CNN
Biden wants to close the digital divide in the US. Here's what that could look like
Historically, the government has subsidized the building of broadband networks by offering incentives to private companies such as Verizon, Comcast and AT&T. But in a break from the past, Biden's proposal calls for prioritizing funding, for the first time, to community-built networks. And the plan isn't just focused on building out broadband in rural or outlying areas. Some of the most persistent examples of the digital divide can be found in dense urban neighborhoods struggling with poverty or inequality.
Wireless companies shelled out billions of dollars to fix this 5G problem
Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T held events to update investors and analysts on spectrum auction results, and laid out plans for expanding their 5G networks. There is "no question" the carriers' new spectrum holdings will improve consumers' experience of using 5G, said Craig Moffett, founding partner and analyst at MoffettNathanson. But the carriers largely expect it will take several years to put the new spectrum to use. This spectrum auction helps the carriers, especially AT&T and Verizon, fill a key gap in their 5G networks.
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We have to close the digital divide. That means internet access for everyone
People of color and low-income communities have been disproportionately harmed by both the COVID-19 virus and the economic recession.
Are you eligible for the FCC's emergency internet discount program? Here's how to find out
Congress' December Covid-19 relief bill included $3.2 billion to help low-income Americans pay for broadband service, as the country continues its push toward recovery from the health and economic crisis. Registration for consumers are expected to begin next month.
COVID-19 vaccine rollout puts a spotlight on unequal internet access
Some of the same internet have-nots who have been at risk of losing access to remote education, telemedicine and social connections throughout the pandemic are now at risk of being left out when it comes to registering for the vaccine.
Here's what reporting on the Capitol rioting was like for journalists who were there (CNN)
Submitted by benton on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 05:53Radio hosts were among the first who could explain Covid to indigenous Mexican farmworkers in US (CNN)
Submitted by benton on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 16:35A fourth-grader walked to school to use its WiFi because he didn't have internet at home (CNN)
Submitted by benton on Fri, 10/23/2020 - 13:05Administration officials alarmed by White House push to fast track lucrative 5G spectrum contract, sources say
Senior officials throughout various departments and agencies of the Trump administration are alarmed at White House pressure to grant what would essentially be a no-bid contract to lease the Department of Defense's mid-band spectrum -- premium real estate for the booming and lucrative 5G market -- to Rivada Networks, a company in which prominent Republicans and supporters of President Donald Trump have investments. The pressure campaign to fast track Rivada's "Request for Proposal" (RFP) by using authorities that would preclude a competitive bidding process intensified in September, and has