1. Monthly archive
  2. August 2021

August 2021

Wireless subscriber growth and providers' promotional offerings are off the charts

Wireless subscriber growth has been off the charts in 2021, with second-quarter increases nearing records as mobile service providers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile blanket the market with free offerings. But as subscriber numbers have surged, those new customers are a volatile bunch, meaning the industry may soon have to decide whether to keep heavy promotions going just to maintain the status quo or risk losing them by turning off the promotional spigot.

Older cellphones going dead in 2022. Are you prepared for 3G's end?

As 3G cellphone networks disappear next year, people using older devices could be left without a lifeline. Tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down.

How COVID-19 Drove Digital Equity Work in Southern California

While the progress of digital equity varies by state, the remaining gaps have been brought to the forefront during the pandemic. In Southern California, Los Angeles officials have worked to implement programs and partnerships to increase access to digital devices and services as well as increasing digital literacy — a fundamental component to digital equity. Jeramy Gray, the county of Los Angeles’ chief deputy at the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, said the challenge is not only to provide access to an Internet-connected device but also to enable individuals to use the devices to improve t

FCC Announces $42 Million in COVID-19 Telehealth Program Awards

The Federal Communications Commission approved an initial set of 62 applications for funding commitments totaling $41.98 million for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

Wilson, North Carolina built its own internet company

Wilson (NC) has had city-wide high-speed fiberoptic internet since 2008. “In Wilson, we see high-speed broadband as infrastructure,” said Grant Goings, Wilson City Manager. Everything started in 2006 when Goings spearheaded a municipal broadband project after he said private telecommunications companies would not invest in high-speed internet in their area.

Sponsor 

Michelson 20MM Foundation and co-hosts the California Community Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and Southern California Grantmakers

Date 
Thu, 09/23/2021 - 11:00 to 12:30

Digital inequity continues to perpetuate intergenerational poverty among poor communities of color by disenfranchising them, limiting their access to health care and education, and stifling economic opportunity and growth. Black and Latino students are 30% to 40% more likely to have limited access to the internet, while 68% of Americans living on rural tribal lands don’t have access to broadband.
 The program will feature extraordinary digital equity leaders who will explore the intersectionality of the digital divide and the racism entrenched in this issue.

Speakers:


Broadband Dollars in Demand

As another Covid-era school year begins, it’s not just local and state governments and internet providers that are desperate for broadband cash. A coalition representing schools and libraries is urging Congress to replenish funding for a Federal Communications Commission funding program aimed at boosting connectivity for students, school staff and library patrons.

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