Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asked her fellow Commissioners to support a proposal that would take further steps to enhance cybersecurity protections to protect school networks. Chairwoman Rosenworcel shared a plan to create a pilot program to invest in cybersecurity services for eligible K-12 schools and libraries.
The Federal Communications Commission announced it is committing over $13.9 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program, which provides digital tools and services to support students in communities across the country.
The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology advanced legislation to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and ensure the agency is advancing American leadership in the telecommunications sector. Approved bills include:
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has worked with the Census Bureau to gather and analyze federal data to identify the “covered populations” defined by the Digital Equity Act. The Digital Equity Act Population Viewer enables users to locate and understand where these populations are concentrated, at both the state and local levels.
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) describes the program’s requirements. An important requirement is that each Eligible Entity must submit an Initial Proposal that includes a BEAD “challenge process.” Join NTIA for a webinar that provides an overview and outlines the role that a unit of local government, nonprofit organization, or broadband service provider may participate in the challenge process.
This webinar will provide an introduction this BEAD state challenge process, including:
This meeting will include discussion on digital equity next steps.
US Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), John Thune, (R-SD), and Peter Welch, (D-VT) reintroduced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide and a plan to implement it.
The Initial Proposal is the “first draft” of an Eligible Entity’s Final Proposal for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program grant funding, and, among other things, should explain how States and Territories will ensure that every resident has access to a reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband connection, drawing on all funding available to accomplish this goal, including but not limited to BEAD Program funds.
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