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  2. November 2024

November 2024

FCC Sees Strong Interest in the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program

The Federal Communications Commission received 2,734 applications from schools, libraries, and consortia of schools and libraries to participate in the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, representing $3.7 billion in requests to fund cybersecurity projects during the three-year program. During the application filing window—which ran from September 17, 2024 through November 1, 2024—the Pilot Program attracted applications from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, including schools and libraries in both rural and urban communities.

Elections Matter—2024 Edition

On November 5, 2024, Donald J. Trump was elected to serve as the 47th President of the United States. The election will result in changes not just in the executive branch but in Congress as well. Even with results still coming in, we take a look at changes to the Congressional committees that oversee broadband policy, the Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Weekly Digest

Elections Matter—2024 Edition

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Friday, November 8, 2024

Tennessee Announces 40 Communities to Receive Community Development Block Grants

Tennessee Gov Bill Lee (R-TN) and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter approved $26.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which will assist communities with infrastructure improvements and health and safety initiatives. “Forty new communities are increasing the quality of life for Tennesseans through these crucial infrastructure grants, and I look forward to seeing the benefit and economic growth this funding brings to their regions.” said Gov Lee.

Verizon Battles FCC Over Privacy Fine

Verizon asked a federal appellate court to nix the $47 million fine imposed by the Federal Communications Commission for sharing customers' location data. “The agency ignored the limits of its authority in these multiple ways, in an effort to show force against a large company that did nothing wrong,” Verizon argues in a written brief filed with the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.

National Fraternal Order of Police calls on President-elect Trump to Choose Carr as Next FCC Chair

Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, announced that the organization has sent a letter to President-elect Donald J. Trump asking him to appoint Brendan T. Carr to be the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. “Commissioner Carr has been a great partner to the men and women in law enforcement,” Yoes said. “He is known as ‘Mr. 5G’ for his strong advocacy in accelerating the availability of this new technology.

Peoria County, Illinois, Launches Digital Equity Pilot to Bridge the Digital Divide

Peoria County (IL) has launched a Digital Equity Pilot program designed to provide low-cost or no-cost internet access to eligible low-income households. The initiative is funded through a $125,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. The importance of reliable internet access became undeniable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it shifted from being a luxury to a necessity for daily life.

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