Press Release
Charter Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results
Charter Communications reported financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Charter had 29.6 million residential customer relationships, excluding mobile-only relationships.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves New Mexico and Virginia’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved New Mexico and Virginia’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This approval enables New Mexico and Virginia to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. The action allows states to request:
How Microsoft is working with partners and policymakers to advance accessibility as a fundamental right through technology
We are proud to celebrate Disability Pride Month and reaffirm our commitment to closing the disability divide through technology and policy. At Microsoft, we believe disability is a strength, and that empowering people with disabilities is essential for creating a more inclusive and accessible world. We are committed to closing the disability divide, which is the gap between the opportunities and outcomes of people with and without disabilities, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and civic participation.
CPUC Recommends Fourth Round of Grant Awards for Last Mile Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across California
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the fourth round of recommended awardees for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. This program expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Massachusetts' “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Massachusetts' Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Massachusetts to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Rep Porter Introduces Bill to Boost Social Media Transparency
Rep Katie Porter (D-CA) introduced legislation to protect social media users from hate speech and increase transparency from tech companies. In 2023, more than half of adults and teens reported being harassed online, up 12% from 2022, but experts lack data to evaluate how well social media companies are protecting users from hate speech. The Digital Social Platform Transparency Act would require social media companies to provide clear and accessible Terms of Service to users and report on internal content regulation processes.
Sens Hickenlooper, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create Guidelines for Third-Party Audits of AI
Sens John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (VET AI) Act which directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with federal agencies and stakeholders across industry, academia, and civil society to develop detailed specifications, guidelines, and recommendations for third-party evaluators to work with AI companies to provide robust independent externa
Wireless Network Keeping Up with Demand as Customer Problems Decrease, J.D. Power Finds
With the increase of 5G phones and network technology, wireless customers are experiencing fewer problems according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Volume 2. The reduction of problems has led to improved consumer perception of reliability and increased network quality satisfaction. Highlights from the study include:
FCC Launches New Mobile Speed Test App
The Federal Communications Commission launched its new Mobile Speed Test app which features an enhanced user interface that makes challenging the accuracy of the provider-reported mobile coverage data even easier. The new app replaces the original FCC Speed Test app and is part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection program. It enables users to obtain free, open, and transparent information about the performance of their mobile network.