1. Monthly archive
  2. July 2020

July 2020

Urban Rate Survey Timeline for 2021

The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), in consultation with the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB), initiated the urban rate survey for 2021. The FCC will be collecting the rates offered by a random sample of providers of fixed services identified using December 2019 FCC Form 477 data. The Commission will collect separate samples for fixed voice and fixed broadband services with up to 500 urban Census tracts in each. Because some providers serve many urban Census tracts, these providers may receive surveys for multiple Census tracts.

The pandemic has exposed the holes in America’s internet

We have a connection problem. Statistics from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) show that around 18 million people in the U.S. do not have high-speed broadband options from any provider, but those numbers are based on metrics that policymakers widely agree need fixing.

Bridging the digital divide through digital equity offices

The American economy continues to digitalize at an astounding pace, but tens of millions of American households cannot access the digital economy due to physical gaps in local broadband networks, unaffordable subscription plans and personal devices, and a lack of digital skills. Digital equity offices would aim to address these structural barriers and ensure the digital economy reaches all local households.

President Trump reportedly clashes with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile over spam texts

President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign is reportedly fighting cellphone carriers over the right to send Americans unsolicited texts. The campaign’s lawyers are in active talks with phone companies after a third-party screening tool blocked President Trump texts in early July. The campaign alleges that screening the texts amounts to suppressing political speech, while carriers fear allowing them will result in fines for violating anti-spam rules.

AT&T's 5G Network is Nationwide

AT&T’s 5G network is live for consumers and businesses across the country as of July 23. AT&T 5G offers nationwide connectivity, so whether you’re at home or on-the-go, you’ll enjoy 5G coverage in more places (AT&T 5G requires compatible plan and device.  5G service may not be available in your area).

FCC Starts First 5G Mid-Band Spectrum Auction

The Federal Communications Commission on July 23 is beginning its first auction of licenses for prime, mid-band spectrum suitable for 5G. The auction will offer county-based Priority Access Licenses (PALs) in the 3550-3650 MHz band, which will encourage the rapid deployment of next-generation wireless networks in the band. This is a critical step in freeing up spectrum for the commercial marketplace—a core part of the FCC’s 5G FAST Plan. 

Sponsor 

Brookings

Date 
Tue, 07/28/2020 - 19:00 to 20:00

Campaigns across the country are now entering their final push before the general election. If the events of the last few years are any indication, there are many things that can go wrong. Disinformation, social media manipulation, and foreign interference all affected the 2016 elections and will likely continue to threaten elections moving forward. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated voting procedures and led to long lines in some polling places. How should government officials and local leaders confront these challenges?


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