Upcoming event
5G wireless technology is being rolled out in the United States and around the world. By mid-decade there will be an estimated 3 billion 5G connected users, globally. The speed, connectivity, and low-latency of 5G will make it a critical backbone technology to a wide range of climate tech applications. From autonomous vehicles to supporting an Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem to improve energy efficiency and connectivity of devices like smart manufacturing and agriculture, 5G infrastructure will be essential to meeting our energy and environmental challenges.
The Federal Communications Commission’s Technological Advisory Council will hold a meeting on Thursday June 9, 2022 via conference call and available to the public via the internet at http:// www.fcc.gov/live
The committee will consider and advise the FCC on topics such as 6G, artificial intelligence, advanced spectrum sharing technologies, and emerging wireless technologies, including new tools to restore internet access during shutdowns and other disruptions.
The federal government is in the process of allocating an unprecedented amount of money to close the digital divide. Many of these funds will be sent to states who will distribute them to broadband projects.
The internet has always thrived under a mostly laissez-faire regulatory framework, but under President Barack Obama in 2015, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler enacted the Open Internet Order, which tried to change broadband classification by imposing common carrier internet regulations under the guise of net neutrality.
The NTIA has released its Notice of Proposed Funding Opportunities (NOFO), which specifies how the $42.25 billion of BEAD funds will be allocated to the states, what types of services will be eligible to receive subsidies, and how the states should go about distributing funds. The rules laid out in the 98-page document will have large and lasting effects on broadband deployment and on how the federal and state governments will interact with broadband providers.
The expanding deployment of 5G wireless technology will revolutionize mobile and home broadband by delivering dramatically increased speed and bandwidth. And innovative 10G technology, being developed by the cable industry, will provide another leap forward.
What kinds of disruptions and transformations will these and/or other newer technologies, on the horizon, bring? How can we ensure underserved communities have access to the benefits and opportunities created by technological innovation?
The discussion will explore the following questions:
• What is 5G/10G?
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are seeking comment on the initial findings and recommendations contained in the interim report of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Task Force (“Task Force”) and particularly on potential approaches to implement those recommendations.
The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a hybrid legislative hearing that includes both in-person and remote attendance on Tuesday May 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. This hearing will take place in the John D. Dingell Room, 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building, as well as remotely using Cisco Webex online video conferencing. The Hearing is entitled, "Strengthening our Communications Networks: Legislation to Connect and Protect."
Legislation
This webinar will provide an in-depth look at the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. It's meant to help explain the application process. This webinar will provide applicants with technical assistance and prepare them to write high-quality applications.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $65 billion to expand high-speed internet service. It funds programs that support planning, infrastructure, and adoption efforts. Programs promote digital equity and inclusion. Our goal is for everyone to have the skills and access they need to get connected.