Upcoming event
The U.S. Is Poised to Begin Closing the Broadband Gap. Are You Prepared?
Working together, the government, broadband service providers, and NGOs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to close the nation’s broadband gaps by tapping into more than $100 billion in federal funds tied to Covid relief, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the recent Infrastructure Investment Act.
Telecommunications nominees spell out priorities on broadband, spectrum
Broadband and spectrum issues are top of mind for Gigi Sohn and Alan Davidson, President Joe Biden’s picks for the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications Information Administration, respectively. Ahead of their confirmation hearings before the Senate Commerce Committee on Dec 1 (where there’s expected to be plenty of fireworks), they shared with lawmakers what they view are the top challenges facing their agencies:
3 Things To Know About Sohn's FCC Confirmation Chances
Gigi Sohn, a progressive nominated by President Joe Biden for an open seat on the Federal Communications Commission, is facing some friction in her confirmation bid. Here's what you need to know about Sohn's prospects for joining the FCC heading into Thanksgiving weekend. The Senate Commerce Committee explore Sohn's qualifications to fill the fifth and final FCC seat in a session directly following the vote.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene an executive session at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 to consider the following nominations:
Agenda:
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM Opening Remarks and Introductions
10:25 AM – 11:05 AM Panel 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Telehealth Services through FCC Programs
11:10 AM – 11:50 AM Panel 2: Broader Telehealth Landscape, Funding, and Ancillary Issues
Registration is not required. The roundtable will be recorded and made available on the FCC’s website and YouTube channel following the event. The roundtable will be webcast with open captioning at www.fcc.gov/live
Every January the most prominent Internet stakeholders convene at the State of the Net Conference to debate and discuss the issues that will shape Internet policy during the year. In its 18th year, State of the Net (SOTN) is an opportunity to connect with colleagues across the spectrum of industry, government, and the public interest.
Legislation
H.R. 3451, the "Social Media Disclosure and Transparency of Advertisements Act of 2021"
H.R. 3611, the "Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act"
A legislative hearing focused on holding Big Tech companies accountable by reforming Section 230. The Subcommittee will discuss what it will take to recalibrate the law in a way that better incentivizes responsible actions by tech companies.
Legislation
H.R. 2154, the "Protecting Americans from Dangerous Algorithms Act"
Sen Cantwell talks timeline of Senate confirmation hearings for Gigi Sohn and Alan Davidson
Not included in the November 17 Senate confirmation hearing were Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society], President Biden’s pick for the open Federal Communications Commission seat, and Alan Davidson, the nominee to helm the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Sen Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has stated their confirmation hearing will likely take place the week the Senate returns from its Thanksgiving break, with December 1 a prime contender.
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the December Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 2021: