What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
FCC Announces April 21, 2022 Open Meeting Agenda
The Federal Communications Commission announced the agenda for its upcoming Open Commission Meeting on April 21, 2022. The following items are on the agenda:
This webinar reflects on three proposals for Universal Service Fund (USF) funding reform. Over $9 billion in USF expenditure is funded through interstate and international revenues of telecommunications companies and the scope of its four programs has expanded to include broadband service for low-income Americans and those in high-cost areas. The contribution base has been shrinking while the services supported by it have been expanding.
As the United States works to advance high-speed broadband as part of the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, what is the status, and how are state and local communities being activated to support deployment and digital inclusion activities? The National Telecommunications Information Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce leads the allocation of $45 billion of the $65 billion federal appropriation, and has worked with governors, and state broadband offices to draft plans for digital allotments, and frameworks for oversight of eligible entities.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel Convenes Principals Meeting Of Federal Interagency Cybersecurity Forum
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel convened the first principals-level meeting of the recently relaunched Cybersecurity Forum for Independent and Executive Branch Regulators. The Forum consists of regulatory agencies with oversight across all sectors of the US economy.
Infrastructure Bill Money Will Help Push Universal Broadband Goal Within Five Years: Rep. Clyburn
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) predicted that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help get internet into every home in America within the next four to five years. The bill itself does not provide a concrete timeline as to when this goal would be achieved, but various government officials, including Rep Clyburn, have made promises to the American people that it could come sooner than some may expect. “In five years, I think this going to be a successful venture,” said Rep Clyburn.
The ACP's funding of $14.2 billion will modify and extend the Emergency Benefit Broadband Program (EBB), and helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet services, and ensures they can afford the broadband needed for work, school, healthcare and more.
Learn more about how households can receive free monthly credits for internet services, the new program's impact on the AAPI community, and strategies on how to best get our communities connected.
FCC Holds Second Public Hearing on Broadband Consumer Labels
The Federal Communications Commission heard from the public on April 7 as the agency focuses on plans to create broadband consumer labels. This was the second FCC public hearing on so-called nutrition labels as the agency revives an effort from late in the Obama administration to stick the information on internet service provider (ISP) plans. One common thread was that even when information is available on internet service quality, consumers don't know enough about the specifics to grasp what it means for their own online needs.
Tech Associations Urge Senate to Confirm Gigi Sohn to the FCC
Seven technology industry associations sent a joint letter to the Senate majority and minority leaders urging the Senate to confirm Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society] as the fifth Federal Communications Commissioner. Associations signing the letter included service provider groups INCOMPAS and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, as well as the Consumer Technology Association, Chamber of Progress, CompTIA, Computer & Communications Industry Association, and Internet Infrastructure Coalition.
Remarks from Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen on Digital Assets
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen delivered remarks on digital assets policy, innovation, and regulation at American University's (DC) Kogod School of Business Center for Innovation. "A few weeks ago, President Biden signed an Executive Order calling for a coordinated and comprehensive government approach to digital asset policy," Yellen said. "Digital assets have grown explosively, reaching a market cap of $3 trillion last November from $14 billion just five years prior.