May 2024

OpenAI inks licensing deal with Dotdash Meredith

Dotdash Meredith, one of the largest digital publishers in the US, inked a deal with OpenAI to license its content to train 

Meta Seeks Do-Over In Battle With Advertisers Over Inflated Metrics

Meta Platforms is urging a federal appellate court to reconsider a recent 2-1 decision allowing Facebook and Instagram advertisers to proceed with a class-action fraud lawsuit over inflated metrics.

TikTok files court challenge to US law that could lead to ban

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance challenged the US government in a legal filing on May 7 over a new law forcing the sale or ban of the social media giant, igniting a high-stakes court battle in Washington that could prove to be an existential fight for one of the world’s most popular apps. President Biden signed a law in April demanding that China-based ByteDance sell TikTok within a year or be banned across the United States, arguing that the Chinese government c

Leadership Transition for Illinois Broadband Lab Collaborators

Devon Braunstein is taking the helm as Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Broadband at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Matt Schmit is poised to join the Illinois Broadband Lab at the University of Illinois System as Senior Director for Broadband.

DZS to Acquire Subscriber Access Technology Leader NetComm

DZS a global leader of broadband networking and software-defined cloud solutions, announced a binding agreement to acquire NetComm Wireless. The acquisition of NetComm’s Fiber Extension, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Home Broadband and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) products and patents combined with DZS’ category defining broadband networking and cloud software solutions will create one of the world’s most comprehensive and technologically advanced last mile broadband access portfolios.

Washington Public Works Board approves $21 million in broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency grants and loans

The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting, the PWB approved $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and two emergency infrastructure projects for $514,500.

Middle Mile as a Catalyst: Municipal Investments for Broadband Equity and Affordability

A blueprint for cities and counties to expand Internet access by leveraging a municipally-enabled, middle-mile fiber backbone without bearing the full burden of infrastructure costs. The approach could help bridge the persistent digital divide affecting numerous communities nationwide. Drawing on case studies from Fort Worth and Lake Cities (TX), and Joplin (MO) Middle Mile as a Catalyst highlights the efficacy of following this approach.

Millions of Americans could lose home internet access next month

Back in the pandemic depths of December 2020, when so many Americans were working, learning and performing essential daily tasks online, the Federal Communications Commission launched an emergency program to help low-income people connect to high-speed internet with a $50-per-month subsidy. That was extended with the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has provided $30 a month for internet service.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $420 Million Funding Opportunity to Promote Wireless Equipment Innovation

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that up to $420 million in funding will be made available to build the radio equipment needed to advance open network adoption in the US and abroad. This is the second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund and this NOFO aims to drive commercialization and innovation in open radio units.