Well, folks, the day we’ve been waiting for is finally here—the Digital Equity Act funds are finally making their way to communities around the country to support digital inclusion work on the ground. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) made the first State Digital Equity Capacity Grant award to the state of Nevada!This announcement is exciting for Nevadans and the rest of us as this award signals that the rest of the capacity grants to states are on their heels AND the Competitive program Application will open soon. NTIA has 30 days from the time the first grant is made to open up the Competitive Grant program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), so the latest it will open up is July 26th, but I’d expect it sooner. In addition, the application forms for the competitive program (but not the NOFO) are online now for a public comment period. While we don’t have the NOFO yet, the forms tell us a few things we’ve been waiting to learn:

• • Awards will be between $5-$10 million (so by my math this means there will be somewhere between 118-236 projects throughout the program)
  • A match of a minimum of 10% (or exactly 10%, we’ll see what the NOFO says) will be required and the match can be cash or in-kind
  • The cap for Administrative expenses will be 10% (no we don’t know what that includes yet, that will be in the NOFO)
  • There will be three rounds of funding (this year, FY ’25 and FY ’26)
  • This year will be the biggest pot of funds, therefore the most awards will be made this round.

A quarter of U.S. households that relied on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help pay for internet will drop their connections. That finding, along with others, was included in a recent Maravedis report, a market intelligence firm that has a focus on wireless infrastructure, multifamily connectivity, and smart technologies. The report, titled “Managed Connectivity for Affordable Housing in the United States 2024-2029,” also concluded that a quarter of former ACP-enrolled households will maintain internet service. According to the findings of the report, half of households formerly enrolled in the ACP will fluctuate to on-and-off service based on promotional programs. 

As society becomes increasingly more technology-dependent, experts argue that high-speed internet should be present in all homes. However, digital divides are continuing to permeate the country with minorities being the ones primarily affected, according to a new report by the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI). The annual report shows that over 13 million new internet users came out of the U.S. within two years, from 2021 to 2023. But while a larger number of people are able to access the internet now, the gaps remain when it comes to digital connectivity efforts nationwide. According to the report, only 12% of people lived in households without the internet, but certain groups tend to be disproportionately affected by this trend. "Only 62% of Black Americans, 57% of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and 54% of Hispanics used a desktop, laptop or tablet," wrote Rafi Goldberg, a senior policy advisor on digital equity. Conversely, 72% of White non-Hispanics and 71% of Asians used a desktop, laptop or tablet in 2023, according to the survey.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has asked her fellow commissioner to consider either a ban or constraint on bulk billing. We predicted the Chair’s proposal would hit significant resistance. The record reveals that the resistance is strong, coming not just from the expected ISPs but also from groups traditionally at odds with ISPs, groups generally aligned with low-income consumers, and those concerned about low-income adoption. Considering the opposition:

• We don’t see the proposal moving forward anytime soon.
• We think that if a vote goes forward the two Democrats are not likely to vote against the Chair.
• Still, If the FCC moves forward with its proposal, it will likely adopt a more modest approach than what the FCC Chair suggested in her initial press release.
• A ban is highly unlikely, but an opt-out requirement is still possible.
• The November 2024 election also plays a significant role. If the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking isn't approved beforehand, its fate will hinge on the results, as will any enforcement.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed that the agency require mobile providers to unlock customers’ mobile phones within 60 days of activation. New unlocking rules would allow consumers the freedom to take their existing phones and switch from one mobile wireless service provider to another more easily, as long as the consumer’s phone is compatible with the new provider’s wireless network. At its July 18 Open Meeting, the FCC will vote on a proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on expanding unlocking requirements to establish a clear and uniform set of requirements for all mobile service providers. Mobile phone unlocking can increase consumer choice and competition in the wireless service provider marketplace. Updated unlocking rules would give consumers more flexibility when switching service providers, increase competition by reducing consumer’s switching costs, and reduce customer confusion by applying the same unlocking rules to all mobile service providers.

Each June, Pride Month provides an occasion to celebrate progress made by the LGBTQI+ community and reflect on the work that remains to create a more equitable future. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI+, high-speed Internet access can unlock educational and economic opportunities, customized physical and mental health resources, and social and community connections. We are shining a light on the unique ways high-speed Internet access can open doors—both for individuals identifying as LGBTQI+ and their friends and families—to realize a more equitable tomorrow. 

• Promoting an Inclusive Learning Environment: The Department of Education provides resources to ensure schools are inclusive and nondiscriminatory including toolkits, fact sheets, and up to date Title IX guidelines. High-speed Internet access places these resources at the fingertips of students, families, and school staff.
• Creating a Welcoming Workplace: The Department of Labor connects LGBTQI+ individuals to economic opportunities and promotes information sharing to make the workplace a welcoming place for jobseekers and workers. DOL’s recent round up of policies and resources aims to support an inclusive environment at work.
• Providing and Accessing Appropriate Healthcare: With access to high-speed Internet service, LGBTQI+ patients can research and pursue care options that would otherwise be unavailable to access locally.
• Building Safe Virtual Communities: High-speed Internet access continues to provide outlets for LGBTQI+ individuals to connect with one another and provide peer support.