1. Monthly archive
  2. July 2019

July 2019

Understanding the Rural Broadband Problem

While broadband availability in the United States continues to expand, people living in rural areas remain among the least likely to have broadband access. Mississippi, for example, is ranked 46 in broadband access and 47 in terms of urban population. The lack of broadband access and usage places rural areas across the nation at a disadvantage for a variety of reasons including economic growth, healthcare, and education. However, cost-to-serve is the primary challenge associated with bringing broadband to rural areas.

Sponsor 

Blandin Foundation

Date 
Tue, 10/08/2019 - 14:00 to Thu, 10/10/2019 - 22:00

Broadband access today is as varied as communities across Minnesota. Some enjoy a gig, others are working hard for any service, and the rest are somewhere in between. This conference is for all communities, regardless of where they are on the spectrum – because we’ve learned that having broadband isn’t enough. It takes inspiration, encouragement and guidance to reap the full benefits. We’ll be talking about how to make the most of what you’ve got and/or get more.

This year’s conference will shine a light on local broadband heroes as well as look at several aspects of broadband:


The United States of Broadband Map

Around the country, local governments are grappling with the challenge of getting quality broadband access to their citizens, but without data about what speeds customers are actually experiencing, making effective policy becomes impossible. Internet speed tests can help inform those policies, and while there are several tests available to users, they are not all the same.

FTC Seeks Comments on Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule

In light of continued rapid changes in technology, the Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on the effectiveness of the amendments the agency made to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) in 2013 and whether additional changes are needed.

Sponsor 

Federal Communications Commission

Date 
Wed, 09/04/2019 - 04:59

The Federal Communications Commission proposes to make permanent the category two budget approach adopted in 2014 (the ‘‘category two’’ budget approach consists of five-year budgets for schools and libraries that provide a maximum amount of funding to support internal connections needed for Wi-Fi within school and library buildings). The Commission also seeks comment on potential modifications that could simplify the category two budget approach and decrease the administrative burden on schools and libraries, as well as how to transition to a permanent extension of the budget approach.


Sponsor 

Federal Communications Commission

Date 
Sat, 08/17/2019 - 04:59

The Federal Communications Commission proposes to make permanent the category two budget approach adopted in 2014 (the ‘‘category two’’ budget approach consists of five-year budgets for schools and libraries that provide a maximum amount of funding to support internal connections needed for Wi-Fi within school and library buildings). The FCC also seeks comment on potential modifications that could simplify the category two budget approach and decrease the administrative burden on schools and libraries, as well as how to transition to a permanent extension of the budget approach.


© 1994-2026 Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. All Rights Reserved.