Attempts by governmental bodies to improve or impede communications with or between the citizenry.
Government & Communications
Middle-Mile Grant Program Lacked Timely Performance Goals and Targeted Measures
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted case studies in three states and interviewed middle-mile operators, last-mile providers, and state officials. GAO also interviewed federal agency officials, academics, and industry participants. GAO assessed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's NTIA middle mile program documentation against recommended practices related to grants management, duplication, and performance management.
House Commerce Committee Republicans to FCC Chair Rosenworcel: “The Net Neutrality Debate was Settled When the Internet Didn’t Break”
We write to express our disappointment and opposition to your announcement that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote to reclassify fixed and mobile broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. Not only is this bad public policy, but it is also unlawful. Reclassification and the associated heavy-handed regulations that accompany this action continues to be a solution in search of a problem. We seek the following information by October 31, 2023:
FCC Extends Current Native Nations Communications Task Force and Seeks Nominations For Tribal Government Representatives To Serve on Renewed Task Force Beginning in 2024
The Federal Communications Commission announced an extension of the term of the current Native Nations Communications Task Force until the end of 2023. The current term—which was set to expire on October 24, 2023—will now expire on December 31, 2023. The FCC is also seeking applications for membership to serve on a renewed Task Force to start at the beginning of 2024. Applications should be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined here.
Governor Kelly Invites Public Input on Volume 2 of Kansas Broadband Plan
Governor Laura Kelly (D-KS) announced the release of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 2. As part of the planning process, the public is invited to submit comments on the planning document.
FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Federal Communications Commission will hold an Open Meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The FCC will consider:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Broad New Actions to Protect Consumers From Billions in Junk Fees
President Biden was joined by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra as they announced new efforts to crack down on junk fees and bring down costs for American consumers. Junk fees are hidden, surprise fees that companies sneak onto customer bills, increasing costs and stifling competition in industries across the economy.
The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are amplifying a crisis for human rights online. While AI technology offers exciting and beneficial uses for science, education, and society at large, its uptake has also increased the scale, speed, and efficiency of digital repression. Automated systems have enabled governments to conduct more precise and subtle forms of online censorship. Purveyors of disinformation are employing AI-generated images, audio, and text, making the truth easier to distort and harder to discern.
Public Comment Period Open Now for Idaho's Broadband Initial Proposal
The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board and Idaho Office of Broadband have opened a public comment period on the state’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Initial Proposal (Volumes I and II) for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The state has been working to identify Idaho’s internet needs, challenges and opportunities to develop internet expansion plans. The work is reflected in the state’s draft BEAD Initial Proposal.
Michiganders Asked for Feedback on Using $1.6B in Federal Funding to Expand High-Speed Internet Access Across the State
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is now accepting public comment on Volume 1 of Michigan’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal.
Sen Durbin, Rep Kelly Introduce Bicameral Bill to Increase Access to Broadband Service for Low-Income Americans
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) introduced a bicameral bill that would increase access to broadband service for low-income urban and rural Americans. The Promoting Access to Broadband Act would help states increase awareness and enrollment in the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provide a monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for their broadband and telephone service. The bill would: