Upcoming event
This webinar provides an in-depth look at all four USF programs and the Universal Service Fund contribution mechanism, highlighting major developments in the last year and trends for the upcoming year. Will discuss how the ongoing pandemic has influenced the importance of the USF and related policy decisions.
To get started on building next-generation broadband networks no matter the technology, network-builders must take three essential steps. First, they need a GIS-based network design. Second, they need access to the right materials, equipment and skilled resources, some of which are currently many months delayed. Third, they need the ability to execute upon a fiber-to-the-endpoint construction plan. In this session, companies working on Rural Digital Opportunity Fund projects will speak about their plans for both fiber and wireless network delivery.
Panelists:
The briefing will feature opening remarks from Sen. Ed Markey (D–Massachusetts) and Reps. Yvette Clarke (D–New York) and Mike Doyle (D–Pennsylvania). A panel of policy experts and advocates will then discuss the need to restore strong Title II protections.
The Battle Lines Around Broadband
Lawmakers and industry groups are jockeying to shape the broadband internet investments likely to be embedded in President Joe Biden’s infrastructure efforts. Senior Democrats like House Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) are eyeing a revival of their $100 billion package aimed at connecting the unconnected and funding programs to bolster digital equity, which is likely to take center stage in coming weeks. But Republicans, bless their hearts, bristle over bigger price tags and instead point to less costly ways to close the digital divide.
A fireside chat with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Nathan Simington and telecommunications expert Joel Thayer Attorney at Phillips Lytle LLP and Outside Policy Counsel for Lincoln Network.
The FCC’s agenda on broadband buildout and how the FCC’s policies will develop in the coming months with this new administration.
A discussion on whether and how market power could lead to political power.
Sarah Miller, Executive Director, American Economic Liberties Project
As schools rely on technology and data to provide instruction amidst COVID-19, they continue to grapple with issues of privacy protection, responsible technology use, and digital equity. Our recent research found that twice as many teachers described edtech as “very important” during COVID-19 as they did prior to the pandemic, yet a third of parents and teachers reported increased concerns about student privacy during the pandemic.
Twenty-five years after it was signed into law, Section 230 is more endangered than ever. Republicans blame it for censorship, Democrats blame it for misinformation, and nearly everyone thinks it needs reform. But if policymakers aren’t smart about structuring reform, there could be broad, unanticipated consequences for free expression and commerce.
Keynote from Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) that broadly addresses her vision for reining in big tech, antitrust enforcement, and her new bill which touches on 230 reform, the SAFE TECH Act.