Upcoming event
This hearing will examine the convergence of expanding broadband access, promoting competition in both wireline and wireless markets, and protecting our telecommunications infrastructure from national security threats. Members will discuss the many steps making up the supply chain for equipment in U.S. telecommunications networks, and how government and industry respond to threats and opportunities.
Senate will vote to kill or keep net neutrality rules by June 12
Senate Democrats filed a long-promised petition to prevent the repeal of net neutrality rules in a move that will force a vote of the full Senate by a deadline of June 12. The Senate will have to vote on a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval, which would nullify the Federal Communications Commission's December 2017 vote to repeal the nation's net neutrality rules.
The hearing will examine the state of the mobile app economy and its role in fostering job creation, e-commerce, innovation, and technology investment in the United States, and how apps are disrupting traditional business models and evolving in their sophistication and utility for consumers and businesses. Additionally, the hearing will explore ways to improve mobile broadband connectivity and how to address policy issues to support the continued growth and prosperity of the app economy.
Witnesses:
I support 'net neutrality.' Let's not let 'political theater' ruin a bipartisan deal
[Op-ed] I support net neutrality. I support rules that prevent blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization of internet traffic. I believe these principles should guide us on Capitol Hill as we work to expand broadband access to even the most remote and rural areas of the country. You might be surprised to learn that most of my fellow senators believe this too. Unfortunately, manufactured controversy often gets more attention in Washington than real solutions. The internet is too important for partisan politics.
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn on prison-phone justice, the Lifeline subsidy program, Net Neutrality protections and Puerto Rico’s hurricane-devastated communications infrastructure.
Meet the Media Bureau Senior Staff : Michelle Carey and her staff will discuss the Media Bureau’s priorities and issues they face in the coming year.
There’s no doubt that misinformation, disinformation, and “fake news” played a role in the 2016 election and continue to roil our politics, as well as the ever-shifting media landscape. It’s also clear that an informed citizenry is at the foundation of American democracy. But with the dawn of social media and the ubiquity of digital publishing, being an informed citizen isn’t easy—it requires sorting through streams of poorly sourced commentary and purposefully deceptive news pieces created to sow distrust and undermine our connections with our fellow citizens. Where do we go from here?
With superficial sound bites, scripted promos, talking heads, and the 24-hour news cycle, it’s hard not to be skeptical or indifferent of the present-day media. In this ephemeral landscape, how do documentary films that focus on recent history differ from cable and the mainstream press? What form will have a longer and more significant impact?
Digital technologies impact all sectors of the economy including agriculture, small town main streets, and regional economic development. Yet 31% of rural Americans still lack access to fixed terrestrial broadband speeds of 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up. Increased interest in broadband is creating new opportunities leading service providers and civic leaders to find new models to expand rural broadband. We will explore three successful case studies and highlight best practices for successful rural broadband deployments.
Speakers: