What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
President Trump Preparing Plan to Boost AI, 5G Technology
President Donald Trump is preparing an ambitious plan to ramp up the government’s role in speeding next-generation technologies such as 5G wireless and artificial intelligence, two key areas of competition with China. Administration officials say the president is preparing to issue a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the US strength in advanced technology.
Concerns About FCC's Upcoming Broadband Deployment Progress Report
The National Hispanic Media Coalition joined Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Common Cause, Communications Workers of America, United Church of Christ and members of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Media/Telecom Task Force in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission expressing concern over proposed findings in the agency’s upcoming Broadband Deployment Progress Report. They requested the FCC:
The hearing will focus on opportunities for infrastructure improvement, including federal funding, financing programs, and permitting and regulatory streamlining.
Witnesses:
The purpose of the forum, which is open to the public and members of the media, is for Board Members to hear from experts about current and emerging challenges related to the Board’s mission: ensuring that efforts by the Executive Branch to protect the nation from terrorism appropriately safeguard privacy and civil liberties. The forum will inform the Board as it develops its agenda for 2019 and beyond.
What do the gaps in your TV channels, the "homework gap", Educational Broadband Service (EBS), and 5G all have in common? All are current hot topics in the field of broadband spectrum, which has been buzzing with activity over the last few years. It’s all very exciting, but can be difficult to follow for those new to the spectrum policy sphere.
“Key Concepts in Spectrum Policy” offers the need-to-know background on the different licensing regimes, the key proceedings at the FCC, the relationship between spectrum and 5G, and why it all matters for community anchor institutions.
Better Maps, Better Connectivity: How Data Can Close the Broadband Gap
As policymakers work with industry and stakeholders to ensure that all Americans have access, they need reliable data to effectively target funding and programs to meet their goals. The primary source of information on connectivity is the Federal Communications Commission, which gathers data from carriers offering broadband service. Since 2011, that data—collected on Form 477—has been displayed on the Fixed Broadband Deployment map (previously called the National Broadband Map), which shows which entities are offering fixed broadband, where they are offering it, and at what speeds.
Eight More States/Territories Participating in Lifeline National Verifier
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau announces the soft launch date for the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier in Alaska, American Samoa, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, the Northern Mariana Islands, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Bureau also announces the full launch of the National Verifier in Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Soft Launch – February 6: Alaska, American Samoa, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, the Northern Mariana Islands, Rhode Island, and the U.S.
Former FCC Chairman Wheeler, Powell to Testify at Feb 7 Net Neutrality Hearing
Former Federal Communications Commission Chairmen Tom Wheeler and Michael Powell will be among the high-profile witnesses at the Feb 7 House Communications Subcommittee hearing on network neutrality. Others testifying include:
- Jessica González, deputy director and senior counsel, Free Press & Free Press Action Fund
- Denelle Dixon, COO, Mozilla
- Ruth Livier, actress, writer, and UCLA doctoral student.
FCC Gets Set to Adopt Legacy USF Phase-Out Plan for CAF II Auction Areas
The Federal Communications Commission will vote in Feb on proposed procedures for phasing out traditional Universal Service Fund (USF) support for areas served by price cap carriers in which the carrier did not accept funding through the Connect America Fund (CAF) to deploy broadband service. Those areas were subsequently made available for auction, with funding going to the network operator that offered to deploy broadband for the lowest level of support.
Free Press’ Alicia Bell will be talking with journalists, advocates and policy experts about how to challenge and change a media that normalizes White supremacy in the Trump era.
The news has incredible power to influence how we think and react to the world around us. With this comes a responsibility to disseminate truth and challenge the powers that be.