Monday.
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Misinformation and Hoaxes About Hurricane Helene Cloud the Recovery
Disinformation agents, hucksters and politicians are exploiting the disaster.
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FCC Expands Lifeline Eligibility for Helene Victims
The program provides a $9.25 monthly broadband discount.
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ISPs Helping Recovery from Deadly Hurricane Helene
With 21.7% of cell towers down in affected regions, emergency services struggle to respond in isolated areas
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Booker Blocks Passage for Cruz’s Take It Down Act
Cruz sees electoral politics behind effort to kill his popular bill
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NTIA Not Sold on NextNav Proposal for GPS Supplement
The agency proposed the FCC wait for field test results before a rulemaking.
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Improving Network Resiliency in the Face of Extreme Weather
The threats of wind, fire and ice storms are downing poles and cutting off service to communities.
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House Committee Votes to Adopt AM Radio Bill
The Committee vote was a victory for the National Association of Broadcasters.
House Committee to Vote on Communications Bills
Two bills aim to increase internet safety
House Passes Telecom Security Bills to Counter Foreign Threats
One bill would create a comprehensive strategy to secure global telecom infrastructure.
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House to Consider Five Communications Security Bills Next Week
The bills emphasize defending U.S. communications infrastructure from foreign adversaries, especially China.
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Cybersecurity Pilot Program Launched by FCC to Defend Schools, Libraries
Eligible K-12 schools and libraries can apply for funding starting September 17.
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Regulators, States, Private Sector Urge Solution to Child Safety Online
Two federal efforts aimed at protecting children online have stalled as Congress went on a six-week recess without a vote.
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Alaska City Loses Internet, Cell Service for Days after Subsea Fiber Break
Sitka Police Department staying connected via Starlink satellite internet service.
California AI Safety Bill Faces Final Hurdle
The proposed law demands rigorous safeguards for AI systems that pose the highest risks.
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CSIS Report Warns of Chinese Threat to Global Subsea Cables
CSIS warns subsea fiber-optic cables are at risk of sabotage by U.S. foreign adversaries.
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Florida School District Builds Internet Connectivity For Emergencies
The LTE systems will provide redundancy for school safety measures and connection for 911 calls.
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AT&T Confronts Political Messaging Complaints as Election Season Approaches
AT&T is leveraging new messaging protocols to address unwanted political text messages.
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NAB, MPA Seek Extension to Comment on FCC’s AI Ad Disclosure Rules
The NAB-MPA proposed timeline would leave the FCC with no time to enforce the rules ahead of the Nov. 5 elections.
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FCC Under Tight Deadline To Implement AI Ad Disclosures
The FCC might not have time to enforce new AI Ad disclosure rules for political ads before the November elections.
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Georgia AG Wants FCC to Allow Cell Phone Jamming in Prisons
After seizing over 8,000 contraband phones, Georgia's AG wants the FCC to allow governments to block prison wireless communications.
February AT&T Outage Blocked 92 Million Calls FCC Says
The outage also blocked 25 million 911 calls and affected the nationwide first responder network.
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FCC Chairwoman Proposes New Alert Code
The code will cover individuals that don't qualify for AMBER alerts.
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FirstNet Modified Contract to Help AT&T Meet Milestones, Says Report
Commerce Department inspector general says changes allowed AT&T to meet nationwide coverage metrics, instead of state-by-state requirements.
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New Advocacy Group Addresses Infrastructure Safety
Damages to underground infrastructure are estimated to cost $30 million annually.
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TikTok Under Threat of U.S. Ban Following Biden's Bill Signing
The new law specifically prohibits U.S. entities from maintaining a website or application operated by TikTok's owner ByteDance.
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House Passes Bill Forcing TikTok Divestiture in Funding Package
The TikTok ban was incorporated in the comprehensive foreign aid package that was approved on Saturday.
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Amid Calls for Accountability, FCC Proposes Georouting Initiative for 988 Lifeline
Days before the FCC proposed location-based routing for 988 calls, the program's unused funds were flagged for audit.
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House Subcommittee Advances Bills Countering Chinese Threats to Communications
The bills focus on thwarting potential efforts by China to exploit security vulnerabilities in networks.
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FCC Addresses Accessibility Gaps in Emergency Alerts in February Meeting
The agency also introduced regulations to simplify consumers revoking consent for robocalls.
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Chart of States Accepting BEAD Grant Applications
Braodband Breakfast is tracking each state's BEAD grant application window.
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Chart of Fixed Wireless Access Subscribers
Braodband Breakfast is tracking fixed wireless access subscriptions.
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Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers
Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscriptions.
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Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers By Technology
Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscribers by technology.
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Lack of People Opting Into Emergency Alerts Poses Problems for Natural Disaster Scenarios
Disaster protocol experts remarked on lessons learned from fire outbreaks in Boulder County, Colorado.
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Bigger Investment Needed for Next Generation 9-1-1 Services, Experts Say
Former head of NTIA said it could cost $12 billion.
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FCC February Meeting Targets 911 Fee Diversion and Replacing Foreign Telecommunications Equipment
February 17, 2021 – The Federal Communications Commission adopted two proposals in Wednesday’s meeting: Seeking comments on rule changes for 911 fee diversion, and also the secure and trusted network reimbursement program. The first proposal seeks comment on a 911 fee diversion rule that would defin
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FCC’s Jessica Rosenworcel Tells Public Safety She Wants to Halt the T-Band Auction and Fund 911 Upgrades
December 2, 2020 – Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission – and who appears to be considered for elevation to chairman of the agency under President-elect Joe Biden – advocated that the T-Band auction be stopped by Congress and that the status of 911 responders be
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Confirming 2020 Election Results Could Prove Challenging, Say Brookings Panelists
July 29, 2020 — According to governance experts, the upcoming November election will operate on a significantly different timeline than traditional U.S. elections. The majority of Americans, 60 to 65 percent, are expected to vote by absentee ballots in the 2020 election, said Elaine Kamarck, foundin
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Even When it Comes to Advancing High-Capacity Broadband, Local Community Resources Are Essential to Meeting Civic Needs
May 15, 2020 — Community support is vital for local business longevity amid the coronavirus, said panelists in a US Ignite forum Thursday. Panelists discussed the measures that their communities and organizations took to support small businesses and the common good during the coronavirus pandemic. U
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The FCC Could Do More Now About the Digital Divide, Say Panelists at Broadband Breakfast Live Online Event
April 2, 2020 – “It’s really unfortunate that it has taken a national emergency, a worldwide pandemic, for people to realize how many people don’t have access to broadband internet,” said Georgetown Law Distinguished Fellow Gigi Sohn on a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event Tuesday. When she testi
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Coronavirus Roundup: Fighting Against the Homework Gap, No Fixed Data Caps in U.K., Gigabit Libraries on Role in Pandemic
March 31, 2020 – Private-public partnerships are coming to the rescue in the fight against the digital divide and homework gap, writes Kim Hart and Margaret Harding McGill for Axios. Internet Service Providers, non-profits, and companies across the United States are donating devices, providing broad
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Coronavirus Roundup: Senate Passes CARES Act with $200 Million for Telehealth, National Emergency Library, CoSN Webinar
The Senate on Wednesday night officially passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act—including funding for telehealth. The CARES Act allocates $200 million to the Federal Communications Commission to bolster telehealth and telemedicine. “The CARES Act would support this
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Coronavirus Roundup: Amy Klobuchar Presses Critical Connections, CRS Outlines Broadband Challenges, INCOMPAS Filing
March 25, 2020 – Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., along with several other colleagues, announced the Keeping Critical Connections Act to help rural America connect to broadband during the coronavirus crisis. “The Keeping Critical Connections Act would help small broadband providers continue offering fre
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Arizona State University Journalism Dean Says Students Can Still ‘Report From Home’ During Coronavirus
March 24, 2020 – In another “Social Distance Social” held over Zoom on Tuesday, Future Tense Editor Torie Bosch interviewed Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Dean Chris Callahan, who said students are encouraged to “report from home” as they adapt t
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Free Press Proposes Government Spend $100 Billion for Broadband Services in Stimulus
March 23, 2020 – Ramping up the pressure to ensure that the stimulus measure in Congress has a broadband component, Free Press released a statement Monday urging Congress to dedicate $100 billion in broadband connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic. Some have criticized the relief bill in Congr
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The Coronavirus Means That Americans Need Free and Low-Cost Broadband Now More Than Ever
March 23, 2020 – As Americans shoulder on in self-quarantine, one thing is painfully clear — America needs a quick and stable solution to connecting the millions who do not have broadband access. That was the conclusion that emerged from a panel of experts and practitioners working in broadband and
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Coronavirus Roundup: Gaps in Stimulus Package, AT&T on Wi-Fi Traffic, Market-Based Solutions to Digital Divide
March 23, 2020 – Public Knowledge Senior Vice President Harold Feld takes issue with the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge—it does not help Americans who do not have broadband and 60 days of no late fees might not be long enough. Feld argues that broadband access is
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Journalists Practice Social Distancing on Zoom in Future Tense Event on Coronavirus and Civil Liberties
March 20, 2020 – Slate Staff Writer Mark Joseph Stern led a discussion on how coronavirus could affect civil liberties through a quarantine-friendly platform. Future Tense hosted the “Social Distancing Social” on Thursday through Zoom, a practice that they will continue for the next few weeks. Coron
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FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr Praises FCC’s ‘Unprecedented Effort’ to Ensuring Connectivity During Coronavirus
March 19, 2020 – Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr on Thursday praised the FCC’s emergency efforts to bolster connectivity in light of the coronavirus pandemic now sweeping the United States in a session on Broadband Breakfast Live Online. In a question and answer session with Drew Cl
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With the Coronavirus Reaching Pandemic Proportions, Teachers Across the U.S. Are Frantically Converting to Online Courses
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2020 – Although countless universities and school districts are shutting their doors to students and turning to online schooling during the outbreak of the coronavirus, education experts say the move to online classes is a reactionary, not a robust adoption of online resources.
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Lariat.net Offers Free Broadband for Telehealth Providers, Coronavirus Cancels ACA Conference, Everyday Tech Benefits
Lariat.net, a wireless internet service provider in Laramie, Wyoming, announced that it will offer free internet service to telehealth providers helping those with the novel coronavirus. Although no one has been confirmed as being infected in Wyoming so far, Lariat said it is preparing for a wide-sp
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Universities from New York to Washington State Are Moving Courses Online Because of the Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2020 – As the United States deals with spreading cases of the novel coronavirus, some major universities are turning to online courses in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. Still, university-wide adoptions of online classes are still in the preliminary stages. Columbi
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House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Ponders Emergency Communications Measures Against Fires and Suicides
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2020 – At a February 27 hearing, representatives of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee took testimony on the need for reliable emergency telecom for first responders through measures like the RESILIENT Networks Act and the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. Santa Ro
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RESILIENT Networks Act for First Responders, Broadband Now on Bad FCC Data, Samsung and Coronavirus
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J., and Communications and Technology Subcommittee member Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Calif., introduced the Reinforcing and Evaluating Service Integrity, Local Infrastructure, and Emergency Notification for Today’s Networks Act, or the
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Law Enforcement and Advocates of Facial Recognition Technologies Battle Misconceptions
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2019 – Experts in law enforcement and privacy came together at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation on Wednesday to debunk common assumptions of how officials use facial recognition. For law enforcement to properly meet the needs of the community, they we must ma
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New Bill Banning Facial Recognition Technology in Public Housing Aims to Protect Vulnerable Communities
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2019 — As concern about smart home technology grows, three progressive representatives are planning to introduce a bill this week to ban facial recognition technologies from public housing. “Surveillance technology is often used to track and control vulnerable communities, parti
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Controversy Around 24 Gigahertz, Plus Rural Calls and Networks
The Federal Communications Commission’s recent auction of the 24 GigaHertz (GHz) spectrum has been criticized by both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. One of the concerns raised by NOAA and NASA is the potential for interferen
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FCC Leaders Praise Importance of Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee In Spite of Narrowed Agenda
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2019 — Members of the Federal Communications Commission’s newly re-chartered Broadband Deployment Advisory Commission touted the importance of the body at its first meeting on Thursday, even as its scope appears to have narrowed to issues around recovering from disaster communic
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Verizon’s Throttling of Santa Clara County Firefighters Discussed by Panel of Net Neutrality Advocates
May 31, 2019 – Verizon Wireless’ slowdown of the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s data plan had a “significant impact” on the department’s ability to respond to last year’s wildfires, according to testimony by Fire Chief Anthony Bowden that featured prominently in a Thursday discussion at the St
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NTIA Outlines Process and Funding for States Seeking to Opt-out of FirstNet
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: In a significant new development, the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration outlines a process for how states will be able to receive funding to build their own public safety wireless networks that are separate and apart from Fi
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FCC Issues Public Notices for Broadcasters in the Path of Hurricane Irma
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Some insights from those soon to be in the eye of Hurricane Irma, from David Oxenford’s Broadband Law Blog: FCC Issues Guidance for Broadcasters and Other Regulated Services in the Path of Hurricane Irma | Broadcast Law Blog The FCC has issued a series of public notices
Technologies Behind 911 Have Advanced for Broadband Era, But Not Far and Fast Enough
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2017 – Even though People are now streaming emergencies on Facebook, but there is not yet a way to stream videos to 911, said Patrick Halley, executive director of the NG911 Institute, on Capitol Hill on July 17. The NG911 Institute is a nonprofit organization that promotes adva
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Self-Driving Vehicles Prompt Subcommittee Debate About Appropriate Actions of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2017 – Self-driving vehicles will be able to help the disabled and elderly reach their destinations, said David Strickland, counsel for the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. The hearing was hosted by the Digital Commerce and Consu
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White House Will Host 25 Technology Founders and CEOs Thursday to Discuss 5G, Broadband and the Economy
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2017 — The White House on Thursday plans to continue its “tech week” by hosting a group of 25 technology company founders and CEOs to meet with Trump Administration officials on new technologies and promoting economic progress, Deputy Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios sa
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Budget Cuts by President Trump Take $1.4 Trillion in Non-Defense Agencies
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: The best time to release a budget? When the president is away on a foreign trip! Trump to Propose $1.4 Trillion in Cuts to Non-Defense Agencies, from GovExec President Trump, in budget documents to be released on Tuesday, will propose shrinking spending at non-defense ag
Innovative Fiber Financing Through a ‘Broadband Improvement District’ in Ammon, Idaho
DALLAS, May 1, 2017 – One of the biggest puzzles in broadband today is a financial conundrum: Our nation needs next-generation networks everywhere, but advanced internet capacity is spotty at best. One solution to the problem of financing universal broadband networks — on display in Ammon, Idaho — w
Infrastructure Spending To Take a Back Seat to Security Spending in Donald Trump’s Budget Message
WASHINGTON, February 28, 2017 – Plans to include broadband in a massive new infrastructure will probably take a back seat to President Trump’s security and physical infrastructure priorities in the budget blueprint he will describe during his maiden speech to a joint session of Congress tonight, mul
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Pai Announces Broadband Advisory Group to Propose Model City Ordinances
WASHINGTON, January 31, 2017 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai on Tuesday announced the formation of a new federal advisory committee that would seek to accelerate deployment of high-speed broadband nationwide, and to close the digital divide, by providing a model approach to dep
How Rio Blanco Shows That a ‘Shared Network’ Can Make Sense in Rural Colorado
Broadband Breakfast Insight: A great article detailing the way that a rural community, even in a sparsely-populated region of Colorado, is able to make an open-access network work for the communities and residents of the region. -> Rio Blanco County Stays Relevant With Broadband, from Broadband Comm
Illinois CIO Hardik Bhatt Addresses Need for ‘Smart City’ Technology to Run State Government
CHICAGO, Illinois, October 6, 2015 – State government need to use “Smart Cities” information technology to leapfrog to leadership among competing states, said Hardik Bhatt, chief information officer for the state of Illinois, speaking on Wednesday at the City Club here. Bhatt, the former CIO for th
Pell Center Report Emphasizes Continuing Role in Broadband for State Entities
WASHINGTON, September 16, 2015 – State broadband entities and commissions continue to plan an important role in fostering economic development and digital learning, according to a recent report from the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy. The report, “State-Level Broadband Po
Better Broadband for Rural America Means Looking Beyond Tradition: Join Us at the Rural Telecommunications Congress Today
AUSTIN, April 14, 2015 – The Rural Telecommunications Congress portion of the Broadband Communities Summit opens here Tuesday with a series of conference sessions focused on looking beyond conventional rural telecom. Rural Telecommunications Congress [https://broadbandbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploa
FirstNet and Members of Congress Respond to Report that Agency Must Strengthen Financial Disclosures
December 9, 2014 – FirstNet, the national public safety wireless network for first responders, responded on Monday to a report from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Inspector General, criticizing the agency’s procedures for monitoring and disclosing conflicts of interest. The report, dated Friday, f
Internet Protocol Transition a Critical Step To Ensuring Public Safety, Say Senate Hearing Witnesses
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2014 – Even the quickest and best-designed networks can succumb to Mother Nature when a hurricane or tornado strikes a community. And when thousands of people dial 911 at the same time, modern-day networks simply aren’t equipped to handle traffic of such tremendous scale. That w
American Energy
American energy production has increased substantially over the past few years.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2025/01/photo-1596244110863-f5a4ae0eacf4-texas-oil.jpeg)
Nuclear
As data centers proliferate, Nuclear Energy is potentially ready for a revival.
Crypto
Cryptographic technologies and blockchain ledgers are driving a new era of decentralized finance.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2025/01/Cryptocurrency-statistics--1--1.webp)
Onlight Aurora, Most Advanced Illinois Gigabit Communities Awardee, Shows How to Leverage Its Fiber Network
AURORA, ILLINOIS, November 5, 2013 – Just over a year ago, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced the first of four awards under the state’s “Gigabit Communities Challenge,” an effort to raise the bar on broadband speeds in the nation’s heartland. Of the four awardees named thus far, the Gigabit Network
Discussion About Needs and Issues in FirstNet at Broadband Breakfast Club Virtual Event
October 15, 2013 – The Broadband Breakfast Club posted the video of its virtual discussion, “How Will FirstNet Improve Public Safety Communications?” featuring William Vallee, State Broadband Policy Coordinator, Office of Consumer Counsel, State of Connecticut; Brett Kilbourn, Vice President of Gove
Panelists Named for FirstNet Webinar on Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. ET: Britt, Kilbourne, Vallee
October 11, 2013 – The Broadband Breakfast Club’s second virtual event, a FREE webinar on the topic of “How Will FirstNet Improve Public Safety Communications?” to take place on Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT., will feature Michael Britt, Program Manager, State of Arizona CIO’s Strate
Next Broadband Breakfast Club Virtual Event – on FirstNet – to Take Place on Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. ET
WASHINGTON, September 25, 2013 – Following the successful launch of its first Broadband Breakfast Club virtual event, the company announced its second FREE webinar, to take place on Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT. The event will feature a discussion on the topic of “How Will FirstNet
NTIA Announces Special FirstNet Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 23
WASHINGTON, September 17, 2013 – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that a special meeting of the FirstNet Board would be held on Monday, September 23, at 10:30 a.m. ET. The Special Meeting will be held on September 23, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Easter
Commerce Department Continues State Planning Grants for FirstNet; Special Review Committee Set for Next Week
WASHINGTON, September 6, 2013 – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Commerce Department on Friday announced that it had awarded planning grants for seven states and two territories to help prepare for the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. The awards, t
Utilities’ Economies of Scale for Broadband Fiber + Smart Grid Applications = Ultra-Fast Broadband Everywhere?
June 17, 2013 – The smart grid and broadband go together like mashed potatoes and gravy. And yet why is it so hard to get electric utilities and broadband experts to dialogue on the role that electric companies can play in expanding super-fast broadband? Tomorrow’s June 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club
Mobile
Mobile communication has become a central part internet connectivity.
Democratization
The internet has the potential to impact, and also to enhance, society's democratization.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/democratization.jpg)
Section 230
Section 230 is sometimes called the 26 words that created the internet.
Net Neutrality
Whether broadband providers may prioritize delivery of bits by the entities they own is a divisive topic.
Open Access
Open Access networks separate network operations from internet services. Ownership may also be separate from operations.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Wireless
Wireless technologies are critical for mobile communications, and for being able to reach remote locations.
Satellite
Satellite broadband remains an option those areas beyond the reach of fiber, terrestrial or mobile wireless.
Universal Service
The Universal Service Fund, codified in 1996 with the Telecommunications Act, remains the foundation of universal access.
Data Center
Data Centers and Cloud Computing rely upon robust and high-speed upload and download internet speeds.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/01/cloud.jpg)
Tribal
Tribal leaders say the federal government has failed to uphold its trust responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of Native American tribes.
5G
The 5G wireless standard promises breakthrough in capacity, speed and dynamic spectrum-sharing capabilities.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/01/5G.jpg)
WISP
Wireless Internet Service Providers play an important role in delivery of fixed wireless broadband.
Digital Inclusion
We need humans to make digital inclusion work.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/digital-inclusion.jpg)
Education
Technology, particularly broadband access and adoption, plays a vital role in K-12 and secondary education.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/education.jpg)
Health
The innovations of telehealth and mobile health care has transformed medicine and health care.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/health.jpg)
Telework
Broadband internet service allows many people to work from almost anywhere.
Cybersecurity
Digital locks and keys are necessary, but not sufficient, to ensure cybersecurity.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/cybersecurity-photo.jpg)
Robocall
The scourge of robocalls is making America's once-vaunted telephone network less trustworthy.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/robocall.jpg)
BEAD
The BEAD program is implemented by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/04/BEAD-photo--1-.jpeg)
Community Broadband
The last three years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of communities building publicly-owned, locally controlled infrastructure.
Privacy
The entire concept of privacy has been transformed by broadband and the internet.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Accurate broadband mapping and data has been central to America's broadband buildout.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/01/broadband-mapping-and-data-copy-3.jpeg)
Smart Cities
Cities of the future rely on high-speed internet access and advanced fiber and wireless connectivity.
Advanced Energy
The infrastructure necessary for advanced energy also powers the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Drones
Drones and airborne transportation are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Antitrust
Antitrust has been re-invigorated by concern over the power of big technology, media and telecom companies.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform humans' relationship with technology, and each other.
Social Media
Social media plays a powerful force in the lives of most adults and teenagers.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/social-media.jpg)
Free Speech
Debates about the role of free speech have been transformed by broadband internet services.
![](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/content/images/2024/02/free-speech.jpg)
Chips
Semiconductors are the world’s new oil.
Spectrum
Whether licensed, unlicensed or shared, radio frequency spectrum is the critical resource for wireless communication.
Video of March 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club: ‘Smart Cars, the Consumer Experience and Broadband’
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2013 – Today’s cars are getting smarter because drivers are bringing smart phones into their cars and because autonomous-driving systems are getting closer and closer to market availability. Indeed, the accelerating use of the smart phone has dramatically brought the issue of a
At the Broadband Breakfast Club on Tuesday: Smart Cars as a Rapidly-Emerging Test Case for Machine-to-Machine Communication
March 18, 2013 – At the Broadband Breakfast Club, we strive to introduce our readers and club members to the most timely developments in broadband services. Think of your participation in our events as a vital early warning system to what you need to know about new directions in high-speed connectiv
Audi of America Joins Panel on ‘Smart Cars, the Consumer Experience and Broadband’
WASHINGTON, Thursday March 14th, 2013 – The broadband policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its March 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Smart Cars, the Consumer Experience and Broadband” on Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707 7th St. NW, Washingto
eRate Reform, National Public Safety Network FirstNet, Focus of Senate-FCC Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2013 – At Tuesday’s oversight hearing of the Federal Communications Commission, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.V., on Tuesday put the focus on the portion of the Universal Service Fund designed to provide connectivity to schools and libraries, as well as on the public safety network
Spectrum Bill and Broadband Breakfast Pre Holiday Wrap Up
WASHINGTON December 14, 2011 – The FCC, the Hill and the Telecom industry has been busy over the last couple of weeks. Here is a wrap-up of the most important events. House Passes Spectrum Auction Incentive Bill After a 234-193 vote, the House Payroll Tax Extension Bill incorporated the full version
FCC Homes in on E911 Location Data at July Meeting
WASHINGTON July 13, 2011 – The Federal Communications Commission approved a Notice of Proposed Rule Making that would aim to improve the ability of first responders to locate mobile and Voice over IP (VoIP) callers who contact 911 during its July meeting on Tuesday. The Commission passed by a unani
Senate Committee Passes Public Safety Spectrum Bill
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011 – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed a deficit reducing measure Wednesday to reallocate the D-Block spectrum to public safety and gain federal funding to realize a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network. The measure, know
AT&T Announces LTE Launch
WASHINGTON May 25, 2011 – AT&T announced Wednesday that it will upgrade its HPSA+ network to Long Term Evolution (LTE) in five major markets starting this summer, representing the company’s first steps into adopting the standard on its nationwide network. LTE networks represent upgraded technology
LightSquared to Launch Nationwide Wholesale LTE Network
WASHINGTON May 13, 2011 – The New America Foundation gathered key industry experts on Thursday to discuss whether satellite spectrum should be reclassified so that it can be used for the expansion of terrestrial mobile broadband. With the spectrum crunch that many experts anticipate, many industry
Walden Speaks On Net Neutrality, Spectrum At Cable Summit
WASHINGTON April 14, 2011 – Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, voiced his opposition Wednesday to network neutrality, supported increased oversight of the Federal Communications Commission and addressed how spectrum issues need to be explored with gr
Former FCC Officials Evaluate Implementation of National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON March 17, 2011 – The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation brought key former broadband plan authors together Wednesday to discuss how the federal government is enacting the plan.
Expert Opinion: How to Bring More Handsets to More Carriers
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 – Despite fanfare regarding the end of exclusivity for the Apple iPhone with the launch of a CDMA version, the reality is that many carriers are still unable to attain certain devices. While the majority of current subscribers now have access to the once-exclusive iPhone,
Internet2 Upgrades Speed to 8.8 Terabits per second
WASHINGTON March 10, 2011 – Internet2, the nationwide ultra high-speed education network, announced that it will increase the network’s speed by a factor of nearly 900. The network’s existing speed is already approximately 1,000 times as fast as a the fastest widely-available high-speed residential
FCC Bureau Chiefs Report To NARUC On Commission Activities
WASHINGTON February 16, 2011 – Officials from the Federal Communications Commission updated the telecommunications subcommittee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners on the current state of wireless, public safety and wireline competition at the Association’s yearly convent
Obama Likens Broadband To Electricity, Rails In Michigan Speech
WASHINGTON, February 10, 2011 – President Obama drew comparisons between high-speed Internet, the railroads and the electric grid during a speech in Marquette, Michigan on Thursday afternoon, commenting on their essential nature to the economy and calling for a renewed investment in broadband infras
Obama to Outline High-Speed Wireless Plan Thursday in Michigan
WASHINGTON, February 10, 2011 – President Obama is scheduled to deliver a speech at Northern Michigan University, Thursday, detailing his plan to catalyze his State of the Union pledge to deliver wireless Internet to 98 percent of Americans within five years. In addition to spurring businesses to r
Harman Announces She Will Resign House Seat; Departure Has Implications on D-Block
WASHINGTON, February 9, 2011 – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), a nine-term House veteran and member of the subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, announced Tuesday she would resign her post later this month to head the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, a think tank in Washington, D.
FCC Establishes LTE Standard for Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network
WASHINGTON, January 25, 2011 – The FCC issued an order Tuesday at its January open meeting that set a 4G common standard for a nationwide, interoperable, public safety mobile broadband network. The Order, which addressed changes recommended by the 9/11 Commission Report, would require the use of a L
Rockefeller to Focus on Fraud, Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, January 24, 2011 – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), released his legislative agenda for the upcoming year on Friday. The senator plans to prioritize three broad areas: economic security and growth, proactiv
Research Shows Broadband Adoption Related to Clear Need for Its Use
WASHINGTON, October 6, 2010 – The final day of the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference looked at broadband adoption and universality. The problems addressed are key in helping the government determine how broadband is being adopted and where intervention is necessary.
Groups Generally Pleased With FCC ‘White Spaces’ Decision
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2010 – Broadband watchers generally reacted favorably to the Federal Communications Commission’s vote on Thursday to finalize rules to open vacant television channels, which are often referred to as TV white spaces.
Commerce, Agriculture Departments Announce $1.8 Billion in New Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON, August 18, 2010 – The departments of Agriculture and Commerce announced a new set of broadband grants totaling $1.8 billion across 37 states. The 94 projects announced include the first satellite projects under this grant system.
New Mexico to Receive $74.4 Million in Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON, August 16, 2010- New Mexico entities received a $10.6 million broadband stimulus grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and support for a $63.8 million project from the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture. The NTIA grant will be g
Rockefeller Attacks FCC, Calls for Change
WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010 –Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) attributed the aftermath of the Big Branch Explosion in West Virginia to “a troubling lack of communications facilities in our rural communities.” The cause of this void, Rockefeller argued, was the Federal Co
San Francisco Partners with Motorola On New LTE System
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2010 – San Francisco area public officials have announced that they would enter into a partnership with Motorola to construct a 700 MegaHerz LTE system – one of 21 in the country granted the right to do so by the FCC.
Sprint Releases 35Mhz of Spectrum
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2010 –Sprint has announced that it has successfully completed a technological overhaul that frees up 35 MegaHerz of spectrum for general usage. The overhaul was undertaken pursuant to the Federal Government’s goal of freeing up additional spectrum, given the general scarcity of
BroadbandBreakfast.com Launches New Series: ‘The Intellectual Property Breakfast Club’
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2010 – BroadbandBreakfast.com, a broadband and internet technology news service on Monday – Intellectual Property Day – launched a new series of breakfast events entitled “The Intellectual Property Breakfast Club.” [http://ipbreakfast.eventbrite.com] The series, which will occ