1. Monthly archive
  2. January 2025

January 2025

Broadband access associated with fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths

The mortality rate from COVID-19 was about 50% lower in U.S. counties with higher internet access in the summer and early fall of 2020. A new University of Michigan study found that broadband connection was a key factor in reducing mortality and incidence during the early months of the pandemic. The average county with high internet access had 48%-53% fewer new COVID-19 deaths and 19%-34% fewer new COVID deaths per 100,000 residents than the average county with low internet access.

State of Maine Opens Competitive Application to Improve Internet Connections for Nearly 30,000 Homes, Businesses, and Community Institutions

Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the public agency leading the statewide expansion of broadband and digital equity in Maine, announces the opening of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Project Application, where applicants will submit bids to provide high-speed, reliable internet to locations still struggling with slow or unreliable service, or no internet connection at all. Maine was allocated $272 million in federal funding from the BEAD Program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Despite N.Y.’s new law, the fight for affordable broadband rages on

Operators in New York state now have to abide by a new law requiring them to offer a broadband option for $15 per month, whether they like it or not (and many of them don’t). However, the war for broadband access rages on, and the state’s decision doesn’t make matters any less complicated. Originally passed in 2021, the New York law states internet service providers must offer low-income households a 25 Mbps internet plan for no more than $15 per month (or $20/month if it’s a 200-meg plan).

SpaceX Doesn't Want to Offer Starlink for $15, Requests Exemption From NY Law

SpaceX's Starlink is trying to exempt itself from a New York law requiring ISPs to offer internet plans starting at $15 per month for low-income residents. New York’s Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) recently went into effect, forcing broadband providers to offer low-inco

Texas Prepares to Launch LEO Satellite Grant Program to Expand Broadband Access in Rural Areas

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said his Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is piloting a competitive grant program to support the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service in rural, unserved areas of Texas, using $30 million from the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Fund. This initiative continues the Texas Legislature's directive to bridge the digital divide and ensure greater access to high-speed internet for all Texans.

The Exit Interview: NTIA Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Friday, January 17, 2025

Supreme Court Backs Law Requiring TikTok to Be Sold or Banned

The Supreme Court ruled against TikTok rejecting the company’s First Amendment challenge to a law that effectively bans it starting on January 19. The unanimous decision may deal a death blow to the U.S.

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