Press Release

The US Department of State, on behalf of the US Government, has submitted a proposal to the May 2023 Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL), which calls for opening the 3300-3400 MHz band for 5G mobile services within the Americas Region. If accepted as a regional proposal, CITEL would submit to the November 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23). If adopted by the WRC-23, the international Radio Regulations would be updated to identify this band as possible for 5G use in the Americas by countries that choose to do so.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is preparing to enter a crucial phase for the Internet for All initiative. Soon, it will notify states and territories of their BEAD program allocation amounts. Once those notifications are made, states and territories will have 180 days to submit their initial proposals. NTIA is confident it will have the data it needs to take that step when it makes the allocation announcement by June 30.

Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) and Representative Becca Balint (D-VT) announced that NEK Community Broadband (NEKCB) will receive Vermont’s first-ever United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties in Vermont.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded funding from the state’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The PSC awarded $16,601,085 for 24 projects that will expand broadband internet to 6,042 residential and 276 business locations that are underserved. The projects receiving awards will impact 19 counties. The grant awards will leverage $25,360,858 of matching funds from recipients. The broadband expansion grants invest in infrastructure projects for internet service in areas of the state where people need improved service.

The Data Protection Commission (“the DPC”) concluded its inquiry into Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (“Meta Ireland”), examining the basis upon which Meta Ireland transfers personal data from the European Union/ European Economic Area to the US in connection with the delivery of its Facebook service.

On May 18 in Philadelphia (PA), the Penn Carey Law Alumni Society bestowed its Louis H. Pollak Award on Gigi Sohn, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s Senior Fellow and Public Advocate. The Louis H. Pollak Award is presented each year to a member of the Penn Carey Law alumni community who pursues a career advancing justice through service to others. Sohn is being recognized for serving as an inspiration and role model to Penn Carey Law students and alumni aspiring to impactful careers in public service.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through a cooperative agreement with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), has awarded $16 million in subgrants funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to 36 projects aimed at testing innovative outreach strategies to increase participation and equity in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC.

The Federal Communications Commission took a holistic approach to expand the use of over 1 gigahertz of prime mid-band spectrum in the 12 GHz bands by ensuring stable spectrum access for current and next-generation satellite service while also empowering advanced terrestrial wireless services. The FCC adopted rules to preserve spectrum between 12.2-12.7 GHz for current and future satellite services. The FCC also proposed policies that would position the 12.7-13.25 GHz band to support flexible terrestrial wireless use, including 6G wireless services.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the agenda for its June 2023 Open Commission Meeting. In June 2023, the FCC is:

US Sens Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Digital Platform Commission Act, the first-ever legislation in Congress to create an expert federal agency to provide comprehensive regulation of digital platforms to protect consumers, promote competition, and defend the public interest.