January 2020

Don’t Tilt Scales Against President Trump, Facebook Executive Warns

On Dec. 30, Andrew Bosworth, the head of Facebook’s virtual and augmented reality division, wrote on his internal Facebook page that, as a liberal, he found himself wanting to use the social network’s powerful platform against President Donald Trump. But citing the “Lord of the Rings” franchise and the philosopher John Rawls, Mr. Bosworth said that doing so would eventually backfire. “So what stays my hand?

The Internet Master Plan

Today, there is a large digital divide in New York City. The majority of New Yorkers use a mobile connection and a home connection, and they increasingly need both to make full use of the internet. Mobile connectivity is especially critical for people who commute to service jobs or for those with unstable housing, while a connection at home is essential for doing homework or applying for a job.

US finally prohibits ISPs from charging for routers they don’t provide

A new US law prohibits broadband and TV providers from charging "rental" fees for equipment that customers have provided themselves. A government spending bill approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in Dec includes new requirements for television and broadband providers. A new "consumer right to accurate equipment charges" prohibits the companies from charging customers for "covered equipment provided by the consumer." Covered equipment is defined as "equipment (such as a router) employed on the premises of a person...

Chairman Pai Appoints D'wana Terry to Lead FCC Workplace Diversity Office

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced the appointment of D’wana Terry as acting director of the FCC’s Office of Workplace Diversity. The Office of Workplace Diversity ensures that the FCC provides employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

FCC Commissioner Starks Remarks to CTA Government Affairs Council

In 2020 and beyond, my principal focus will be ensuring that our communications networks and technologies support security, privacy, and our democratic values. I am optimistic that technological developments, especially 5G standards, will support our efforts to improve network and data security.