Press Release

FCC Makes AI-Generated Voices in Robocalls Illegal

The Federal Communications Commission announced the unanimous adoption of a Declaratory Ruling that recognizes calls made with AI-generated voices are “artificial” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The ruling, which takes effect immediately, makes voice cloning technology used in common robocall scams targeting consumers illegal.

As FCC Freezes ACP Enrollment, Benton Institute Asks Congress to Act

Today, the doors are closing on the most successful broadband affordability program in U.S. history—the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)—despite the ACP’s overwhelming support from voters, advocates, industry, state officials, and Members of Congress. The ACP was created so that financial hardship would never be a barrier to internet access. If you lost your job one day, the ACP meant you could still look for work the next. No distance could keep you from your doctor, your teacher, or your loved ones.

Lumen Technologies reports fourth quarter and full year 2023 results

Lumen Technologies reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. Highlights for the fourth quarter include:

Governor Ivey Awards $188 Million for ‘Middle Mile’ Broadband Projects with Impact Across the State

Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) announced the awarding of more than $188 million to continue the expansion of high-speed internet access in Alabama. The grants, totaling $188,453,905, were awarded to 12 internet service providers to install more than 4,000 miles of “middle-mile” projects throughout Alabama. Middle-mile projects help fill the gap in broadband expansion to make it more economically feasible and less labor intensive for providers to extend services to unserved businesses and households in the state. The entities awarded grants are:

FACT SHEET: As Affordable Connectivity Program Hits Milestone of Providing Affordable High-Speed Internet To 23 Million Households Nationwide, Biden-⁠Harris Administration Calls on Congress to Extend Its Funding

As part of the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration has made historic progress towards lowering costs—including internet costs—for American families across the country.

ACA Connects, Fiber Broadband Association, NTCA Encourage NTIA to Retain Congressional Priority for Fiber Projects in BEAD Proposals

ACA Connects–America’s Communications Association, the Fiber Broadband Association, and NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, and the Fiber Broadband Association encouraged the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to “stand its ground” in prioritizing fiber projects and maximizing the deployment of fiber networks as Congress intended under the Broadband Access, Equity, and Deployment (BEAD) program amid calls for the agency to reject or weaken initial proposals submitted by some states and territories. In 

Reps Clyde and Carter Challenge FCC’s “Digital Discrimination” Rule

Reps Andrew Clyde (R-GA) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) led 65 House Republicans in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new "digital discrimination" rule. On November 15, 2023, the FCC finalized a new rule to “prevent digital discrimination of access to broadband services.” The rule hands the Biden Administration’s bureaucratic state effective control of all internet services and infrastructure in the US—giving the FCC unchecked unconstitutional authority to implement regulations restricting every as

Old Saybrook Residents Connected to GoNetspeed’s 100 Percent Fiber Internet

GoNetspeed announced that 100 percent fiber internet is now available to Old Saybrook residents located in initial construction areas.

Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers $223 Million to Expand Rural Broadband Access

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) awarded nearly $223 million to expand broadband internet access to Floridians, including small and rural communities. This funding includes $135 million in state funding through the Broadband Opportunity Program and $86 million in federal funds through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program. Awards through the Broadband Opportunity Program will support 54 projects in 33 Florida counties for broadband internet expansion that will provide internet to over 27,000 unserved residential, educational, agricultural, business and community locations.

Reps Markey, Van Hollen, and Meng Lead Colleagues in Letter of Support for FCC E-Rate Rulemaking

Sens Edward Markey (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Rep Grace Meng (D-NY), led 64 of their colleagues in a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel supporting the Commission’s proposal to expand the E-Rate program to allow schools and libraries to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators.

Charter Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Charter Communications reported financial and operating results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023. 

Total by Verizon makes 5G Home Internet more affordable with new national offering

Total by Verizon, a fast-growing prepaid no-contract wireless provider from Verizon, announced the launch of its unlimited 5G Home Internet service. The brand’s new Home Internet plan starts at $45/month with Auto Pay for current and new mobile wireless customers, making high-speed home internet available for customers who want the financial flexibility of no-contract, no-credit-check, pay-in-advance service.

Democracy Fund Invests $3 Million in Local Organizing for Digital Equity

In 2023, Democracy Fund invested $3 million in grants to support state and local leaders advancing digital equity. We believe this work is vital for an inclusive, multiracial democracy. The 2023 Digital Democracy grantees  all share a commitment to action toward community-focused media policy and tech accountability. 

Rep Matsui Releases New FCC State-by-State Data on Rip and Replace Program

Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) released new, updated state-by-state data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (SCRP). Previous data from the FCC was attributed to the location of a company’s corporate headquarters rather than the location of actual project sites – leading to a misrepresentation of the nationwide distribution of projects.

National Day of Action Spurs 280,000+ Calls, Emails, and Tweets to Save Critical Broadband Subsidy

Americans made more than 280,000 calls, emails, and social media posts to Congress in support of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program needs $7 billion in funding from Congress to ensure people aren’t disconnected from the internet in 2024. Don’t Disconnect US Day, which took place on January 25, spurred those who care about affordable internet to contact their congressional representatives. The resulting actions from supporters calling for Congress to fund the program included:

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Files Petition for Review

"We are extremely pleased that the FCC has adopted new and powerful rules prohibiting digital discrimination.  We have nonetheless challenged two small, but important provisions of the rules today in the U.S.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Key AI Actions Following President Biden’s Landmark Executive Order

President Biden issued a landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). On January 29, Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed convened the White House AI Council, and agencies reported on their 90-day actions tasked by the Executive Order. The Executive Order directed a sweeping range of actions within 90 days to address some of AI’s biggest threats to safety and security. To mitigate these and other risks, agencies have:

FirstNet Authority Board Approves Investment for Network Evolution

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is evolving and expanding FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, through strategic network investments. At a special Board meeting, the FirstNet Authority Board took action to increase coverage on the network and accelerate FirstNet’s transition to a full 5G network. This network investment follows completion of the five-year initial buildout by the FirstNet Authority’s network contractor, AT&T.

FCC Enforcement Bureau Announces Senior Staff Additions

The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau announced senior staff appointments, adding officials with significant experience and expertise in national security, foreign investment, privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and consumer and civil litigation matters.

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Announces Grant Funding Opportunities to Improve Telecommunications Access and Affordability in Wisconsin

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is encouraging eligible organizations to apply for grant funding to improve the availability of telecommunications services for Wisconsin residents. The grant funding opportunities include the Nonprofit Access Grant Program, the Lifeline Outreach Grant Program, and the Telemedicine Grant Program. All three grant programs are funded by the Universal Service Fund to help Wisconsin residents get essential and advanced telecommunications services. 

NFarms research will bring precision ag innovations to producers

University of Nebraska scientists and staff are formalizing existing research and outreach in precision agriculture into a strategic initiative called NFarms. The effort, in collaboration with producers and industry, will refine and expand precision agriculture capabilities crucial to boosting farm efficiency and environmental sustainability. NFarms will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data. The initiative also will develop innovative decision-making tools producers can use for efficient field management.

Rural Telecommunications of America Completes acquisition of Blue Ridge Fiber

Rural Telecommunications of America (RTA) announced continued expansion in the Midland-Odessa (TX) area with its recent acquisition of Blue Ridge Fiber. RTA continues to grow its network across America’s rural communities. RTA will immediately begin enhancing the infrastructure and will bring gigabit fiber services to the communities in and around the Greenwood neighborhoods.

Broadband Acceleration Grant Makes $10 Million Available

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland (D-KS) announced $10 million is available to enhance broadband infrastructure statewide through the Broadband Acceleration Grant program.

$120 Million Undersea Cable Project will Expand High-Speed Internet for Hawaii

The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) and Ocean Networks, Inc. (ONI) announce a $120 million, public-private partnership to construct a submarine optical fiber cable system that will connect the Hawaiian Islands and improve and expand high-speed broadband internet throughout the state. The project, the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL), is a key component of Connect Kākou, the state's broadband initiative, a top priority of the Governor Josh Green administration. Under the direction of Lt.