1. Monthly archive
  2. February 2020

February 2020

Minnesota regulators worry about changes to Lifeline

Minnesota state regulators worry changes to Lifeline could disrupt discounts on phone and broadband service for some low-income Minnesotans. In an effort to crack down on fraud and abuse, the Federal Communications Commission has for several years been working to streamline Lifeline's application process. As the changes to Lifeline take effect in Minnesota, they have stoked fears that some of the program's subscribers will lose their discounts in the transition.

USDA Invests $28 Million in Broadband for Rural Virginia Communities

The US Department of Agriculture invested $28 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure for more than 17,000 rural households in Virginia. Central Virginia Electric Cooperative will use a $28 million ReConnect Program loan and grant combination to construct a fiber-to-the-premises network encompassing 704 square miles.

USDA Invests $19 Million in Broadband for Rural Texas Communities

The US Department of Agriculture invested $19 million in three, high-speed broadband infrastructure projects that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for almost 7,000 rural households, 46 farms, 32 pre-subscribed businesses, 19 critical community facilities and 15 educational facilities in rural Texas. 

FCC Proposes Over $200M in Fines for Wireless Location Data Violations

The Federal Communications Commission proposed fines against the nation’s four largest wireless carriers for apparently selling access to their customers’ location information without taking reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to that information. As a result, T-Mobile faces a proposed fine of more than $91 million; AT&T faces a proposed fine of more than $57 million; Verizon faces a proposed fine of more than $48 million; and Sprint faces a proposed fine of more than $12 million.

The Digital Divide: An Isolating Problem in Cleveland

Based on 2018 statistics from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Cleveland (OH) ranks 33rd in the nation when it comes to completely unconnected households (27.42%), and ranks 33rd when it comes to homes without a wire line (44%). Cincinnati (OH) ranked 158th out of 625. About 17% of households have no broadband of any type. About 30% of households lack a wireline: fiber, cable or DSL. The city ranks 211st when it comes to those metrics. Solving the problem is taking many forms. Local libraries and community organizations offer computer labs and digital literacy training.

Department of Health and Human Services Targets Telehealth for Emergency Services in New Grant Program

The Department of Health and Human Services is offering grants to rural healthcare providers looking to use telehealth to improve emergency services, such as stroke, behavioral health or EMS care.

© 1994-2024 Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. All Rights Reserved.