What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
North Carolina's Approach to Digital Equity and Education
On June 17, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, in partnership with the Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, hosted a webinar titled The Power of Partnership: State Strategies for Digital and Educational Equity.
Three More Broadband Providers Announce ACP Alternatives
Breezeline, LICT Corporation, and Longmont Power & Communications are the latest broadband providers to offer an alternative to the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offered a $30 per month discount on internet service to low-income households and was terminated in May. The new programs from these companies offer discounted service to low-income households that were on the ACP and in two cases offer the lower-cost service to new households that meet the income eligibility requirements. Though each company’s discount offering is slightly different—both in
No end in sight for 5G spectrum squabbling
It looks like Congress will remain deadlocked over how to release spectrum for 5G.
Sens Young, Schatz Introduce Bill to Raise Awareness, Boost Public Trust in Artificial Intelligence
Sens Todd Young (R-IN) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act, bipartisan legislation to help raise awareness and boost public trust in artificial intelligence (AI).
Washington State's Plan for Affordable Broadband
To bridge the digital divide in Washington and strive to meet the state's universal broadband goals, the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) recognizes the intrinsic link between affordability and accessibility. The State of Washington is committed to investing in universal broadband access that is affordable, reliable, scalable, and sustainable to support equitable economic development and connect every community throughout the state, enriching the lives of all Washington residents and businesses.
With Funding for ACP Up, Supporters Push for New Money, Better Access for Low-Income Families
Now that the federal Affordable Connectivity Program has run out of money, advocates for it are calling on the passage of a new funding bill—and some changes to the program. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was part of the landmark 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Senate spectrum bill markup scrapped over partisan differences
The Senate Commerce Committee scrapped plans for a markup of wireless spectrum auction legislation that had already been punted several times. Sen Maria Cantwell (D-WA), attributed the markup’s cancelation to Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX).
As the digital world evolves quickly, so does the complex legal landscape surrounding content moderation and online expression. This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court will deliver rulings on several pivotal First Amendment cases that will have far-reaching consequences for technology platforms and their approach to content moderation. Cases like NetChoice v. Paxton, Moody v. NetChoice, and Murthy v. Missouri will define the boundaries of acceptable content control by social media companies and other online platforms.
Do Companies Care About the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Your written testimony noted various affiliations. Which companies that receive ACP have you or your employers received funding from since the program’s inception?
FCC Commissioner Carr Raises Possibility of ‘Incentive Auction 2.0’
At its annual meeting, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) announced a number of new developments, including a new branding campaign, mission statement and updates on its efforts to expand adoption of the ATSC 3.0 (aka NextGen TV) internationally as well as the campaign to sunset 1.0. But it was perhaps a comment from Federal Communications Commissioner Brendon Carr in a discussion with ATSC President Madeleine Noland that garnered the most attention.