Upcoming event

The leading broadband industry associations have come together to launch a series of monthly educational webinars for State Broadband Leaders, NTIA, communities, ISPs and key stakeholders focused on key topics related to the $42.45B NTIA BEAD broadband infrastructure funding program implementation and deployment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect every American with broadband, elevating quality of life for generations to come. An unprecedented amount of money will be flowing through states to expand all types of infrastructure.

Millions of Americans live in rural, Tribal and low-income urban areas that do not have access to affordable broadband. Congress has provided support for fixed and mobile broadband, including through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). New federal support for broadband access, affordability and inclusion will bring us closer to closing the digital divide and achieving digital equity. This hearing will examine ongoing and past efforts within the public and private sectors to bring affordable, resilient and secure broadband to all communities.

Congress recently earmarked $64 billion toward ending the digital divide, but this is just a drop in the funding ocean. For this ambition, the US has reserved additional billions across 15 agencies and 133 programs. To help navigate this complex task, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the National Broadband Map in hopes of minimizing inefficiencies.

This webinar will provide a wide overview on permitting as it relates to broadband infrastructure programs. Topics covered will include: 

RightsCon Costa Rica will be a hybrid event with more than 400 interactive sessions designed to foster moments of connection and collaboration between online and in-person participants. Over the course of four days, a global network of policymakers, business leaders, activists, technologists, researchers, lawyers, designers, journalists, creatives, and more, will come together to share knowledge, build partnerships, and shape the agenda for our digital future.

Owning a computer is critical to thriving in the modern economy. Yet, 36 million people in the U.S. do not have a computer at home. Solving this issue at scale requires comprehensive changes to the formal and informal systems that allow an individual to obtain a computer. 

Achieving digital equity requires the activation and connection of local, state, regional, and national assets and stakeholders to benefit communities with the goal of sustainable, efficient pathways to device ownership for people in need. 

Over the course of the last year, we've seen dramatic shifts in Maine's broadband landscape -- and with these exciting times comes the need for thoughtful conversation and useful guidance. Through a half-day virtual session (Thursday) and full day in-person conference (Friday), we aim to create a space where broadband professionals, municipal officials, and community members can come together to discuss their experiences, exchange ideas, and build support networks.

For the first time, Ranking Digital Rights is publishing a stand-alone report on global telecom providers to shine a light on the role that these infrastructure providers play in both expanding and restricting human rights. While telco issues have failed to grab the same headlines as Big Tech lately, the companies that provide mobile and fixed-line internet access also have a responsibility to respect human rights, and all too often fall short of expectations.