September 2019

Broadband in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

On September 17, the Senate Appropriations Committee's Agriculture Subcommittee marked up the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Sen Jeff Merkley, the subcommittee's ranking member, said, "Our bill also protects conservation and agriculture research programs that help our farmers and ranchers continue to be the most productive and efficient in the world, and maintains significant investments in rural broadband and water and wastewater programs." The bill goes before the full Appropriations Committee on Sept 19. 

FCC Establishes First Two 5G Innovation Zones: NYC and Salt Lake City

The Federal Communications Commission announced the creation of its first two Innovation Zones, in New York City and Salt Lake City. These Innovation Zones will be city-scale test beds for advanced wireless communications and network research, including 5G networks. These wireless technology test beds extend the geographic areas in which already-licensed experimental program licensees can conduct tests.

Automating Lifeline Eligibility Verification

The Federal Communications Commission took a step in its efforts to streamline and strengthen consumer eligibility verification for the Lifeline program, as a nationwide automated connection between the Medicaid program and the Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier went live Sept 17. The connection between the Medicaid and Lifeline databases means that the eligibility of up to 60% of the Lifeline-eligible population can be confirmed automatically.

The Homework Gap: Teacher Perspectives on Closing the Digital Divide

In 2018, Common Sense conducted a national survey and focus groups to understand the challenges and promise of technology use in the classroom for learning. Teachers across the US were asked about the use of educational technology with students in their classrooms, and issues of access emerged: