April 2020

As schools across the country transition to distance learning due to the COVID-19 crisis, a new Connected Communities and Inclusive Growth (CCIG) report documents the extent of the distance learning gap in Los Angeles County. The distance learning gap refers to the gap between students living in households with high-speed Internet and a desktop or laptop computer, and those without these essential resources for effective distance learning. Among the key findings are:

INCOMPAS — the internet and competitive networks association — led the court challenge opposing the Federal Communications Commission decision to end network neutrality provisions that help first responders, main street businesses and the streaming revolution. The INCOMPAS comments argue net neutrality impacts:

While many Capital Region (NY) residents, from parents to students, can cope with Gov Andrew Cuomo's (D-NY) work and study from home orders amid the COVID-19 crisis, for those with slow or non-existent home internet service, the experience can be downright frustrating. Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau, says in Adirondack towns where land line internet service is either non-existent or unreliable, parents and students working from home must often rely on their cellular service for internet connections to wor

Eligible Veterans can now receive free Portal from Facebook video calling devices thanks to a partnership with Facebook and the American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network. Facebook donated over 7,400 Portal video-calling devices for Veterans and their Caregiver or family member.