Upcoming event
Underscored by the pandemic, lack of broadband access is a significant contributor to systemic inequality. In a remote-everything world, broadband is critical to ensuring that all Americans can telework, participate in remote learning, benefit from telehealth, and much more. The digital divide has been closing in recent years, but digital inequality remains due to lack of broadband infrastructure where geographic barriers have made build-out uneconomical, as well as the issue of broadband affordability, which is a problem that’s three times larger than broadband availability.
Net neutrality. Closing the digital divide. The future of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Whether the protections provided to social media platform by Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act will be transformed. These and a host of other communications policy issues await the FCC under President Biden. Policy changes could have profound impact on businesses of all shapes and sizes and all parts of the country.
The Federal Communications Commission rolled out details of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which provides discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband services, or $75 a month for those on tribal lands. How does the $3.2 billion federal initiative work? How will it help those at risk of digital disconnection? In this special breaking Broadband Breakfast Live Online, panelists will explore the program and how it will make a difference.
Panelists:
The Lifeline program's monthly webinar to hear updates about the program and an overview of the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). During the webinar, you can ask questions and participate in a collaborative dialogue with USAC and stakeholders throughout the industry.
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.