Upcoming policy issue

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr released a statement about the potential Title II designation of the internet. Commissioner Carr called Title II an attempt to "expand government control of the Internet," and listed and refuted several myths about Title II. These included:

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been a transformative force, empowering nearly 23 million American households in rural and urban communities with reliable, high-speed, and affordable broadband access. To continue this progress, I implore my colleagues to join me by signing the discharge petition. This will ensure the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act receives the vote it deserves on the floor of the House of Representatives. We cannot turn our back on the progress made in closing the digital divide.

House Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), together with Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Kim Schrier (D-WA) have introduced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This comprehensive legislation will provide kids and parents with the safeguards, tools, and transparency they need to better protect against serious online threats to children’s health and emotional wellbeing.

Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). The bipartisan, bicameral COPPA 2.0 modernizes and strengthens the only online privacy law for children, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Officials with ACA Connects and EducationSuperHighway spelled out a series of concerns they have about a proposal from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel that aims to ban "bulk billing" for broadband in apartments, condos and other types of multiple-dwelling units (MDUs). Bulk billing agreements typically enable MDUs to negotiate discounted rates for broadband services

They’re calling it a moonshot—akin to sending men to the moon in the 1960s.

The Federal Communications Commission announced the maximum partial reimbursement amounts for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits passed through to ACP households by providers who elect to claim reimbursement for the May 2024 service month. Absent additional funding from Congress, April 2024 will be the last month for which ACP households can receive the full ACP benefit. The maximum reimbursement amounts for May 2024 will be $14 for Non-Tribal Service, $35 for Tribal Lands Sevice, and $47 for the ACP Connected Device Benefit.

The Federal Communications Commission will launch a formal proceeding to examine how it can best help stop abusers from using connectivity tools in vehicles to harass and intimidate their partners. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will examine how the agency can use existing law to ensure car manufacturers and wireless service providers are taking steps to assist abuse victims and seek comment on additional steps the Commission can take to safeguard domestic violence survivors.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues proposed rules to enable wireless communications for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) use in the 5 GHz band.

With the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) looking grimmer every day, wireless operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are preparing for its demise and weighing their alternatives. The ACP is expected to run out of money by mid-May, leaving millions of Americans without discounted internet services.