Stephen Babcock

The Anti-Digital Redlining Act of 2021 (HR.4875), sponsored by Rep Yvette Clarke (D-NY), would require the FCC to investigate whether internet service providers have discriminatory practices based on income, race, color religion, national origin, and other factors within a geographic area. It also calls for a consumer-centric analysis of franchise agreements between local governments and telecommunications providers.

As part of a $3.9 billion allocation of COVID-19 relief funding from the latest federal law, the American Rescue Plan, Maryland is committing $300 million toward broadband and digital equity initiatives. The package is part of an agreement reached between Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD) and the Democratic legislative leaders of the Maryland General Assembly.

In Baltimore (MD), nearly one-quarter of households lack internet access at home and 18% lack access to a device. The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition includes 50 organizations from across the city to address the digital divide that has existed in Baltimore for years, but is being exacerbated in a time when school and work often require device and internet connectivity at home, and gathering points that would provide access like schools and community centers are closed.

Newly sworn-in Baltimore (MD) Mayor Catherine Pugh took the opportunity of a handshake in the bowels of M&T Bank Stadium during President-elect Donald Trump’s appearance at the Army-Navy game to hand-deliver a letter. Mayor Pugh is looking to get President-elect Trump’s attention politically, writing that the city is the “perfect place” to provide the big-dollar infrastructure spending that Trump said he will propose once he takes office.

Referencing the Smarter Baltimore report completed during Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s term, she said the city schools system will be applying for $8 million in funding from the federal government’s E-rate program that could help install fiber Internet in public schools. “The plan will strategically use the E-rate program to both enhance the City’s educational capabilities, while also leveraging private and City funds, to lay additional fiber to spur economic development, job creation and more robust internet access,” she writes. “A cost-effective fiber network will lead to competition, lower Broadband costs and more connectivity for Baltimore residents and businesses.” She said the city also wants to apply for grants from federal departments like the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.