Upcoming event

This forum is designed to initiate conversations between communities with BEAD-eligible locations and prospective BEAD applicants in their area. Participants should expect a fast-paced, guided activity designed to foster partnerships and collaboration.

Whether you represent a community eager for improved internet access or an Internet Service Provider planning to (or considering whether to) apply for a BEAD grant, this event promises valuable insights and networking opportunities to drive connectivity advancements across our state.

The Federal Trade Commission postponed its February 25 virtual workshop examining the use of design features on digital platforms aimed at keeping kids, including teens, online longer and returning more frequently.

This virtual workshop will consider the use of design features that keep kids, including teens, online longer and coming back more frequently.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program was born out of the 2021 infrastructure bill and aims to expand high-speed internet access for all Americans. However, most communities will not see concrete benefits until 2025 at the earliest, and 16 states are waiting for their plans to be approved, two years into the process.

Information about how to challenge the mobile coverage data that is reflected on the National Broadband Map. During this webinar, FCC staff will provide an overview of how to use the new FCC Mobile Speed Test app to challenge a provider’s reported coverage,2 how consumers and other stakeholders can review tests submitted using the app, how the bulk mobile challenge process works, and how to view mobile coverage data on the National Broadband Map.  

The Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) will hold its fifth and final meeting of its fifth term.  At this meeting, the DAC is expected to (1) discuss reports and recommendations from the working groups on quality Telecommunications Relay Services for individuals with multiple disabilities, online gaming accessibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and the use of artificial intelligence to caption live video programming; and (2) address any other topics relevant to the DAC’s work. 

The FCC's Universal Service Fund is in dire straits, particularly after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found the Fund unconstitutional.  The current USF fee - which is collected from long distance communications providers but not broadband providers - continues to increase, and everyone agrees it is not sustainable.  But it has been difficult to come to a consensus on how to fix the problem.  There are at least four alternatives on the table, and this webinar will explore the pros and cons of these different ideas.

AI is a lot of things, but it's fundamentally a power-enhancing technology. It's like having employees, or assistants, or minions -- or Minions. Maybe they're competent, maybe they're not. But they allow their controllers do to more, faster, and maybe sometimes even better.

In this AI Cyber Lunch, Bruce Schneier, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, will look at AI through the lens of power: the companies that are creating AI systems, the people and industries that can make better use of AI, and the countries where all this tech is being developed. 

We are at a critical moment when broadband infrastructure funding is at an all-time high due to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program —the single largest broadband program in U.S. history. This historic level of funding creates an opportunity to bring high-speed internet access to every community in America and close the digital divide.

A compelling conversation about Digital Equity. OATS Executive Director Tom Kamber and AARP Government Affairs Director Tim Morstad will discuss the importance of digital inclusion in a one-hour virtual conversation, moderated by OATS Digital Equity Program Specialist Ellen Forbes. The speakers will break down how digital equity has evolved in recent years with the development of new federal funding, and how dollars support on-the-ground funding of programs for older adults. 

Moderator: