A Deep Dive into the Scoring Metrics of the NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program
June 2021
Amazon, Google Probed in UK Over Fake Reviews (Wall Street Journal)
Submitted by benton on Fri, 06/25/2021 - 06:25
June 21-25, 2021
June 21-25, 2021
Weekly Digest
Weekly Digest
Competition won't solve the digital divide—communities will
The Biden administration’s strategy to tackle the digital divide places too much emphasis on wires and competition and too little on people and communities. By proposing $65 billion in broadband spending, the administration aims to spur marketplace competition, supercharge network speeds, and reduce home internet prices. Yet a lot can go wrong when prioritizing competition, as competition and affordability do not go hand-in-hand; when prices drop, they rarely fall to levels that make service affordable for low-income households who make up most of the disconnected.
Communications networks have seen a lot of change over the past 20 years. Today, the wireless industry is shutting down 2G and 3G networks to make room for 5G, the next generation of wireless technology.
Phasing out obsolete legacy networks and repurposing the spectrum will bring enormous benefits to the public. Unlike transitions before it -- including the Tech Transitions and the Analog Sunset -- the Federal Communications Commission has not taken any action to supervise or coordinate the 3G Sunset.
Senators Urged To Invest In Variety Of Broadband Technologies
During a hearing titled "Building Resilient Networks," lawmakers on the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband were asked to boost the reliability of the nation's broadband networks by spreading infrastructure funding among a variety of technologies such as fixed wireless and mobile broadband rather than limiting it solely to fiber. Wireless Infrastructure Association President Jonathan Adelstein testified that a singular focus on fiber broadband networks that can deliver "symmetrical" speeds of 100 megabits per second would prioritize a sometimes c
California Democrats clash over tech antitrust fight
California Democrats are clashing with members of their party over a package of antitrust bills targeting the top tech companies in the country. Democratic representatives from California on the House Judiciary Committee, particularly those representing tech-heavy Bay Area districts, voted against the majority of their colleagues over the past two days on five antitrust bills that seek to rein in the market power of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. The stiff opposition from the California delegation may cause further hurdles as the legislation heads to the House floor, with moderate and
WISPA addresses Rural Digital Opportunity Fund award concerns in letter to FCC
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) sent a letter to Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel yesterday related to its concerns about Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) awards. The FCC has indicated a preference for fiber deployments, which offer the highest broadband speeds as well as symmetrical speeds for both the upstream and downstream.
Podcast: The Power of Anchor Institutions in Community Connectivity (Institute for Local Self-Reliance)
Submitted by benton on Thu, 06/24/2021 - 15:40- Made in the USA Rule: The Commissioners will vote on whether to finalize the Made in the USA Rule. The rule would help ensure that consumers can confidently buy American, and that honest companies can realize the benefits of the Made in USA label.
- Section 18 Rulemaking Procedures: The Commissioners will vote on whether to streamline the procedures for Section 18 rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Section 18 rules allow the Commission to seek redress for defrauded consumers and penalties against firms that cheat.