February 2021

FCC Commissioner Carr Applauds Introduction of House Republicans' Broadband Agenda (Federal Communications Commission)

Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Tue, 02/16/2021 - 12:44

Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Appoints Press Secretary

Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the appointment of Paloma Perez to serve as FCC press secretary. Perez joins the FCC’s Office of Media Relations after having served as communications director for then-Rep Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM). In addition to her tenure in Rep Torres Small’s office, Perez also served as deputy communications director and legislative aide to Rep Marc Veasey of (D-TX). She also worked at public relations firms Burness and Kivvit.

The digital divide is giving American churches hell

For places of worship, COVID-19 has upended traditions and emptied sacred spaces. About 45 percent of Americans attend religious services regularly, most of them in Christian churches. Or they did, until last spring. Then shutdowns and stay-at-home orders sent congregations scrambling to move their services online, similar to schools and workplaces. Many churches found themselves in trouble, struggling to reach worshippers virtually while facing budget cuts, layoffs, and the threat of bankruptcy or even permanent closure.

Sponsor

Public Knowledge

Date

Fri, 02/19/2021 - 12:30 to 13:30

Public Knowledge is hosting a webinar to discuss its “Diversity in Early-Career Tech Policy Roles: Challenges and Opportunities” Report. The report explores the types of early career opportunities available in tech policy nonprofits and the diversity within these roles, as well as the steps organizations are taking to increase diversity.

Read more about A Seat at the Table: How Tech Policy Groups Can Welcome Diverse Talent

R Street Institute Releases 2020 Broadband Scorecard Report

Over the last two years, the R Street Institute has published the Broadband Scorecard, a project which ranks every state according to how well their laws govern the various aspects of broadband deployment.

House Commerce Committee GOP Leaders Unveil the Boosting Broadband Connectivity Agenda

On the eve of a hearing on connectivity during the pandemic, House Commerce Committee Republicans proposed a package of 28 bills aimed at promoting new and upgraded infrastructure deployments, boosting competition, streamlining permitting processes, facilitating broadband deployment on federal lands, and closing the digital divide in both rural and urban areas. The Members are calling it the Boosting Broadband Connectivity Agenda. Each of the Reupican member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is sponsoring at least one of the bills.