Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
Federal Broadband Funding Report: These Agencies Are Funding Internet for All
On May 8, 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth released its second annual report
Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing Examines the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The House Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology convened to conduct oversight of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The subcommittee is considering reauthorizing NTIA for the first time since 1993. Key questions leading into the hearing included:
Reactions to President Biden's Nominations to the Federal Communications Commission
"We are pleased that President Biden has announced these excellent nominees," said Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss. "While we remain disappointed that our colleague Gigi Sohn did not receive the confirmation vote she so richly deserved, we are confident that Anna Gomez will be able to join Geoffrey Starks and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel as strong protectors of the public interest.
What did NTIA's Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth Accomplish in 2022?
The Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) is housed within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Congress created OICG in the ACCESS BROADBAND Act of 2021, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, to oversee all broadband activity at NTIA and lead federal efforts to fund and expand broadband access across the country.
Benton Fellow Gigi Sohn Receives Louis H. Pollak Award From Penn Carey Law Alumni Society
On May 18 in Philadelphia (PA), the Penn Carey Law Alumni Society bestowed its Louis H. Pollak Award on Gigi Sohn, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s Senior Fellow and Public Advocate. The Louis H. Pollak Award is presented each year to a member of the Penn Carey Law alumni community who pursues a career advancing justice through service to others. Sohn is being recognized for serving as an inspiration and role model to Penn Carey Law students and alumni aspiring to impactful careers in public service.
ACP Enrollment Performance Tool: Understanding Factors that Play a Role in ACP Enrollment
Recently we launched the Benton Institute’s Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Performance Tool, a free resource that helps communities answer the question: “How are ACP sign-ups going?” Using the tool to search 5-digit zip codes delivers two important numbers: 1) how many households have signed up for ACP and 2) the expected number of households enrolled. Comparing expected enrollment to actual enrollment is a measure of performance.
A Discussion About the State of Universal Service
All people in the United States shall have access to rapid, efficient, nationwide communications service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges.
House Commerce Committee Continues Oversight of Federal Broadband Programs
The House Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held a hearing on May 10 discussing federal funding for broadband deployment as part of ongoing efforts to