Press Release

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a new initiative to improve US government coordination on spectrum management. The Spectrum Coordination Initiative will involve actions by both agencies to strengthen the processes for decision making and information sharing and to work cooperatively to resolve spectrum policy issues. Specifically, the FCC Chairwoman and the NTIA Assistant Secretary have committed to the following initial actions:

The US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has appointed 29 outside experts to serve on the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC), which provides advice on a range of policy and technical issues related to wireless technology and the use of spectrum.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced more than 10 million households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, the nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability program. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to removing barriers to high-speed, affordable internet access. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, millions of families who previously could not get online or struggled to pay for this modern-day necessity are now connected.

House lawmakers have teamed on two bipartisan bills that would "promote competition, innovation, national security, the interests of consumers, and American leadership in the thriving commercial satellite communications industry." The discussion drafts of the bills work toward modernizing the Federal Communications Commission’s satellite licensing rules and authorities under the Communications Act, with the goal of promoting responsible space management, incentivizing investment and innovation, an

The Federal Communications Commission announced that it is committing $125,962,023.72 in its ninth wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund program support. This round of funding will support over 270,000 students and provide funding for 340 schools, 20 libraries and 6 consortia, which are approved to receive over 330,000 connected devices and over 39,000 broadband connections. Since its June 2021 launch, the program has committed over $4.5 billion supporting all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Washington (DC).

The Arizona Commerce Authority, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), announced the Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan, which supports current broadband expansion efforts on Interstate 17 and Interstate 19.

Brandy Reitter has begun her newly appointed role as Executive Director of the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO). Reitter is taking the helm amid historic funding opportunities that have the potential to bring reliable broadband to every community across the state. Reitter will drive the state’s broadband strategy to provide equal access for all Coloradans. Among her many leadership responsibilities, Reitter will direct substantial federal and state funding expenditures by working with industry, communities and agencies to ensure the greatest impact for digital literacy and inclusion.

Gov Phil Scott (R-VT) proposed a $51.5 million program, with money from the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, to deploy 100 cell towers to reach unserved wireless areas in Vermont. Administered by the Department of Public Service, the Critical Communications Infrastructure Program (CCIP) will fund the deployment of additional cell towers to expand mobile wireless voice and data coverage throughout Vermont. Federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund As with broadband service, the need for expanded cell coverage is critical for telehealth, public safety, education, and the economy.

HP and the Aspen Institute announced a new global initiative to accelerate digital equity. The Digital Equity Accelerator will support participating nonprofits in scaling their innovative approaches to help meet the needs of underserved communities affected by the digital divide.