1. Monthly archive
  2. September 2016

September 2016

NTIA Seeks Public Comments on National Broadband Research Agenda

In furtherance of the Broadband Opportunity Council's recommendation to improve data collection, analysis and research on broadband, NTIA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) request public comments to inform the development of a National Broadband Research Agenda in collaboration with the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program and other agencies that form the Council. This Agenda will reflect the most significant opportunities for data collection, analysis, and research to keep pace with, and take advantage of, the massive digital changes that permeate our economy and society.

Submit written comments on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 11, 2016.

The Broadband Imperative II: Equitable Access for Learning

The bar has moved. Access to high-speed broadband in K-12 education is no longer an afterthought; instead it is fundamental for implementing the student-centered learning models critical in preparing all students for college and careers in the digital age.

Schools and districts are moving towards student-centered, personalized learning approaches to increase student success — utilizing digital applications to support these deeper learning experiences. High-speed broadband access enables schools to expand learning options, allowing students to create content, participate in virtual courses that may not be available on their campuses, and to collaborate with experts or other students remotely. Bandwidth capacity is required to support these digital age learning opportunities, and determines which digital instructional materials and educational applications students and educators can effectively leverage in the classroom. In this report, SETDA advocates for increasing robust access both in and out of school to best prepare all students for college and careers.

SETDA provides the following updated recommendations for policymakers and school leaders:
1. Increase Infrastructure to Support Student-Centered Learning
2. Design Infrastructure to Meet Capacity Targets
3. Ensure Equity of Access for All Students Outside of School
4. Leverage State Resources to Increase Broadband Access

Netflix Presses FCC To Condemn Data Caps

Netflix is calling for the government to crack down on broadband providers that impose data caps on their subscribers.

Data caps "discourage a consumer’s consumption of broadband, and may impede the ability of some households to watch Internet television in a manner and amount that they would like," Netflix says in a new filing with the Federal Communications Commission. Netflix is urging the FCC to rule that all data caps on wireline networks, as well as "low" data caps on mobile networks, may "unreasonably limit Internet television viewing." The company adds that data caps (as well as pay-per-byte billing) don't seem to have any purpose other than to make online video more expensive for consumers. Consumer advocates have made the same point, arguing that data caps don't help manage congestion on wireline networks, given that the caps aren't pegged to current network conditions.

House Subcommittee Examines Rural Call Completion

The House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, chaired by Rep Greg Walden (R-OR), held a hearing examining the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act (H.R. 2566), introduced by Rep David Young (R-IA). Members examined the persistent problems many Americans living in rural areas have when it comes to receiving long distance or wireless calls on their landline telephones. Despite attempts made by the Federal Communications Commission to address the lingering issues problems still persist. H.R. 2566 would require intermediate providers to register with the FCC and comply with the service quality standards set by the agency.

Trends in visiting public libraries have steadied, and many Americans have high expectations for what their local libraries should offer

Most Americans view public libraries as important parts of their communities, with a majority reporting that libraries have the resources they need and play at least some role in helping them decide what information they can trust.

When asked to think about the things that libraries could do in the future, notable numbers of Americans respond in a way that can be boiled down to one phrase: “Yes, please.” Public libraries, many Americans say, should offer programs to teach people digital skills (80% think libraries should definitely do this) and help patrons learn how to use new creative technologies like 3-D printers (50%). At the same time, 57% of Americans say libraries should definitely offer more comfortable places for reading, working and relaxing. Yet, Americans are also divided on a fundamental question about how books should be treated at libraries: 24% support the idea of moving books and stacks in order to make way for more community- and tech-oriented spaces, while 31% say libraries should not move the books to create such spaces. About four-in-ten think libraries should maybe consider doing so.

Most tech is made by tech companies, for tech people

[Commentary] As technology becomes even more intertwined with people’s daily lives, whether it’s at home or at work, it becomes more and more imperative that the people who build that technology demonstrate a diversity of thought and focus. The industry has grown past being a small group of dreamers. It’s our responsibility to approach problems with clear eyes, and have our brains (and our hearts) tuned toward empathy and inclusion. Once we do, we will break out of our comfortable echo chamber and open up new worlds of opportunity for ourselves — and more importantly, for the people we make things for.

[Stacey Epstein is the CEO of Zinc, an enterprise software company offering a mobile messaging platform]

Rep Greg Walden Wants to Chair House Commerce Committee

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) would like to be the next chairman of the House Commerce Committee if the GOP maintains its House majority in the next Congress.

Rep John Shimkus (R-IL), who has seniority on the panel over Rep Walden, has also indicated interest in seeking the position. “I would very much like to chair the Energy and Commerce Committee. I’m not alone.” He also said he’s now focused on his work with the House GOP’s campaign arm to ensure “that we have gavels” in 2017. Rep Walden currently chairs the Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

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