1. Monthly archive
  2. July 2021

July 2021

Not All Infrastructure Projects Are Worth Doing, Research Paper Finds

A new paper by a pair of economists says the gains from infrastructure spending aren’t always clear-cut and recommends that policymakers examine the costs and benefits of each project. James Poterba, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, co-wrote the paper with Edward Glaeser of Harvard University for the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, a division of the nonpartisan Aspen Institute. In some cases, the authors write, the best solution doesn’t involve c

Governor Newsom and Legislative Leaders Announce Historic Broadband Budget Bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) announced an agreement on a broadband trailer bill to expand the state’s broadband fiber infrastructure and increase internet connectivity for families and businesses (AB/SB 156). The legislation includes:

GCI strikes deal with Intelsat to expand service capacity in rural areas

The Alaskan service provider GCI has struck a $150 million deal with Intelsat to expand capacity for telecommunication services in rural areas. GCI has delivered geosynchronous (GEO) satellite-based connectivity for 35 years to provide data, video and voice services in the state. The new deal not only provides GCI with continued access to C-band and Ku-band capacity, which is already part of GCI's satellite service portfolio, but it also provides new access to statewide Ka-band capacity.

FCC Acts to Protect National Security in Communications Supply Chain

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order that incorporates changes to the FCC's rules consistent with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which appropriated $1.895 billion for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program. The Order is another step in ongoing FCC action to protect the communications networks from those who would harm the United States. Key changes include:

FCC Seeks to Enable State-of-the-Art Radar Sensors in 60 GHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission proposed and sought comment on updated rules for short-range radars in the 60 GHz spectrum band. Cutting edge radar sensing technology has been used to enable in-car radar-based technology to monitor for children left in dangerous, hot cars and touchless control of devices, including to promote accessibility for users with mobility or speech impairments.

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