Recent Federal Actions to Expand Broadband: Are We Making Progress?

The hearing will review recent federal actions to expand broadband coverage, including the Federal Communications Commission’s actions on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), the Re-Connect program, and moves to enhance federal coordination among these existing programs. It also will consider the measures directed at broadband expansion adopted by Congress in response to the pandemic, like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) broadband grant programs for Tribes, unserved areas, and minority-serving institutions. Witnesses will have the opportunity to discuss the effectiveness of these programs in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved Americans throughout the country.

Witnesses:

• Dr. Christopher Ali, Associate Professor, Department of Media Studies, University of Virginia
• Mr. Justin Forde, Senior Director, Government Relations, Midco
• The Honorable Michael O’Rielly, Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
• Mr. Jon Wilkins, Partner, Quadra Partners