Public Knowledge CEO Chris Lewis and Next Century Cities Executive Director Francella Ochillo urge broadband affordability and equity legislation along the lines of what President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers propose (see 2103310064), in written testimony before a Thursday House Communications Subcommittee hearing. National Urban league Senior Vice President-Advocacy and Policy Joi Chaney and Phoenix Center Chief Economist George Ford also will testify (see 2105040062). Their written testimony wasn’t available Wednesday. “The high cost of broadband is one of the primary reasons why the United States has such a staggering digital divide,” Lewis says. “Congress must take steps to increase competition in the marketplace, which will reduce prices. However, even with lower prices, some of our nation’s most vulnerable will still be unable to afford this critical service. For this reason, Congress must create a long-term benefit” to succeed the $3.2 billion FCC emergency broadband benefit (see 2012220061). A “long-term emergency broadband benefit must continue the EBB’s legacy of broad consumer eligibility, should provide enough funding to enable consumers to access service that meets their needs, and should guarantee that all eligible consumers complete enrollment by promoting automatic verification of identity and eligibility,” Lewis says. “Congress should also require any entity receiving federal funding to offer a low-cost option for anyone.” Ochillo urges lawmakers to consider nontraditional network models to ensure a comprehensive affordability strategy, including municipal networks. Muni broadband has "some of the fastest speeds and highest quality connectivity in the nation while making prices readily transparent, selling service in symmetrical tiers, and maintaining affordability programs for low-income residents,” she says. “Publicly owned WiFi and mesh networks also fill important gaps.” The Computer & Communications industry Association praised House Communications for tackling broadband affordability and equity.
The FCC is unlikely to decide soon on the 5030-5091 MHz, the main band targeted for drones, Wiley’s Anna Gomez told an Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International virtual conference Tuesday. The FCC hasn't provided clarity on whether flexible use licenses may be used, Gomez said. In 2019, the FCC sought comment (see 1912270039), per FAA Reauthorization Act Section 374. There's “a full record,” yet no indication the FCC is “close” to an NPRM, said Gomez, who worked on the Joe Biden NTIA transition team. An FCC report to Congress last year said the band is likely suitable for UAS (see 2008280060).
The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee urged Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to address the agency’s “incomplete” implementation of its emerging and foundational technology export control mandate when she testifies before the House this week. Raimondo -- who will testify May 6 before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science -- should also address Commerce’s search for a Bureau of Industry and Security leader and outline the agency's export controls strategy to compete with China, said Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas.
Stakeholders are increasing outreach before the FCC's emergency broadband benefit program starts on May 12 (see 2102250066). Some remain concerned whether EBB efforts will reach consumers that need the support the most, they said in recent interviews.
Stakeholders are increasing outreach before the FCC's emergency broadband benefit program starts on May 12 (see 2102250066). Some remain concerned whether EBB efforts will reach consumers that need the support the most, they said in recent interviews.
Verizon plans to invest more than $3 billion by 2025 to bridge the digital divide, it announced Friday. Verizon partnered with the National 4-H Council to offer digital skills training in rural communities, restarted STEM learning programs and unveiled augmented reality apps. It reiterated its participation in the FCC emergency broadband benefit program, which begins May 12 (see 2104290085).
Verizon plans to invest more than $3 billion by 2025 to bridge the digital divide, it announced Friday. Verizon partnered with the National 4-H Council to offer digital skills training in rural communities, restarted STEM learning programs and unveiled augmented reality apps. It reiterated its participation in the FCC emergency broadband benefit program, which begins May 12 (see 2104290085).
Verizon plans to invest more than $3 billion by 2025 to bridge the digital divide, it announced Friday. Verizon partnered with the National 4-H Council to offer digital skills training in rural communities, restarted STEM learning programs and unveiled augmented reality apps. It reiterated its participation in the FCC emergency broadband benefit program, which begins May 12 (see 2104290085).
The success of the FCC's $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program will "largely depend on educating consumers" about the temporary discount, said Wiley Rein's Edgar Class during an FCBA event Wednesday. Consumers eligible for the Lifeline program should consider applying for that first because all Lifeline subscribers are automatically EBB eligible, Class said. Charter Vice President-Regulatory Affairs Christine Sanquist said trusted community leaders will have to play a key role in outreach efforts. State and local officials should also take advantage of the FCC's forthcoming digital toolkit to promote the program through local channels, said AT&T Director-Federal Regulatory Anisa Green. Community organizers and local leaders are "ready to hit the ground running," said Olivia Wein, National Consumer Law Center attorney. Figuring out how this program operates "will really inform program design moving forward," Wein said. "The last year has shown the importance of" broadband for telehealth and education, said NTCA Vice President-Policy Josh Seidemann.
The success of the FCC's $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program will "largely depend on educating consumers" about the temporary discount, said Wiley Rein's Edgar Class during an FCBA event Wednesday. Consumers eligible for the Lifeline program should consider applying for that first because all Lifeline subscribers are automatically EBB eligible, Class said. Charter Vice President-Regulatory Affairs Christine Sanquist said trusted community leaders will have to play a key role in outreach efforts. State and local officials should also take advantage of the FCC's forthcoming digital toolkit to promote the program through local channels, said AT&T Director-Federal Regulatory Anisa Green. Community organizers and local leaders are "ready to hit the ground running," said Olivia Wein, National Consumer Law Center attorney. Figuring out how this program operates "will really inform program design moving forward," Wein said. "The last year has shown the importance of" broadband for telehealth and education, said NTCA Vice President-Policy Josh Seidemann.