What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
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New Street Research: Update on Bulk Billing
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:
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The Kansas Affordability Plan
More than 70,000 Kansas households lack broadband access and over 35,000 additional households’ existing service options render them “underserved.” In addition, many of Kansas’ 8,500 community anchor institutions (CAIs) lack gigabit-level broadband service that would better allow them to provide full levels of support to their communities.
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FCC July 2024 Open Meeting Agenda
Here’s what to expect for the Federal Communications Commission's jam-packed July Open Meeting agenda.
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Biden-Harris Administration Awards $9 Million to Nevada to Advance Digital Inclusion Efforts
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded more than $9 million to Nevada to implement its Digital Equity Plan.
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The Future of Affordable Broadband: Life after the Affordable Connectivity Program
What can be done for the 23 million households that relied on the Affordable Connectivity Program? The Federal Communications Commission could start a proceeding to increase the amount of money in the USF so that it can fund an ACP-like subsidy. It has the power under the Communications Act, it has a consistent funding source, and it has a reason with the ACP’s expiration—an event former FCC Chief of Staff Blair Levin describes as the “biggest step any country has ever taken to widen, rather than close, its digital divide.” Given all this, why doesn’t the FCC act?
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Promoting Digital Equity by Automating Enrollment in Consumer Support Programs
Lifeline and the now defunct Affordable Connectivity Program have helped millions of families afford Internet services that support online learning, remote work, and access to telehealth, among many other uses linked to social and economic wellbeing. However, individuals and families entitled to receive these benefits often have to navigate a complex web of procedures to demonstrate eligibility, enroll in the program and receive services.
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Inside the Telecommunications Bubble
A recent Harris-Guardian poll shows that the public’s perception of the economy is different than economic reality. Most things that the majority of Americans believe about the economy are wrong. I have to say this surprised me more than it probably should have.
What’s Working: New broadband laws to help Colorado streamline distribution of $800+ million
There’s nearly a billion dollars en route to Colorado to fix internet service issues like slow speeds, affordability or the complete lack of service, especially in rural areas.
The Divide: How Colorado is preparing to award $826 Million for BEAD
This episode of The Divide features Brandy Reitter, executive director for Colorado's broadband office.