NASA steps closer to perfecting super-fast internet in deep space
Before the Apollo 11 mission in July of 1969, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) did not have a reliable way to transmit data generated in space back to Earth.
June 2023
Reps. Davidson, Eshoo Introduce The Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Surveillance Act
Reps. Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced legislation to protect Americans’ data from being exploited by unfriendly foreign nations, and apply tough criminal and civil penalties to prevent employees of foreign corporations like TikTok from accessing US data from abroad. This bill:
ACP Maps, Dashboards, and Tools: Which is Right for You?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households with a subsidy toward their internet bill. Looking at data can help us fill the gaps in ACP enrollment and push for its renewal in Congress. Several organizations have recognized this need and have created tools that enable us to make informed statements and decisions around ACP. Below is a review of these tools and some suggestions for the best tool for different uses:
Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Strong, Independent Journalism and News Organizations
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the bipartisan Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Kennedy (R-LA), to the full Senate on a bipartisan vote of 14-7. The bill would allow news organizations to jointly negotiate fair compensation by Big Tech companies that profit from their news content. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act would:
Chairwoman Rosenworcel Shares Plan to Bring Reliable Broadband to Remote Areas
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated an order to her colleagues that would create the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) program to require deployment of 100/20 Mbps or faster service to all locations served by the program.
Nominees
- Fara Damelin to be Inspector General of the Federal Communications Commission (PN441)
- Brendan Carr to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (Reappointment) (PN672)
- Anna Gomez to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (PN673)
- Geoffrey Starks to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (Reappointment) (PN674)
Committee Approves FY24 Subcommittee Allocations
The House Appropriations Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2024 subcommittee allocations. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 33 to 27. The measure provides $260 million in ReConnect funding.
Reactions to the FCC's Investigation Into Broadband Data Caps
“Internet access is no longer nice-to-have, but need-to-have for everyone, everywhere. As we emerge from the pandemic, there are many lessons to learn about what worked and what didn’t work, especially around what it takes to keep us all connected,” said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “When we need access to the internet, we aren’t thinking about how much data it takes to complete a task, we just know it needs to get done. It’s time the FCC take a fresh look at how data caps impact consumers and competition.”
The webinar will explore key digital equity challenges beyond the compelling and obvious need to ensure equitable access to broadband, devices, tech support and digital literacy skills. The wave of significant digital equity funding challenges & enables us to fully integrate attention to crucial concerns:
Funding the Future of Universal Connectivity
More than 30 years since the first honk and screech of commercial dial-up, there is a conspicuously empty seat at the collective table of global high-speed connectivity. Six companies account for half of all internet traffic worldwide. These six companies have a combined market cap of $9 trillion. It’s a far cry from their garage start-up days, and without question, they are tremendous American success stories. However, does it still make sense that the government and broadband providers alone fund broadband infrastructure?