1. Monthly archive
  2. January 2024

January 2024

FCC Adopts Rules to Improve Wireless 911 Call Routing

The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to more precisely route wireless 911 calls and Real-Time Texts (RTT) to 911 call centers, which can result in faster response times during emergencies and ultimately save lives. Wireless 911 calls have historically been routed to 911 call centers based on the location of the cell tower that handles the call. But in some cases, the nearest cell tower may be in a neighboring jurisdiction. In these cases, the call may be routed to a 911 call center in that neighboring jurisdiction, not the call center that serves the caller’s location.

Sponsor 

ACA Connects

Date 
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:00 to Thu, 03/07/2024 - 20:30

Funding the Affordable Connectivity Program is Critical for Our Country’s Future

Our world increasingly operates online, and the Internet has forever changed our way of life.

Sponsor 

First Responder Network Authority

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

US Department of Commerce

 

Date 
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 15:00 to 16:00

The FirstNet Authority will post a detailed agenda for the Combined Board and Board Finance and Investment Committee Meeting on FirstNet.gov prior to the meeting. The agenda topics are subject to change. Please note that the subjects discussed by the Board and Board Finance and Investment Committee may involve commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, or other legal matters affecting the FirstNet Authority. As such, the Board may, by majority vote, close the meeting only for the time necessary to preserve the confidentiality of such information.


The Impact and Importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is helping close the digital divide in America by supporting internet access for over 22 million households. Based on a national survey of ACP Participants conducted by Benenson Strategy Group in collaboration with Comcast, the program is helping people realize the full benefits of the internet—telehealth access, educational resources, increased economic mobility, and improved social connections. The survey found that people are also concerned about what will happen if the program no longer exists.

Sponsor 

Senate Judiciary Committee

Date 
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 10:00

Witnesses

  • Linda Yaccarino

    Chief Executive Officer

    X Corp.

    San Francisco, CA

  • Shou Chew

    Chief Executive Officer

    TikTok Inc.

    Singapore

  • Evan Spiegel

    Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer

    Snap Inc.

    Santa Monica, CA

  • Mark Zuckerberg

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer

    Meta

    Menlo Park, CA

  • Jason Citron

    Chief Executive Officer

    Discord Inc.

    San Francisco, CA


How much ACP exposure do big internet providers have?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is in grave danger. According to estimates from the Federal Communications Commission, the program will run out of money in April. A wave of sudden disconnects associated with the program’s end could hit ISPs hard. But just how much exposure do they have? And do they have any plans in place to keep vulnerable customers connected? We took the subscriber question straight to the big guns and asked what plans they have for keeping subscribers connected in a post-ACP world. Here’s what they told us (and what we could dig up).

Chamber of Commerce Asks Fifth Circuit to Vacate Digital Discrimination Rules

The US Chamber of Commerce is asking a federal appeals court to vacate the Federal Communications Commission’s recent digital discrimination order. As mandated by the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, the commission adopted rules in November 2023 to prevent gaps in broadband access based on race, income level, and other demographic characteristics – known as digital discrimination.

As public broadband networks ramp up, so do new attacks

The US has gained an additional 47 municipal broadband networks since January 2021, bringing the total to nearly 450.

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