1. Monthly archive
  2. April 2020

April 2020

Sponsor 

National Consumer Law Center

Date 
Thu, 04/23/2020 - 17:00 to 18:15

With millions of Americans out of work due to the COVID-19 emergency, it is more important than ever to identify what we can do to help ease their financial burden. There are actions you can take and resources you can access to help consumers now. Join us for a broad overview of how you can (1) advocate for policies in your state to help consumers facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 emergency (first half) and (2) help consumers navigate and access the financial relief they need during the COVID-19 emergency (second half). We will focus on the following priorities:


2 billion phones cannot use Google and Apple contact-tracing tech

As many as 2 billion mobile phone owners around the world will be unable to use the smartphone-based system proposed by Apple and Google to track whether they have come into contact with people infected with the coronavirus, industry researchers estimate. The figure includes many poorer and older people — who are also among the most vulnerable to Covid-19 — demonstrating a “digital divide” within a system that the two tech firms have designed to reach the largest possible number of people while also protecting individuals’ privacy.

FCC Unanimously Approves Ligado's Application To Facilitate 5G And Internet Of Things Services

The Federal Communications Commission announced that it has approved with conditions Ligado’s application to deploy a low-power terrestrial nationwide network in the L-Band that will primarily support 5G and Internet of Things services.

Pandemic Spurs Deregulatory DC

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai’s monthly drip drip drip of process deregulation has become a flood, at least temporarily, as rules for how broadband subsidy money is spent, how spectrum can be used -- and who can use it -- are being modified and waived right and left. The avowed goal is to keep America connected at a time when broadband is a literal lifeline for a homebound populace.

Comments in Response to the FCC Regarding the ‘Restoring Internet Freedom Order’ Remand

Sponsor 

Information Technology & Innovation Foundation

Date 
Wed, 04/29/2020 - 17:00 to 18:00

Telehealth has long had the potential to save money, increase convenience, and expand access for patients. But until recently, telehealth has not been readily available to most Americans. In response to COVID-19, policymakers have implemented a number of regulatory reforms and have boosted funding to support telehealth services and allow patients to manage their health from their homes. However, several challenges remain, and it is unclear whether telehealth reforms will become permanent.


Sponsor 

New America

Date 
Tue, 04/21/2020 - 16:00 to 17:30

Approximately 95% of the US population is living under a state or municipal-level stay-at-home order in an attempt to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. To ease the massive disruptions caused by this sudden shift, businesses and educational institutions are scrambling to find ways to facilitate work or study from home opportunities. While we’re fortunate to live in an era when technical tools to facilitate communication are widely available, this sudden shift in the way America works and learns is not without consequences.


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