September 2020

America’s broadband providers have stepped up with the ‘K-12 Bridge to Broadband” to help meet the needs of millions of low-income American students who are unable to get on the internet so they can go to class from home. The new program will do two things the Trump Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has failed to do. First, it will identify households with students that have broadband passing their door but have chosen not to subscribe.

Sen Tom Udall (D-NM), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, led a group of 14 Senate Democrats in calling on the Federal Communications Commission to expedite broadband connectivity to Native communities to improve access to critical services during the pandemic including telemedicine, online education, and teleworking opportunities. Sen Udall was joined by Sens Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mazie K.