1. Monthly archive
  2. June 2016

June 2016

Silicon Valley: My Journey off the Beaten Path

Millions across the globe refer to Silicon Valley as the epicenter of innovation. Each and every day we depend on some of this region’s largest and most well-known companies to power our e-mail, support our social media accounts and supply us with video streaming services. This is the Silicon Valley most Washington policy wonks tout and these are the enterprises with which we are most familiar. Recently, however, as part of my #ConnectingCommunities tour, I had the opportunity to widen my perspective and gain expanded, more comprehensive insights by visiting several key innovators whose work and mission may not be as well known, but are certainly relevant and inspiring.

Thousands of entrepreneurs, startups and investors are using technology and resources to drive advancements in healthcare, broadband infrastructure, connectivity and viewpoint diversity. As I continue on my #ConnectedCommunities tour, I am ever mindful that our work is not done and its importance cannot be overstated. I look forward to keeping an open dialogue as we work together to close the digital divide and promote universal opportunities for all.

NTIA Request for Comments on the Proposed Framework for the Community Connectivity Self-Assessment Tool

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites the general public and other federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the proposed framework for the community connectivity self-assessment tool.

This framework is an element of the Community Connectivity Initiative, which is one of the commitments of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through its work with the Broadband Opportunity Council, which President Barack Obama established to review actions the federal government could take to reduce regulatory barriers to broadband deployment, competition, investment, and adoption. The Community Connectivity Initiative will support communities across the country with tools to help accelerate local broadband planning and deployment efforts. The community connectivity self-assessment tool will provide a framework of benchmarks and indicators on broadband access, adoption, policy and use, helping community leaders identify critical broadband needs and connect them with expertise and resources. Written comments must be submitted on or before August 29, 2016.

Cablevision to shutter Freewheel as Comcast, others prepare to jump into mobile

Cablevision is shutting down its Freewheel service in a move that underscores the difficulties cable companies face as they try to elbow their way into the wireless market. The New York state-based cable operator launched Freewheel in 2015, hoping to lure customers with a Wi-Fi based service focused on data rather than aiming to replace cellular offerings.

The service cost $9.95 a month for Cablevision's Optimum Online customers and $29.95 a month for non-customers. At launch the offering worked only with Motorola's Moto G, which sells at a heavily discounted $100. But Altice, a Dutch telecom conglomerate that has begun to close on its acquisition of Cablevision, recently gave its soon-to-be subsidiary the green light to close down Freewheel, according to a report today in The Wall Street Journal. Unlike Wi-Fi-first MVNOs such as Republic Wireless or Scratch Wireless, Freewheel can't access cellular networks where Wi-Fi service is unavailable. But Cablevision clearly thought it could attract users who may not need constant connectivity on the go.

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