August 2021

FTC's lead economics expert in Facebook antitrust suit leaves the agency

Carl Shapiro, the lead economics expert in the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust suit against Facebook, has parted ways with the agency—adding yet another impediment to the regulator’s largest court fight. The University of California-Berkeley economist has criticized new FTC Chair Lina Khan’s aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement, and she in turn has faulted the agency’s traditional reliance on economists’ analyses in its fights against alleged monopolists.

No child deserves to be left offline this school year—here’s how Congress can help

As the conditions of students without home broadband access or a device mirror the broad systemic inequalities of the US, Congress must do more than offer piecemeal funding to connect K-12 students to the internet.

What is Section 230? An expert explains the legislation that paved the way for Facebook, Google, and Twitter (Conversation, The)

Submitted by grace@benton.org on Mon, 08/02/2021 - 15:47

The shadow of the chip shortage is looming over tech’s big quarter (Vox)

Submitted by grace@benton.org on Mon, 08/02/2021 - 15:46

Cuba protests flamed by 'iPhones on the streets' more than US policy (USA Today)

Submitted by grace@benton.org on Mon, 08/02/2021 - 15:46

Canada raises $7.2 billion in 3.5 GHz auction for 5G (Fierce)

Submitted by benton on Mon, 08/02/2021 - 14:55

The push for a "PBS of the internet"

A new policy paper from the German Marshall Fund p

The Bipartisan Broadband Bill is Good, But Won’t End the Digital Divide

The US Senate is on the cusp of approving an infrastructure package, which passed a critical first vote last night by 67-32. There is a lot to like in it, some of which will depend on decisions by the state governments and the Federal Communications Commission. Negotiations on the final bill are ongoing, but the draft broadband provisions have been released.

Lumen’s Digital Disparity: Underinvestment in Infrastructure and Discrimination

Lumen Technologies is worsening the digital divide and failing its customers and workers by not investing adequately in the essential fiber-optic buildout that is the standard for broadband networks worldwide.

Study shows consumers' interest in municipal broadband

A study conducted by the Reviews.com Broadband Research Team about municipal broadband found a growing number of US residents are excited about the prospect of internet service as a utility. As interest in public broadband increases, it will be interesting to follow along with potential increases in pressure placed on local politicians to push for public internet. The study found:

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