Level of Government
Regulators set the stage for AI antitrust battles
New NTIA Data Show 13 Million More Internet Users in the U.S. in 2023 than 2021
Results from the latest National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Internet Use Survey point to significant progress toward achieving Internet for All, as 13 million more people used the Internet in the United States in 2023 compared with just two years earlier. Working to achieve digital equity in the United States has long been at the core of NTIA’s mission. NTIA is committed to enabling widespread use of the Internet for communicating, learning, sharing ideas, and growing the economy. To reach this goal, we need solid, evidence-backed research to inform policies an
The Affordable Connectivity Program is over—now what?
As of June 1, the Affordable Connectivity Program has officially come and gone. Question is, now what?
ACHP Chair Asks Congress to Reject Legislative Proposals Allowing Projects to Bypass Historic Preservation Review Process
On behalf of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), Chair Sara Bronin has called on Congress to reject provisions in 15 bills that would exempt certain types of infrastructure projects from review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects, carried out by them or subject to their assistance or approval, on historic properties.
The Areas Hit Hardest by the End of the ACP Internet Subsidy
After the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program on June 1, Government Technology analyzed enrollment data published by the White House to determine where state and local government leaders might expect to see the biggest impact as a result of the end of the program. While California, New York, Texas, Florida and Ohio had the largest numbers of Internet subscribers
Carrier of Last Resort is Still a Thing
I always find it interesting when old regulations bubble up into the news. As reported by Jon Brodkin in Ars Technica, an administrative law judge at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rejected a petition by AT&T to walk away from its carrier of last resort obligations for voice service.
Nebraska PSC Awards Second Round of CPF Grants for Broadband Buildout
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) approved an Order awarding a second round of Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grants designed to bring broadband to unserved and underserved areas of the state. The PSC received 60 applications for funding during the second round.
The Economic Benefit of ACP to the Health Care System
What is the economic benefit of the Affordable Connectivity Program to the health care system? In short, there are many ways that telehealth can reduce costs and improve outcomes.
FTC Opens Antitrust Probe of Microsoft AI Deal
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Microsoft structured one of its latest deals with an artificial-intelligence startup to avoid a government antitrust review of the transaction. Microsoft in March hired Inflection AI’s co-founder and almost all of its employees and agreed to pay the startup around $650 million as part of a licensing fee to resell its technology.
The ACP Is Dead: Long Live the ACP
As of June 1, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is officially exhausted. This means that the 23 million households that rely on it can no longer receive a $30 per month discount on fixed or mobile broadband service. Without the ACP, customers’ main option is the antiquated Lifeline program, which offers $9.25 per month toward broadband service.