I want to start by recognizing that the cybersecurity challenge is about to get even more challenging with the advent of 5G. I’m going to share three lessons we’ve all learned from scary movies that should apply equally to our nation’s cybersecurity.

1. Never Split Up. In my first meeting as Acting Chairwoman I committed to working with our federal partners and the private sector to increase the security and resiliency of our nation’s communications networks. I also made clear my belief that working with like-minded countries and multilateral institutions and building on shared frameworks like the Prague Principles can multiply our strength across the globe.
2. Don’t Answer the Door; Don’t Let the Threat Inside Your Home. We’ve rolled out policies aimed at slowing down the adoption of Huawei and ZTE equipment globally, targeting these companies’ practices that allow them to move quickly, and leveling the international playing field.
3. Have a Back-Up Plan. While we continue to take action to slow down untrusted vendors, we also must take action to speed up American innovation. So to get that effort started, March 17 the FCC launched the first-ever inquiry into open radio access networks—or open RAN. 

North Carolina’s Broadband Infrastructure Office released its Digital Inclusion Plan Template and Guide to help local governments create plans for closing the state's digital divide. The guide is a reference for municipalities to design their own plans for managing their tech and infrastructural needs and assets. So far 14 communities throughout the state have used the template to formulate initiatives to “level the playing field” for families who don't have the broadband access and devices necessary for remote work and schooling.

Cable operators, bracing for a slowdown after the robust broadband growth during the height of the pandemic may be in for a surprise. Federal money from the American Rescue Plan could help maintain, and in some cases spur, high-speed data additions in both urban and rural markets, according to MoffettNathanson principal and senior analyst Craig Moffett. Cable operators added more than 4 million broadband customers in 2020, the sector’s biggest growth spurt in a decade and one that occurred as penetration levels were in the 80% range. Operators across the board have warned analysts and investors to not expect the same growth rates in 2021 and, for the most part, they have complied, lowering forecasts over the next few years. But that pullback may be a bit premature given the scope and size of the federal stimulus bill, which has earmarked billions of dollars to make broadband service both more available and more affordable across the country. Taking those factors into account, Moffett ticked up his own subscriber growth estimates for the top publicly traded cable operators by nearly 5% over the next four years. Three programs that are part of the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus plan -- the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, the Emergency Connectivity Fund and the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund -- will provide a combined $20 billion in funding for broadband projects. But more importantly, a significant part of those funds will be targeted at affordability as well as availability.