Profiles of the people who make or influence communications policy.
Policymakers
Idaho Commerce Welcomes New Broadband Manager
Idaho Commerce hired Ramón S. Hobdey-Sánchez as the state’s new Broadband Program Manager. For over seven years, Ramón worked at the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) as a project manager in the Office of Governmental Affairs. His work at ITD has included consistent interactions with the public, local officials, Idaho Legislators, and the Governor’s Office.
The Senate Gets an 'F' in FCC for Failing to Confirm Public-Interest Advocate Gigi Sohn After a Year of Senseless Delays
It's been one year since President Biden nominated Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society] to the Federal Communications Commission. Since then, the FCC has remained deadlocked 2–2 as Sohn has faced an underhanded campaign by deep-pocketed phone, cable, and broadcast companies seeking to hamstring the agency that oversees their businesses. No other nominee in the FCC’s history has had to wait so long for a confirmation vote in the Senate.
The (would-be) Senators from Silicon Valley
On November 8, America could accomplish another political first: Electing two US senators from the idiosyncratic, increasingly ideological world of Silicon Valley venture capital.
FTC Commissioner Phillips Steps Down, Leaves Agency With Republican Vacancy
Federal Trade Commissioner Noah Phillips stepped down from his position Oct 14, leaving a Republican vacancy at the antitrust and consumer protection agency. Phillips, a former Senate staffer, joined the agency in May 2018.
President Biden’s internet promises in limbo amid long battle over FCC nominee
The Federal Communications Commission has been without a Democratic majority for the entirety of President Biden’s 21-month tenure, hamstringing efforts to restore open internet protections and close the digital divide. Breaking the deadlock at the Federal Communications Commission hinges on confirming Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institue for Broadband & Society], a longtime public interest advocate and former Democratic FCC official who was first nominated by the White House nearly a year ago.
Minnesota Governor Walz Appoints Bree Maki as Director of the Office of Broadband Development
Governor Tim Walz appointed Bree Maki to serve as the Director of the Office of Broadband Development. Maki will replace previous director Angie Dickison. Bree Maki is the senior outreach director and state broadband and telecommunications outreach director for Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).
U.S. Department of Agriculture Names Andy Berke as Rural Utilities Service Administrator
Andy Berke has been appointed by President Biden to serve as Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Most recently, Berke served as a Special Representative for Broadband at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in the Department of Commerce. Prior to joining NTIA, Berke served as Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee, from 2013 to 2021, during which he established a first-of-its-kind program to expand free high-speed internet service to families with children receiving free or reduced lunch at school.
Resounding Silence: The Need for Local Insights in Federal Broadband Policymaking
In the past, the Federal Communication Commission has made sweeping changes that have impacted communities without local input. The federal government is now poised to do the same again. This paper examines the public comment process at the FCC and whether municipal filers ultimately influence the Commission’s decisions. This paper suggests that the FCC must improve its community outreach efforts, specifically through the following suggestions:
Policy No-Brainer: Extend The Affordable Connectivity Program For 5 Years With $30 Billion
With a $14 billion appropriation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has enrolled more than 14 million households in a short period of time and may be the most effective broadband benefit program to date with its direct-to-consumer model. The innovative program offers a valuable policy learning opportunity as lawmakers consider sustainable long-term funding options to continue it. Many features of the ACP reflect guidance from policy academics and researchers that supports a model that allows consumers more options.
New Hampshire Seeks Broadband Consultant
The Broadband Office in the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to provide consultation services to the state and municipalities in regard to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF). New Hampshire has committed all of its available CPF program funds toward broadband buildout and is looking for a consultant that assures federal compliance, is a resource for NH communities, and helps the agency with other tasks as noted in the RFP Scope of Work. Anticipated Contract Start Date: Jan. 1, 2023