Press Release
CPUC Recommends Fourth Round of Grant Awards for Last Mile Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across California
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the fourth round of recommended awardees for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. This program expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Massachusetts' “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Massachusetts' Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Massachusetts to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Rep Porter Introduces Bill to Boost Social Media Transparency
Rep Katie Porter (D-CA) introduced legislation to protect social media users from hate speech and increase transparency from tech companies. In 2023, more than half of adults and teens reported being harassed online, up 12% from 2022, but experts lack data to evaluate how well social media companies are protecting users from hate speech. The Digital Social Platform Transparency Act would require social media companies to provide clear and accessible Terms of Service to users and report on internal content regulation processes.
Sens Hickenlooper, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create Guidelines for Third-Party Audits of AI
Sens John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (VET AI) Act which directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with federal agencies and stakeholders across industry, academia, and civil society to develop detailed specifications, guidelines, and recommendations for third-party evaluators to work with AI companies to provide robust independent externa
Wireless Network Keeping Up with Demand as Customer Problems Decrease, J.D. Power Finds
With the increase of 5G phones and network technology, wireless customers are experiencing fewer problems according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Volume 2. The reduction of problems has led to improved consumer perception of reliability and increased network quality satisfaction. Highlights from the study include:
FCC Launches New Mobile Speed Test App
The Federal Communications Commission launched its new Mobile Speed Test app which features an enhanced user interface that makes challenging the accuracy of the provider-reported mobile coverage data even easier. The new app replaces the original FCC Speed Test app and is part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection program. It enables users to obtain free, open, and transparent information about the performance of their mobile network.
What’s Next for Digital Equity? Preparing for the Competitive Grant Program
As required by the Digital Equity Act, the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will be established soon, making hundreds of millions of dollars available in the first Notice of Funding Opportunity to implement digital inclusion projects. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates that funding be directed towards programs designed to empower those impacted by the digital divide, known as Covered Populations.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Utah, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ “Internet for All” Initial Proposals
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Utah, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Utah, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S.
Comcast Reports 2nd Quarter 2024 Results
Comcast revenue decreased 2.7% compared to the prior year period. Earnings per Share (EPS) decreased 1.3% to $1.00. Capital Expenditures decreased 8.1% to $2.7 billion.