Federal
Statement of Assistant Secretary Davidson on Vecima’s Electronic Equipment for the Internet for All Initiative
Vecima announced that their its American-made broadband electronics for use in anticipated Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program networks are now available. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said, "The Biden-Harris Administration is determined to create good jobs in the U.S.—and keep them here.
The Road to Digital Discrimination Is Paved With Good Intentions: Why Universal Service Depends Upon a Disparate Impact Standard
Rural areas, low-income communities and individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities still often have less access to quality, affordable broadband.
Why Does One Online Education Supporter Oppose Better Data on Online Education?
In July, the U.S. Department of Education proposed regulations that would require colleges to provide more detailed data on students in online education programs.
Hawai'i is Working to Connect All to Affordable Broadband
Connect Kākou is the Hawaiʻi statewide broadband initiative led by the University of Hawai'i' Broadband Office (UHBO) to ensure people from all walks of life have reliable and affordable access to high-speed Internet. The name “Connect Kākou” was chosen to reflect Hawaii’s goal of using high-speed internet to connect everyone across the state. The Hawaiian word “kākou” is used to convey the idea of “all of us,” and underscores the sense of collective responsibility and unity that this initiative represents.
FCC Seeks Nominations for Eight Board Member Positions on the Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks nominations for the following Board member positions on the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) listed below for a three-year term. In addition to the six positions that are expiring as a matter of course at the end of 2024, the FCC also seeks nominations for two additional vacancies resulting from a resignation and carryover vacancy of USAC Board members. All nominations must be filed with the Office of the Secretary by October 28, 2024.
FCC Commissioner Carr Welcomes Back Danielle Thumann as Legal Advisor
Danielle Thumann has rejoined FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr' office as Legal Advisor. Thumann previously served in this role from March 2021 until July 2023. She rejoins the office following a year in the private sector where she led on state and local government relations matters for a nationwide telecommunications infrastructure provider. Before her first stint with Commissioner Carr’s office in 2021, Thumann was an Associate Attorney in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilkinson Barker Knauer.
Context, Courts and Commissions: The 6th Circuit Got Net Neutrality Wrong
In issuing a temporary stay of the Federal Communications Commission 2024 Net Neutrality order, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has gone beyond recent teachings of the Supreme Court to erroneously block exercise of regulatory authority that Congress clearly intended the FCC to exercise. From the Federal Reserve Board to the Federal Trade Commission and beyond, expert agencies have been created as a means for Congress to ensure that durable legislative principles keep up with the times. The current Supreme Court seems not to share that view.
State of Nevada Launches $400 million High Speed Nevada Phase III Subgrantee Selection
The State of Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) announced the start of subgrantee selection for Phase III of the High Speed Nevada Initiative (HSNV).
Satellite broadband joins the party for BEAD: What you need to know
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released long-awaited draft guidance on the use of non-fiber technologies for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, with unlicensed wireless spectrum and satellite broadband entering the funding fray.