A Running Start on New Broadband Maps
In a matter of weeks we have already made progress on improving our broadband maps and there’s much more going on behind the scenes:
March 2021
FCC Seeks Comment on Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close Homework Gap
To help schools and libraries provide devices and connectivity to students, school staff, and library patrons during the pandemic, Congress established a $7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund as part of the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the American Rescue Plan or Act). Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate rules providing for the distribution of funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund to eligible schools and libraries for the purchase of eligible equipment and advanced telecommunications and information services for use by stud
Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Sen Wicker Regarding the Funding Capabilities of the Universal Service Program
On March 2, 2021, Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) asked Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for a detailed status of funds report for all Universal Service Fund (USF) accounts, including but not limited to the Connect America Fund (CAF), Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers, E-Rate - Schools & Libraries Program, and the Rural Health Care Program.
Nokia to Cut Up to 10,000 Jobs to Offset 5G Investment (Wall Street Journal)
Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 11:00The hearing will review recent federal actions to expand broadband coverage, including the Federal Communications Commission’s actions on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), the Re-Connect program, and moves to enhance federal coordination among these existing programs. It also will consider the measures directed at broadband expansion adopted by Congress in response to the pandemic, like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) broadband grant programs for Tribes, unserved areas, and minority-serving institutions.
Edyael Casaperalta Tapped for USDA
The Department of Agriculture announced Edyael Casaperalta was named Senior Policy Advisor for the Rural Utilities Services agency. Casaperalta is an attorney who has supported indigenous and underrepresented communities in telecommunications matters. Most recently, she served as ACI Project Manager for AMERIND, the only 100-percent Tribally owned insurance provider in the United States, where she supported the company’s efforts to bring high-speed broadband to Tribal Nations, businesses, and communities.
A Profile of Tom Wheeler: Regulator, history buff, ‘good dingo’ (Columbia Journalism Review)
Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 10:43
What the American Rescue Plan Act Means for Libraries
When President Biden signed into law the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 on March 11, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) received $200 million, the largest single increase in the agency’s 25-year history. Of the $200 million, $178 million is allocated for the Library Services and Technology Act and will go to state library administrative agencies on a population-based formula. IMLS announced stat