Devices

After the federal government canceled a major grant program over the summer, Pennsylvania digital equity orgs are struggling to stay afloat. The now-terminated $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act (DEA) would’ve distributed millions of dollars to Pennsylvania, helping to provide access to the internet, devices and digital skills programming.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants Program, totaling over $145,000. The company awarded grants to 31 rural-serving organizations nationwide to support projects in public service, education, health and business development. Awards include $4,945 to Central Christian College of Kansas to create a Digital Learning and Academic Support Hub that expands access to broadband-enabled technologies and peer tutoring for rural and first-generation students.

Moolah Wireless, a mobile virtual network operator using AT&T’s network based in Atlanta, is launching nationwide in October. Its first expansion markets are in the South and Midwest. The Moolah M1 phone and connectivity will be available through convenience stores. Subscribers will get same-day service. The no-contract prepaid plans start at $14 per month. Retailers nationwide will get turnkey kiosks, training, and marketing for Moolah Wireless products. They will earn a commission for every activation.

Despite the federal government shutdown, states across the country are making strides on their own broadband and digital equity initiatives. Four states in particular caught our eye this week. Many of these initiatives were designed to work in tandem with federal investments, especially those created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or to fill gaps created by the sunsetting of crucial programs, like the ACP.

New research released by Digitunity explores the key role devices play in bridging the digital divide. Since 2013, the Census Bureau has asked three questions in the American Community Survey related to computer and internet use, focused on the type of computing device used (if any), if the household is connected to the internet, and via what type of internet connection. One in seven households either have no computer at all or rely only on a smartphone for internet access. While smartphones provide convenient internet access and can be more portable and affordable than computers, they lack

This paper provides an analysis of previously unpublished demographic-specific data on individuals and households that either: (1) lack any type of computing device, or (2) rely exclusively on smartphones for their internet connectivity. According to data from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), 1 in 7 households in the United States fit into one of these categories and thus lack large-screen computers. However, this rate varied widely across socioeconomic characteristics.

The Federal Communications Commission announced the initial success of “Operation Clean Carts.”  Federal law prohibits the sale or marketing of certain electronic equipment—including certain devices produced by Chinese entities like Huawei, ZTE, Dahua, and Hikvision—that the FCC has placed on the agency’s Covered List due to national security determinations.  Nonetheless, many online retailers and e-commerce sites have continued to sell, or allowed third-parties to sell, those devices.

The Seattle Community Network (SCN) is a volunteer-based, grassroots community nonprofit with a small operating budget (currently averaging $10-$50K in grants, donations, or in-kind contributions per year) that installs and provides internet access for homeless shelters. This post describes the software infrastructure we use to run our network and operations. The solutions detailed here will be most apt for other community networks that feature similar organizational styles and seek to minimize operating costs.

The US Senate advanced its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“We all benefit when we are all connected—when workers connect with employers, patients connect with doctors, students connect with teachers, and small businesses connect with customers. That’s what Congress designed the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program to deliver—connectivity and opportunity for all," said Executive Director Dr. Revati Prasad. “NDIA’s action today is an unfortunately necessary step to restoring Congress’s intention.