September 2024

Verizon explains its switcheroo in the satellite space wars

At the beginning of 2024, Verizon executives were skeptical about the direct-to-device (D2D) market, uninterested in using their spectrum for a satellite-based service. Now, Verizon is bragging about how it will be the first mobile carrier to commercially launch smartphone connectivity on Skylo’s non-terrestrial satellite network and be the first mobile carrier to launch a commercial D2D service offering. Not only that, but it’s made a $100 million investment in AST SpaceMobile, which will use 85

The Internet Archive Loses Its Appeal of a Major Copyright Case (Wired)

Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 15:12

Wireless Industry Checks in With NTIA on 6G

Even as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) moves forward with its long-delayed 5G Fund program to expand advanced wireless services in rural areas, the government and wireless industry are staking out the parameters of sixth-generation (6G) wireless. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently accepted industry comments from about 60 companies and associations on how government and industry should shape 6G, which some estimate could be deployed by 2030. Among the questions NTIA seeks to answer is how 6G enhancements could improve wireless network

Lumen Relinquishes RDOF Awards in Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming

Lumen Technologies—through its affiliates Qwest and CenturyTel of Wyoming—was awarded Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) funding to deploy gigabit speed Internet service in areas of Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Now Lumen is returning nine census block groups (CBGs) where it was awarded RDOF funding in those states. Lumen has observed deployment costs increase dramatically in many areas since it made its bids. In addition, in some areas, the number of locations to be deployed to is substantially different from the initial published auction numbers.

Iran Emerges as a Top Disinformation Threat in U.S. Presidential Race (New York Times)

Submitted by benton on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 13:13

Request for Comments on Bolstering Data Center Growth, Resilience, and Security (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)

Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:51

NTCA Survey Highlights Significant Risks of Skyrocketing Consumer Bills, Plummeting Broadband Investment, and Loans in Peril if Universal Service Fund Support were Eliminated

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is releasing the results of a survey it conducted of members on how the potential disruption of Universal Service Fund (USF) support could affect rural consumers, broadband investment in rural America, and the viability of existing rural broadband networks. The survey was conducted in August 2024 following a July decision finding the system for contributions to the federal USF unconstitutional and remanding the matter to the Federal Communications Commission. Significant findings include:

Dutch regulator slaps Clearview AI with $33 million fine and threatens executive liability (Vox)

Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:34

Reps Pfluger, Dingell Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Broadband Access to Unserved Communities

Reps August Pfluger (R-TX) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced the PROTOCOL Act, which improves the mapping process for broadband funding and enhances interagency coordination when awarding broadband funding grants. There are currently over 130 federal broadband programs across 15 different agencies with little coordination on the billions of dollars being spent. This lack of coordination has led to waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs and risks leaving unserved communities without access to basic broadband services. Specifically, this legislation would:

Two Decades In, Google.org Reimagines Its Role in the A.I. Era (Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:23

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