1. Monthly archive
  2. March 2020

March 2020

The FCC should let itself do more to keep Americans connected through the pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and workplaces to close all over the country, tens of millions of American children have started to attend classes online and tens of millions of American adults are now teleworking from home. This crisis has highlighted how many Americans lack high-speed wired broadband internet at home (approximately 141 million) and specifically how many school-age children are disconnected (as many as 12 million). This digital divide did not happen by accident.

What Does the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Mean for Tech?

The Senate approved the $2.2 trillion stimulus package titled Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides $150 billion to states and local government to respond to the pandemic and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. A breakdown of some of the key funding streams that are either directly related to technology or may incorporate technology as an allowable expense:

Chairman Pai Welcomes Senate Passage of CARES Act to Boost Telehealth

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement after the US Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes $200 million for the agency to support telehealth and telemedicine services:

In the 'Year of 5G,' Many Americans Still Struggle to Get Online

This spring the US government was planning to focus on its strategy for rolling out fifth-generation wireless networks, bringing faster internet connections to power movie downloads, telemedicine, self-driving cars, and more. Then the new coronavirus hit, sending workers and schoolchildren home to try to do their jobs and continue their education on laptops.

Commissioner Starks On Extension Of The Net Neutrality Comment Deadline

The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us all of the importance of a free and open internet. Our broadband connections are more critical than ever, and we must pay special attention to protecting the access of the most vulnerable and those on the front lines of the coronavirus response. That’s why the Commission’s net neutrality remand proceeding is so important – because it asks the public to comment on how the agency’s decision affects Lifeline participants and public safety. Given these extraordinary times, I wish that we’d granted the full extension sought by the requesters.

Coronavirus Bill Buttresses Rural Broadband Buildout Funding

The $2 trillion coronavirus aid bill includes $125 million dollars to buttress the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) telemedicine and distance learning and broadband buildout loan and grant programs. The bill must still be passed by the House — a vote is scheduled for March 27, but that is expected to happen and the President to sign it the same day. 

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