Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
The FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules – March 2024
Read all Exclusive ReportsMonths after the announcement of a new regulatory framework and only weeks before it is set to go into effect on March 22, 2024, broadband providers are still scrambling to understand the Federal Communication Commission’s digital discrimination rules.
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Trump Names Brendan Carr Next FCC Chairman
Trump called Carr 'a warrior for free speech.'
Lawyer: Republican-Controlled FCC to Shift Telecom Landscape
Deregulation, M&A approvals, and tax policy changes set to reshape the industry under Trump.
Nathan Leamer: Future of Regulatory Regime in Balance
Regardless of which party wins in November, the Loper Bright legal change will have lasting effects.
Former Pai Aide: USF ‘Top Issue’ Post-Election
Legal challenges put USF and FCC powers at risk.
FCC Lawyer Defends Digital Discrimination Rules Before Eighth Circuit
ISP Lawyer Says ‘Disparate Impact’ Standard Never Authorized by Congress
Markey Introduces AI Civil Rights Bill
The legislation would put strict guardrails on how algorithms are used.
Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
Green Energy and the Democrats
Just as crypto has emerged as a tech and infrastructure issue with a heavily Republican tilt, advanced energy may serve a similar role for Democrats.
Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As AI technology adoption increases, legislators are looking at cracking down on copyright concerns.
Blair Levin’s Big Call: FCC Loses Digital Discrimination Case
'If I had to bet today, I'd bet the FCC order is overturned,' Levin said.
California Lawmaker Trying to Pass Digital Discrimination Law
A California bill could penalize providers ‘even if they are not intentionally withholding adequate Internet from a protected group.’
Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape
During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
GOP-Run Washington in 2025 Could Void Pending FCC Regulations
The Congressional Review Act could threaten new broadband rules teed up by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel
DOJ and FCC Defend Digital Discrimination Rules to Eighth Circuit
Industry groups sued to block the rules in February. Oral arguments are set for late September.
Understanding 'Junk Fees' in Broadband
President Joe Biden has made attacking 'junk fees' a key focus of his administration.
Wireless ISP Group Seeks Net Neutrality Exemptions
Regulatory costs will hinder small businesses from competing in the market, WISPA says.
FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order is Chilling Industry, GOP Advisor Claims
‘Industry is struggling with how to navigate the rules,’ GOP FCC advisor says.
Challenges of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Rights of way, pole attachments, environmental permitting and other hurdles to broadband infrastructure deployment.
Rep. Latta Resolution Aimed at Blocking FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
Latta offered his resolution one day after the FCC's Net Neutrality rules were published in the Federal Register.
Navigating the Landscape of U.S. Data Privacy Regulations
There is a renewed focus on how best to protect personal information in an increasingly digital world.
Intervenors Accuse FCC of Exempting BEAD Recipients From Discrimination Rules
The FCC may have breached federal regulations by introducing a last-minute safe harbor in its recent digital discrimination policies.
The Smart City Blueprint for Urban Innovation
At play in Smart Cities: Data collection, smart infrastructure, IoT, communications technologies, regulations and more.
Louis Peraertz: FCC’s Digital Discrimination Rules Don't Help Bridge Digital Divides
The FCC does not allow an ISP defendant to argue that its decision not to provide access to broadband was based on any substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest.
Opening Briefs Challenge FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules in Eighth Circuit Court Case
Landlords, broadband contractors, and housing sector groups may have their arguments considered in a supplement submitted Monday.
Unraveling the Complexities of Net Neutrality
Top controversies include 5G network slicing, paid prioritizing and exempting broadband providers from Universal Service Fund contributions.
California Digital Discrimination Bill Moves Out of Committee
The bill to codify in state law the federal definition of digital discrimination advanced along partisan lines.
Bridging the Digital Divide: A Path to Universal Broadband Access
Low-income communities are only marginally less likely to have access to high-speed broadband compared to their wealthier counterparts.
The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing
At the center of the battle over the airwaves in the United States is the question of spectrum sharing.
Oral Arguments in Digital Discrimination Challenges Set for Late September
Industry challengers had pushed for a faster schedule.
Advocacy and Opposition in Digital Discrimination Reporting Mandates
Advocates propose merging digital discrimination reporting requirements with existing Broadband Data Collection.
Rural Broadband ISPs Want Exemption From Digital Discrimination Reporting
Broadband ISP trade associations from 15 states are seeking a broad exemption from pending federal regulations.
Broadband Breakfast on April 10, 2024 – Achieving Internet for All, Addressing Discrimination and Rurality
This special NCTA-Broadband Breakfast hybrid event will shed light on broadband availability data across demographics.
Eighth Circuit Denies Industry Petition for Expedited Briefing in Digital Discrimination Challenge
Trade groups challenging the rules hoped for a ruling before the agency can begin enforcement in September.
The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.
Senate Republicans Issue Longshot Resolution to Block Digital Discrimination Rules
House Republicans made a similar move in January.
Broadband Groups Decry Impact of FCC Digital Discrimination Rules on Rural Providers
ACA Connects, the Rural Broadband Association NTCA, and WISPA issued a joint statement against them.
Wireless Trade Groups File Suit Against FCC Digital Discrimination Order
The suit filed Tuesday marks the third legal case to target the FCC’s digital discrimination rules since adopted in November.
California Legislation Would Codify FCC's New Digital Discrimination Rules
California spearheads fight against digital discrimination from city councils to state legislation.
House Republicans Issue Resolution to Block Digital Discrimination Rules
The mostly ceremonial move drew industry support.
Chamber of Commerce Asks Fifth Circuit to Vacate Digital Discrimination Rules
The group has argued the rules go beyond the FCC's authority under the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.
Broadband Breakfast on November 29, 2023 – FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order
See Experts Still Disagree on FCC’s New Digital Discrimination Rules, Broadband Breakfast, November 29, 2023
Our Broadband Breakfast Live Online events take place on Wednesday at 12 Noon ET. Watch the event on Broadband Breakfast, or REGISTER HERE to join the conversation.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – FCC’s Digital
Concern About Digital Discrimination Rules, Governors Call for ACP Funding, Newark Benefits from ACP
Industry associations are not happy about the FCC’s new digital discrimination rules.
A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?
Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?
A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?
Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.
Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.
Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.
Next Century Cities Presses FCC for ‘Average’ Speed on Broadband Label
The group also recommended a more streamlined complaint process for digital discrimination issues.
Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.
What to Know About Build America, Buy America Provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?
What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.
FCC Proposes Competing ‘Digital Discrimination’ Definitions, Advocates Clash
The FCC requested input on allowing economic and technical feasibility exceptions to the definition.
NTIA Awards More Planning Grants, 10 GHz Band for Fixed Wireless, WISPA Warning on Digital Discrimination Inquiry
The NTIA approved eight more planning grants Monday.
The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.
Broadband-focused Dems Win Reelection, Questions on Digital Discrimination, New Comcast Exec
Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s Speedy Updates Act was signed into law as part of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
FCC Advisory Committee Approves Strategies to Advance Digital Equity
In 2021, the FCC charged the council in its mission to prevent digital discrimination.
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Verizon Rejects Claims of Redlining, $759 Million from ReConnect, Utopia Fiber Survey
ISP is rebutting claims of the Associated Press and The Markup story on internet deals in non-white neighborhoods
FCC Commissioner Starks Says Commission Looking into Impact of Broadband, 5G on Environment
Starks sat down to discuss the promise of smart grid technology for the environment.
Panelists Debate Federal Role in Digital Privacy, But Agree Upon Need to Minimize Algorithmic Bias
WASHINGTON, January 24, 2020 – Panelists at a Next Century Cities event on Thursday clashed on the appropriate federal role in the regulation of digital privacy, but generally agreed on the importance of minimizing algorithmic bias in targeting a particular racial or ethnic group. The panel began wi
