December 2018

Chinese telecom Huawei has again told the Federal Communications Commission that the commission's proposal to exclude some Chinese companies' technology--Huawei and ZTE-- from Universal Service Fund broadband subsidy support is both legally and factually deficient. Government contractors can't buy equipment from Chinese telecoms ZTE or Huawei as part of those contracts, and must submit a plan for phasing out the use of that equipment from its systems. That came with President Donald Trump's signing on Aug 13 of the John S.

On Dec 6, the US Census Bureau released the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimate including data on internet subscription rates. The new data provide powerful insight into the inequity of US broadband adoption, especially among neighboring counties. But the research also re-emphasizes the necessity for more accurate broadband maps.  At Benton, our goal is to bring open, affordable, high-capacity broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy. Accurate broadband maps are one necessary step towards realizing this vision.