April 2020

Chairman Pai Hears From Broadband And Telephone Service Providers That Traffic Is Up But Networks Are Performing Well

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai spoke April 1 with broadband and telephone service providers and trade association leaders about the state of American communications networks as volume and usage patterns shift during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chairman heard from providers across the country who reported network usage had risen about 20-35% for fixed networks and 10-20% for cellular networks in recent weeks, with increased demand in suburban, exurban, and residential areas and during daytime hours.

In Response to TracFone Lifeline fine, FCC Commissioners Rosenworcel and Starks also call for expanding Lifeline

In statements about the Federal Communications Commission's proposed $6 million fine against TracFone for violating FCC Lifeline program rules, FCC Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks called for expanding the Lifeline program. Both agreed the penalty for TracFone was appropriate, but that it is time to have a bigger conversation about Lifeline.

FCC Proposes $6 Million Fine Against Tracfone for Violating Lifeline Program Rules

The Federal Communications Commission proposed a $6,013,000 fine against TracFone Wireless, a prepaid wireless provider offering Lifeline service under the SafeLink Wireless brand, for apparent violations of the FCC’s Lifeline program rules. TracFone apparently claimed federal Lifeline funding for customers who were not actually determined to be eligible for the program, which helps make communications services more affordable for low-income Americans.In 2018, TracFone apparently sought and obtained federal Lifeline support for hundreds of ineligible subscribers in Florida.

FCC Commissioner O'Rielly on Connected Care Pilot Program: Half-Cooked and Rushed Out the Door (Federal Communications Commission)

Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 16:54

FCC Fights COVID-19 with $200M; Adopts Long-Term Connected Care Study

The Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt a $200 million telehealth program to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Congress appropriated the funds as part of the CARES Act. Through the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the FCC will help healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services. Funding applications from healthcare providers will be processed on a rolling basis.

How the COVID Tracking Project fills the public health data gap (Columbia Journalism Review)

Submitted by benton on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 16:38

Telecom Industry, Broadband Advocates Push for Internet Subsidies in Next Stimulus

With few funds dedicated to expanding at-home internet access in the $2.2 trillion “phase three” economic stimulus package, broadband advocates and the telecommunications industry are starting to push for the Federal Communications Commission and Congress to ensure that the government prioritizes expanding and funding existing subsidy programs in the next relief legislation to bring more Americans online as the coronavirus continues to spread.

Congress' Next Coronavirus Fight: Broadband?

As Congress contemplates a new package of Covid-19 countermeasures, digital connectivity is shaping up to be a significant negotiating point. Telecom provisions that could be in play: Democrats will push for billions of dollars to close the online Homework Gap and help low-income households with connectivity. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also led her Democratic chairs in a renewed infrastructure push that would wrap in $86 billion for broadband efforts.

Newly Unemployed Need Lifeline

Over 10 million newly-unemployed Americans are being urged if not ordered to shelter in place for their own health and that of their communities. A broadband connection makes it possible for their children to continue to learn, for workers to look for new jobs, and for families to connect with doctors and loved ones. Fortunately, the Federal Communications Commission has a tool that can keep these people connected, the Lifeline program.

Commissioner Rosenworcel on Weekly Jobless Report Showing 6.6 Million New Unemployment Claims

Today’s announcement is a sad indication of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the country’s economy and on the livelihood of so many people that find themselves newly out of work. As the coronavirus places new strains on our economy and households across the country, we need to make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to communications. Now is the time to see how we can modernize our Lifeline program and extend its reach to so many in need. This includes the millions of recently unemployed, seniors, and others at risk at this difficult time.

Benton

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