June 19, 2015 (News from the FCC Meeting)
The Benton Foundation’s Weekly Round-up, a recap of the biggest (or most overlooked) telecommunications stories of the week is delivered via e-mail each Friday; to get your own copy, subscribe at https://www.benton.org/user/register
BENTON'S COMMUNICATIONS-RELATED HEADLINES for FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015
NEWS FROM THE FCC MEETING
FCC Moves Toward Making Broadband More Affordable Through Its Lifeline Program - Kevin Taglang analysis
FCC Strengthens Consumer Protections Against Unwanted Calls and Texts - press release
FCC Modernizes Numbering Rules To Spur Competitive VoIP Options - press release
Chairman Wheeler: FCC is Net Neutrality 'Referee'
MORE ON LIFELINE
How your cell phone taxes help poor people - analysis
Lifeline: Tools for Building an Inclusive Society - Public Knowledge analysis
Speak Your Piece: Take Lifeline Online - Daily Yonder op-ed [links to web]
Modernization of Lifeline: Addressing the Cost Barrier of Broadband Adoption - National Digital Inclusion Alliance [links to web]
INTERNET/BROADBAND
Verizon ordered to finish fiber build that it promised but didn’t deliver
NTCA: Rural Fiber Deployments Fueling Dramatic Increases in Higher Speed Broadband Take Rates
SPECTRUM/WIRELESS
NTIA Releases Report Furthering President’s Commitment to Identifying Spectrum for Commercial Wireless Broadband - press release
Crafting Balanced Incentive Auction Rules in the Public Interest - FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
Chairman Wheeler Expounds on AT&T Proposed Fine
GOP FCC Commissioners Slam AT&T Fine
AT&T Wireless Risks Having to Pay $100 Million in Tuition on Contract Law - Rob Frieden analysis [links to web]
Sens Wicker, Rubio, Ayotte, Gardner, Johnson Introduce Wireless Innovation Act - press release [links to web]
OWNERSHIP
Nokia Wins US Antitrust Approval for Alcatel-Lucent Deal [links to web]
ACA: AT&T/DirecTV Needs RSN-Related Conditions
Big 4 Affiliates Seek AT&T/DirecTV Local-Into-Local Condition [links to web]
TELEVISION
The Media Is Failing Women, But One Network Is Leading The Fight To Change Things [links to web]
APTS Posts Revised TV Station Sharing Agreement [links to web]
PRIVACY/SECURITY
Electronic Frontier Foundation Report Charts Companies on Next Frontier of User Privacy - press release
Reacting to Chinese hack, the government may not have followed its own cybersecurity rules [links to web]
6 Tips for Protecting Your Communications From Prying Eyes - analysis [links to web]
EDUCATION
Sens King, Capito Introduce Bill to Give Low-Income, Rural Students Educational Tools Needed to Succeed - press release
Reality Check Reveals Ed-Tech Challenges - analysis
CONTENT
The Web is getting slower [links to web]
ELECTIONS AND MEDIA
Can liberal musicians stop Republicans from using their songs? - analysis [links to web]
GOV PERFORMANCE
Adviser: FCC Isn't the Place for Big Data Experimentation [links to web]
POLICYMAKERS
FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel Announces Departure of Priscilla Delgado Argeris [links to web]
House Committee Nixes New Funding for White House Digital Service Team [links to web]
COMPANY NEWS
Apple Versus Google - Om Malik analysis
Comcast Tags More ‘Gigabit Pro’ Markets [links to web]
Charter CEO’s 'Texas Two-Step' [links to web]
Brian Williams Gets New Role at Lower Salary [links to web]
STORIES FROM ABROAD
Cuba Offers Its Citizens Better Access to Internet [links to web]
Google Told to Expect Large Fines in EU Antitrust Probe
Google Critics Get a Month to Comment on EU Antitrust Charges [links to web]
NEWS FROM THE FCC MEETING
FCC MOVES TOWARD MAKING BROADBAND MORE AFFORDABLE THROUGH ITS LIFELINE PROGRAM
[SOURCE: Benton Foundation, AUTHOR: Kevin Taglang]
On June 18, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission proposed to again reform modernize its Lifeline program, seeking public input on restructuring the program to better support 21st Century communications while building on existing reforms to continue strengthening protections against waste, fraud and abuse. Established in 1985, the Lifeline program has made phone service – first landline service and now supporting wireless service as an option -- affordable for low-income Americans. Last year, Lifeline served some 12 million people. Now, a majority of the five FCC commissioners believe it is time for a fundamental, comprehensive restructuring of the program to meet today’s most pressing communications needs: access to broadband. As Brian Fung writes in the Washington Post, the June 18 vote was about considering how to subsidize broadband access “in a move that recognizes high-speed Internet as a key to pulling the poor out of poverty.” The FCC is proposing to maintain the program’s $9.25/month subsidy for low-income consumers, and seeks to use that money as efficiently and effectively as possible to deliver modern communications services. Proposals on which the FCC seeks comment include:
Adopting minimum service standards for both voice and broadband service,
Whether broadband should be a required offering of Lifeline providers,
How to encourage more competition to improve price and service, and
How to encourage more participation by the states.
https://www.benton.org/blog/fcc-moves-toward-making-broadband-more-affor...
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
FCC STRENGTHENS CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AGAINST UNWANTED CALLS AND TEXTS
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission, AUTHOR: Press release]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted a proposal to protect consumers against unwanted robocalls and spam texts. In a package of declaratory rulings, the FCC affirmed consumers' rights to control the calls they receive. As part of this package, the FCC also made clear that telephone companies face no legal barriers to allowing consumers to choose to use robocall-blocking technology. Highlights for consumers who use either landline or wireless phones include:
Green Light for 'Do Not Disturb' Technology -- Service providers can offer robocall-blocking technologies to consumers and implement market-based solutions that consumers can use to stop unwanted robocalls.
Empowering Consumers to Say 'Stop' -- Consumers have the right t o revoke their consent to receive robocalls and robotexts in any reasonable way at any time.
Reassigned Numbers Aren'ts Loopholes -- If a phone number has been reassigned, companies must stop calling the number after one call.
Third-Party Consent -- A consumer whose name is in the contacts list of an acquaintance's phone does not consent to receive robocalls from third-party applications downloaded by the acquaintance.
Highlights for wireless consumers include:
Affirming the Law's Definition of Autodialier -- "Autodialer" is defined in the Act as any technology with the capacity to dial random or sequential numbers.
Text Messages as Calls -- FCC reaffirmed that consumers are entitled to the same consent-based protections for texts as they are for voice calls to wireless numbers.
Internet-to-Phone Text Messages -- Equipment used to send Internet-to-phone text messages is an authodialer, so the caller must have consumer consent before calling
Very Limited and Specific Exemptions for Urgent Circumstances.
June 18th's actions makes no changes to the Do-Not-Call Registry, which restricts unwanted telemarketing calls, but are intended to build on the Registry's effectiveness by closing loopholes and ensuring that consumers are fullly protected from unwanted calls, including those not covered by the Registry.
benton.org/headlines/fcc-strengthens-consumer-protections-against-unwanted-calls-and-texts | Federal Communications Commission
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
FCC MODERNIZES NUMBERING RULES TO SPUR COMPETITIVE VOIP OPTIONS
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission, AUTHOR: Press release]
The Federal Communications Commission modernized and streamlined its rules governing the distribution of phone numbers by leveling the playing field for interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, which are increasingly popular with consumers. Interconnected VoIP providers -- defined as though capable of placing and receiving calls to and from the traditional phone network -- currently must get numbers from third-party carriers. Allowing these providers to go directly to numbering administrators for phone numbers will benefit consumers by reducing costs and promoting additional competition from these innovative VoIP providers, the FCC found. The Order adopted unanimously by the FCC also facilitates the ongoing transitions in communications technology that are sweeping the nation and improves FCC oversight of the numbering system. These improvements will help ensure that calls connect nationwide and provide more accountability in and protections for the numbering system. The Order also imposes and number of conditions to protect and enhance the security and integrity of the numbering system. Conditions will also ensure that all numbers distributed are used, protecting the system from running out of phone numbers.
benton.org/headlines/fcc-modernizes-numbering-rules-spur-competitive-voip-options | Federal Communications Commission
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
CHAIRMAN WHEELER: FCC IS NET NEUTRALITY 'REFEREE'
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler signaled June 18 that the interconnection deals struck in the shadow of the FCC's new network neutrality order are something of a template of how the FCC wants the new rules to work in encouraging marketplace solutions. In a press conference following the FCC's public meeting, Chairman Wheeler said the way he expected "the players, in this case the companies [he was pivoting from a football analogy] will work between and among themselves to resolve any problems, to resolve disputes." He said the FCC's role was to be the referee (pivoting back to the football metaphor) and throw the flag when the rules get violated, "when something is clearly untoward." He said that the FCC has seen already, in interconnection agreements, that "just the fact that the FCC is on the field has allowed the players to come together and find mutually agreeable solutions." He suggested that was the game plan for other parts of the Open Internet order. "I think it is a good precedent for the kinds of things that we hope come," he said. Backbone providers Level 3 and Cogent have both struck some interconnection deals with ISPs in recent weeks, but still have some in the pipeline and have suggested if they aren't struck to their satisfaction, they would be asking the FCC to throw a flag.
benton.org/headlines/chairman-wheeler-fcc-net-neutrality-referee | Broadcasting&Cable
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
MORE ON LIFELINE
HOW YOUR CELL PHONE TAXES HELP POOR PEOPLE
[SOURCE: CNNMoney, AUTHOR: David Goldman]
[Commentary] Every month, Uncle Sam adds a 6 percent tax onto your wireless bill. It's part of an 81-year old program called the Universal Service Fund, and it's likely to get a makeover on June 18. Collecting taxes from wireless bills creates an $8.5 billion fund that the Federal Communications Commission distributes to develop broadband service in rural America and to connect schools and libraries. A third part of the USF, set to be revamped June 18, subsidizes wireless service for poor people who can't afford to pay their cell phone bills. About 18 million people who are eligible for food stamps and Medicaid receive $9.25 a month for cell phone subsidies through that USF program known as "Lifeline." On June 18, the FCC is voting whether to expand Lifeline by allowing recipients to decide whether to spend that $9.25 on phone service or broadband. With three Democrats sitting on the five-person committee, the new rules are expected to pass. The Lifeline plan is not without controversy, particularly among conservatives because of its $2 billion annual price tag. It became even more unpopular in the wake of a 2012 corruption scandal in which instances of Lifeline fraud emerged. Cell phone providers were found to be enrolling ineligible people into the program.
benton.org/headlines/how-your-cell-phone-taxes-help-poor-people | CNNMoney
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
LIFELINE: TOOLS FOR BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
[SOURCE: Public Knowledge, AUTHOR: Edyael Casaperalta]
[Commentary] Since 1985, the Lifeline Program has helped American families struggling economically to pay for basic telephone service that connects them to schools, doctors, emergency services, and jobs. This resulted in 97 percent of Americans being able to access a telephone line. Policymakers now have the opportunity to add essential broadband Internet service to this critical program. On June 18, the Federal Communications Commission will vote to begin a proceeding on whether to include broadband service in the Lifeline program, as well as the best way to do this. The technical question policymakers will face is: Do we want to support broadband Internet service in the Lifeline program? But the deeper question before them is: Do we want to help build an inclusive society where all can participate and seek opportunity regardless of how much they can afford? As the political conversation about improving Lifeline to reflect the essential services Americans need in the 21st century unfolds, public interest advocates will be key in helping the FCC and elected representatives answer both the technical and societal questions. The FCC needs to find solutions and act when Americans cannot access these tools. A commitment to support Lifeline telephone and broadband service is a commitment to the sustainability and success of our nation, and this has no party affiliation. It’s time to improve Lifeline to build a unified society that allows for greater potential and success for all Americans.
benton.org/headlines/lifeline-tools-building-inclusive-society | Public Knowledge
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
INTERNET/BROADBAND
VERIZON ORDERED TO FINISH FIBER BUILD THAT IT PROMISED BUT DIDN'T DELIVER
[SOURCE: ars technica, AUTHOR: Jon Brodkin]
New York City officials ordered Verizon to complete fiber builds that the company was supposed to finish in 2014. If Verizon doesn't comply, the city can seek financial damages. "In a 2008 agreement with New York City, Verizon committed to extend its FiOS network to every household across the five boroughs by June 30, 2014," said the announcement of an audit released today by the city's Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT). Verizon's FiOS fiber network delivers Internet, TV, and phone service to areas traditionally served by Verizon's copper landlines and DSL Internet. “Through a thorough and comprehensive audit, we have determined that Verizon substantially failed to meet its commitment to the people of New York City,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “As I’ve said time and again, Verizon must deliver on its obligation to the City of New York and we will hold them accountable.” The agreement, which gave Verizon a cable television franchise, says NYC may "seek and/or pursue money damages" from Verizon if it fails to deliver on its promises. Verizon also failed to meet broadband promises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but those states let the company off the hook.
benton.org/headlines/verizon-ordered-finish-fiber-build-it-promised-didnt-deliver | Ars Technica
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
NCTA: RURAL FIBER DEPLOYMENTS FUELING DRAMATIC INCREASES IN HIGHER SPEED BROADBAND TAKE RATES
[SOURCE: telecompetitor, AUTHOR: Bernie Arnason]
NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association represents rural broadband carriers, most of whom have roots as rural telecommunication compnaies. Broadband carrier is probably a better descriptive term these days, as many those ‘telcos’ also count cable TV, wireless (fixed and mobile), and cloud services as a part of their service portfolio. They recently published results from their annual Broadband/Internet Availability Survey, conducted in the Winter of 2014. Deploying fiber based services remains a priority for NTCA members, with 39 percent of survey respondents citing the use fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology in their networks today. Among current FTTP providers, 25 percent say they can reach their entire customer base with the technology. A little less than half (45 percent) of current FTTP providers reach at least half of their customer base with the technology, according to the results. Rural customers, like their urban counterparts, are subscribing to faster broadband speeds. Roughly one-third (33.6 percent) of NTCA carrier member customers are taking a broadband tier of 10 Mbps or more, the highest subscribed to category. That’s a dramatic increase from a year ago, where NTCA reported that only 8.5 percent subscribed to a similar tier, an improvement of almost 400 percent. The survey report didn’t offer any additional detail of the actual speeds offered beyond “above 10 Mbps.”
benton.org/headlines/ntca-rural-fiber-deployments-fueling-dramatic-increases-higher-speed-broadband-take-rates | telecompetitor
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
SPECTRUM/WIRELESS
NTIA RELEASES REPORT FURTHERING PRESIDENT'S COMMITMENT TO IDENTIFYING SPECTRUM FOR COMMERCIAL WIRELESS BROADBAND
[SOURCE: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, AUTHOR: Press release]
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released an important technical report developed by engineers in NTIA’s Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) and Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) that provides the technical analysis supporting spectrum sharing in the 3550-3650 MHz band. It serves as a concrete example of our efforts to make more spectrum available to meet the exploding demand for commercial wireless broadband while protecting mission-critical Federal systems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April approved an innovative regulatory framework that would enable commercial access to 150 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. This framework grew out of NTIA’s 2010 Fast Track Report, which identified the 3.5 GHz band as a possible candidate for spectrum sharing to fulfill the President’s goal of identifying 500 megahertz of additional spectrum for commercial wireless broadband by 2020. Federal agencies are currently using this spectrum to operate military shipborne, ground-based, and airborne radar systems.
benton.org/headlines/ntia-releases-report-furthering-presidents-commitment-identifying-spectrum-commercial | National Telecommunications and Information Administration | NTIA Report
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
CRAFTING BALANCED INCENTIVE AUCTION RULES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission, AUTHOR: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler]
[Commentary] June 21 marks the first day of summer, and what will be the critical season for finalizing key details for 2016’s Incentive Auction. Now we turn to the crucial task of finalizing our auction rules. On June 16, Federal Communications Commission staff briefed the Commissioners’ staffs on proposed recommendations to establish final rules for the auction that balance our statutory obligations, heeds commenters’ calls for simplicity and transparency in the flow of the auction, and -- most importantly -- serves the public’s interest in an effective, efficient, and timely auction. The proposal aims to clear the highest possible amount of spectrum for broadband consistent with broadcasters’ voluntary decisions to relinquish some or all of their spectrum usage rights. At the same time the proposal limits the number of impaired new licenses that are created in those isolated instances where it is necessary to relocate a TV broadcaster on the same or adjacent frequencies as those being auctioned. The proposal eliminates bidding procedures that many commenters believed were burdensome and could limit broadcaster participation. It also adopts a formula for opening bid prices that creates value for both broadcasters and American taxpayers. The proposal responds to requests to make more information about bidding available to bidders before and during the auction. And it ensures that competitive wireless carriers and new entrants have a clear shot at adding sufficient low-band spectrum to their portfolios so that they can compete more effectively in both rural and urban areas. The proposal reflects an incredible amount of modeling and the careful consideration and analysis of all parties’ comments and concerns in a robust public record. The proposed package of rules is designed to best serve the broad public interest -- and that’s the true test of good public policy.
benton.org/headlines/crafting-balanced-incentive-auction-rules-public-interest | Federal Communications Commission
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
CHAIRMAN WHEELER EXPOUNDS ON AT&T PROPOSED FINE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler drilled down into the proposed $100 million AT&T fine for its Maximum Bit Rate plan, saying that the Federal Communications Commission had still not come up with a final decision, which would come after AT&T offered up its response to the proposal. But he suggested that could ultimately include consumer refunds as well as the proposed fine. "Right now, our authority is to levy a fine," he said. While he said it was premature to talk about whether refunds could result from any settlement that might result from the process, "it is not at this point in the NAL, but it is a possibility it could evolve." Chairman Wheeler made clear that while AT&T would still be making its case, he thought the company had not been sufficiently transparent about its "unlimited" plan and the limits on speed it included in some cases. That came in a press conference following the FCC's June public meeting June 18, at which he was asked about possible legislation out of the Senate Commerce Committee that would allow companies like AT&T to challenge such fines before they were proposed. Chairman Wheeler said that the 2010 Open Internet order transparency rules are explicit that there had to be "sufficient explanation" of carrier activities. He said in this instance, the term "unlimited" that AT&T used wasn't unlimited and the policy wasn't explained. "They said that it [the policy] applies to the top 5 percent of data subscribers. How am I supposed to know I am in the top 5 percent," he said. "How is that a sufficient explanation?" He also said there was no notice about what the slowdown would be, and how much reduction, and no explanation of what the impact of that would be "on the way I used what I thought I had bought."
benton.org/headlines/chairman-wheeler-expounds-att-proposed-fine | Broadcasting&Cable
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
GOP FCC COMMISSIONERS SLAM AT&T FINE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O'Rielly of the Federal Communications Commission strongly dissented from the FCC's decision to fine AT&T $100 million for what it said was failing to sufficiently warn customers it would slow broadband speeds, and how much it would slow them, for the highest-volume users grandfathered into its since-ended unlimited data plans. AT&T said it did inform them and is fighting the fine, which is tied to the network management transparency rule, the only one of the FCC's 2010 Open Internet order rules not thrown out by a federal court. Commissioner Ajit Pai's dissent was scathing. He called it "a government 'rule' suddenly revised, yet retroactive. Inconvenient facts ignored. A business practice sanctioned after years of implied approval. A penalty conjured from the executioner’s imagination." FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has long argued that slowing speeds for "unlimited" plan customers was not delivering on both the promise of broadband and the promise of broadband suppliers in labeling it unlimited. But AT&T said it has made clear its policy of slowing speeds for what some have labeled bandwidth hogs as a way to insure service is not degraded for others. Chairman Wheeler has also made it clear that fast broadband for all is a government imperative. Commissioner O'Rielly was less stringent in his objection, calling the violation "tenuous at best." But he had plenty of issues with the decision. He also had trouble with the way the FCC handled the issue. "If the Enforcement Bureau thought there were deficiencies in some of AT&T’s disclosures, it should have taken steps to rectify any concerns prior to imposing a Draconian $100 million penalty and compliance measures," he said.
benton.org/headlines/gop-fcc-commissioners-slam-att-fine | Broadcasting&Cable
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
OWNERSHIP
ACA: AT&T/DIRECTV NEEDS RSN-RELATED CONDITIONS
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The American Cable Association has told the Federal Communications Commission that it should heed past AT&T/DirecTV concerns about access to regional sports networks (RSNs) and apply conditions to insure their proposed merger does not result in higher prices for rivals' access to their four RSNs. ACA says program access rules are not sufficient protection against the incentive and opportunity for the combined company to charge competitors, like smaller cable operators with less discretionary income, higher prices for those RNSs. In a filing in the merger docket, ACA said that "AT&T and DirecTV themselves have a long history of raising the same concerns as ACA about vertically integrated programmers, particularly with respect to access to RSN programming, the very programming assets at issue in this proceeding." ACA says the two companies have also argued that program access rules are flawed, and DirecTV has even sought conditions on others similar to ones ACA is asking for, which are a nondiscriminatory access condition and baseball style arbitration." "Applicants have long worried about the vertical integration of MVPD distribution and RSN programming assets, and have attested to flaws in the operation of the program access rules," ACA said. "The Commission should take heed of their prior advocacy, and adopt remedial conditions on the Applicant’s licenses that will actually work to ensure fair and non-discriminatory access to Applicants’ RSN programming, particularly for smaller MVPDs."
benton.org/headlines/aca-attdirectv-needs-rsn-related-conditions | Broadcasting&Cable
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
PRIVACY/SECURITY
ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION REPORT CHARTS COMPANIES ON NEXT FRONTIER OF USER PRIVACY
[SOURCE: Electronic Frontier Foundation, AUTHOR: Press release]
“Who Has Your Back” evaluates 24 companies, awarding up to five stars in categories like “tell users about government data requests” and “publicly disclose the company’s data retention policies.” Nine companies earned stars in every category available to them: Adobe, Apple, CREDO, Dropbox, Sonic, Wickr, Wikimedia, Wordpress.com, and Yahoo. 2015’s “Who Has Your Back” marks a new era in EFF’s annual report. The best practices that we outlined in earlier years have become tech industry standards. So in 2015, the first star includes the all the main principles from prior reports rolled into a single category called “Industry-accepted best practices.” Four new categories hold companies to an even higher standard of supporting their users’ privacy. “Every day, our digital lives require us to trust the digital services we use more and more, and consumers deserve clear and reliable information about policies and procedures that protect them,” said EFF Staff Attorney Nate Cardozo. “It’s time for all companies to take their users’ privacy seriously and reach the new standards we’ve laid out in ‘Who Has Your Back.’”
benton.org/headlines/electronic-frontier-foundation-report-charts-companies-next-frontier-user-privacy | Electronic Frontier Foundation | EFF Report | New York Times
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
EDUCATION
SENS KINGS, CAPITO INTRODUCE BILL TO GIVE LOW-INCOME, RURAL STUDENTS EDUCATIONAL TOOLS NEEDED TO SUCCEED
[SOURCE: US Senate, AUTHOR: Press release]
Sens Angus King (I-ME) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015, major legislation that would support innovative ways to improve student access to the Internet and other digital learning resources outside of the classroom. The Digital Learning Act of 2015 aims to narrow the growing digital divide by supporting innovative ways to ensure students stay connect and extend access to digital learning opportunities when the leave the classroom. This bill would support states and school districts in piloting creative methods to increase student access to digital learning resources outside of the school day with the goal of increasing student, parent, and educator engagement and improving the ability of students to participate in new learning models, apply for work opportunities, and fill out college applications and financial aid forms. The legislation also directs the US Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences to conduct a national study of the data associated with this growing digital divide, including information on the barriers to students having Internet access at home, how educators are adjusting classroom instruction to cope with this challenge, and how a lack of home Internet access impacts student participation and engagement.
benton.org/headlines/sens-king-capito-introduce-bill-give-low-income-rural-students-educational-tools-needed | US Senate
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
REALITY CHECK REVEALS ED-TECH CHALLENGES
[SOURCE: Education Week, AUTHOR: Kevin Bushweller]
[Commentary] Lofty ed-tech visions are always tempered by reality. You see this reality check playing out in schools nationwide as they launch 1-to-1 computing programs and expand their use of digital curricula. The unexpected problems that arose in Los Angeles (CA) as the country's second-largest school district rolled out an ambitious 1-to-1 and digital curriculum initiative are now legendary in the ed-tech world. The costly mistakes and poor planning ultimately led the district to dial back the effort. Financial, legal, and managerial repercussions continue to swirl in the wake. That is a cautionary tale for all districts. But it is one that should not prevent schools from innovating or striving to put in place thoughtful, well-planned, and cost-effective 1-to-1 and digital curricula initiatives. This 2015 edition of Education Week's Technology Counts looks at both the challenges and the opportunities such programs offer.
benton.org/headlines/reality-check-reveals-ed-tech-challenges | Education Week
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
COMPANY NEWS
APPLE VERSUS GOOGLE
[SOURCE: New Yorker, AUTHOR: Om Malik]
[Commentary] The battle between Google and Apple has shifted from devices, operating systems, and apps to a new, amorphous idea called “contextual computing.” [more at the URL below]
benton.org/headlines/apple-versus-google | New Yorker
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top
STORIES FROM ABROAD
GOOGLE ANTITRUST FINES
[SOURCE: Bloomberg, AUTHOR: Gaspard Sebag, Stephanie Bodoni]
The European Union threatened to levy fines on Google that would be large enough to act as a deterrent after accusing the company of squeezing out rivals in the comparison-shopping market. The EU’s competition watchdog told Google it could face a fine based on its AdWords revenue stemming from European users, according to a version of the statement of objections released to complainants The EU also said it may tell Google to make changes to how its shopping services are displayed. The European Commission “intends to set the fine at a level which will be sufficient to ensure deterrence,” the EU regulator said in the document. The regulator “considers that, based on the facts described in this statement of objections, Google committed the infringement intentionally or, at the very least, negligently.”
benton.org/headlines/google-told-expect-large-fines-eu-antitrust-probe | Bloomberg
Share: Twitter | Facebook
back to top