1. Monthly archive
  2. August 2024

August 2024

Stronger Together: Creating Meaningful Change through Digital Equity Projects

On July 24th the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. As applicants work on their applications, it is critical to keep in mind the importance of sustainable project planning and meaningful change. Meaningful change can create a lasting, measurable impact that resonates for years to come. Successful Digital Equity Projects should be designed with both the present and future in mind, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the initial grant period.

FCC Issues Citations For Broadband Data Reporting Violations

The Federal Communications Commission issued notices of Citation and Order to eleven broadband providers for failure to file mandatory broadband data. The Broadband DATA Act requires the Commission to collect broadband service availability data twice per year for use in creating coverage maps. The companies that received citations had missed two or more occasions to submit data. The companies are:

After millions lose access to internet subsidy, FCC moves to fill connectivity gaps

The Biden administration is moving to blunt the loss of an expired broadband subsidy program that helped more than 23 million families afford internet access by using money from an existing program that helps libraries and schools provide WiFi hotspots to students and patrons.

Open Vault Broadband Insights Report Quarter 2 2024

The rapid expansion of Power Users (subscribers consuming 1 TB or more per month) and the ongoing surge in upstream traffic are placing significant pressure on broadband network capacity and Quality of Experience (QoE), according to the 2Q24 edition of the OpenVault Broadband Insights (OVBI) report. In the second quarter of 2024, 18.2% of all subscribers fall under the “Power User” category, including Power Users of 1 TB or more, Super Power Users of 2 TB or more, and Extreme Power Users of 5 TB or more.

USDA Seeks Applications to Create and Save Jobs in Rural Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding that will help rural businesses create and save jobs in their communities. USDA is making loans and grants available under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) programs for fiscal year 2025. Through the programs, USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they then provide to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas.

Frontier Awarded $6.5 Million Grant to Expand Fiber Broadband Service to Unserved and Underserved Communities in Knox County, Illinois

Frontier received $6.5 million in Connect Illinois grant funding to expand high-speed fiber broadband service in rural Knox County. The grant from the Illinois Office of Broadband, along with $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding committed by the Knox County Board, will accelerate our expansion of our fiber-optic network in the county. With this grant, we will bring fast, reliable connectivity to homes and businesses in rural Knox County, boosting economic and educational opportunities for the county.

AI could be a game changer for people with disabilities

As a lifelong disabled person who constantly copes with multiple conditions, I have a natural tendency to view emerging technologies with skepticism. Most new things are built for the majority of people—in this case, people without disabilities—and the truth of the matter is there’s no guarantee I’ll have access to them. AI could make these kinds of jumps in accessibility more common across a wide range of technologies.

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