Gov performance

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the effects of the digital divide. Those with broadband access could work, attend school, shop, and be seen by their doctors without leaving home, and those without sufficient access could not. Federal efforts to provide broadband access to all span multiple presidential administrations. Here, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) explores its work about some of the ongoing challenges to achieving the goal of closing the digital divide. The GAO recommends synchronizing federal efforts through a national broadband strategy.

Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August. While the work—or, at least, the news—of Washington generally slows down in this period, all indications are that policymakers—and, most importantly, policy implementors—will be very busy throughout the summer of 2022 working on universal broadband and provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Here's what we're seeing and expecting from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to a June 29 letter from Rep Greg Pence (R-IN) regarding the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act and the need for coordination of federal funding for broadband deployment. In her response, Rosenworcel detailed how the FCC has worked with other federal agencies to share information on existing and planned broadband projects and to coordinate and harmonize their efforts, as required by the Act.

The White House released updated fact sheets highlighting how President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is delivering results for all 50 states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Tribal communities. Eight months following the passage of the IIJA, the Biden-Harris Administration has made unprecedented investments in all 50 states and territories to build a better America that delivers for all communities. Since signing the law, the Biden-Harris Administration has hit the ground running to make major progress.

Broadband is critical to modern life. Despite federal efforts, broadband access on Tribal lands has traditionally lagged behind the rest of the country. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review federal efforts for improving broadband on Tribal lands.

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the interagency agreement between the Federal Communications Commission, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) entered into pursuant to the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2020 (BICA). Comments will inform the FCC’s preparation of a report to Congress on the effectiveness and possible improvements to the agreement. Under the BICA, within 180 days of the

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government today approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2023 bill. For fiscal year 2023, the bill includes $29.8 billion in funding, an increase of $4.3 billion (17 percent) over fiscal year 2022. The bill provides annual funding for certain federal agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission.

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration will submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance. NTIA invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps NTIA assess the impact of information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on February 17, 2022 during a 60-day comment period.

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration will submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance. NTIA invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps NTIA assess the impact of information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on February 16, 2022 during a 60-day comment period.

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration will submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance. NTIA invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps NTIA assess the impact of information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on February 16, 2022 during a 60-day comment period.