Federal Communications Commission
Are Light Poles Telecommunications Infrastructure?
A long-running issue resurfaced recently asking if light poles should be made available for telecommunications.
Commissioner Simington Reply to Senators Markey and Wyden
Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington replied to letters from Sens Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) calling on all Commissioners to act objectively, in accordance with the Communications Act and the First Amendment, in license grants, renewals, and transfers. Commissioner Simington replied: “I am pleased to commit to making license determinations objectively and fairly, in compliance with the Communications Act and in a manner that upholds the First Amendment.
Commissioner Simington Statement on the Media Marketplace
Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington released a statement regarding the ongoing negotiation between Disney and DirecTV. He touched on three concerns about the media marketplace. "One: about a third of linear network content distributed in the United States is now delivered by over the top, streaming platforms. Two: there is zero harmonization, whether in our rules or in industry practice, between network video content distribution over traditional linear MVPDs versus over the top, streaming MVPDs.
Lawmakers push to revive low-income broadband subsidy as providers pivot
Internet service providers including Charter, Verizon and Comcast are shifting customers away from the Affordable Connectivity Program, an expired federal internet subsidy that helped low-income households pay for broadband. The $14.2 billion program, which went into effect in December 2021, served roughly
Rep. Latta: Universal Service Fund Working Group Still not in Agreement After Fifth Circuit Ruling
Lawmakers working to revamp an $8 billion-per-year broadband subsidy still haven’t come to an agreement, said Rep Bob Latta (R-OH). The Fifth Circuit ruled in July 2024 that the fund in its current state is unconstitutional, which the government intends to appeal. The Capitol Hill group includes members of both parties and chambers of Congress.
After the Affordable Connectivity Program, home Internet access on tribal lands ticks up
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical lack of digital equity in the United States, particularly in Indian Country. As previous Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) research has shown, before the pandemic households on federally recognized reservations were less likely to have home Internet and faced substantial
Podcast | What is broadband access without affordability?
The Five Nine takes an in-depth look at an interesting question: “What is broadband without affordability?” The United States government is poised to spend more than $42 billion on broadband expansions across the country in a quest to bring internet connectivity to every citizen. But the recent collapse of the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program—which provided monthly subsidies to help eligible citizens pay for their broadband service—has raised a critical question.
FCC Launches Benefit to Ensure Survivors of Domestic Violence Are Eligible for Lifeline Phone and Internet Discounts
During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Federal Communications Commission announced the implementation of a key provision of the Safe Connections Act that will help survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes get discounted phone, internet, or bundled services through the FCC’s Lifeline program. Survivors can now make a request with their service provider to separate their mobile phone lines from family plans where the abuser is on the account.
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Remarks to Consortium of State School Boards Association
On September 9, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel spoke at the Consortium of State School Boards Association about the Learn Without Limits initiative. "Six weeks ago, the FCC voted to modernize the E-Rate program to support Wi-Fi hotspots for loan in libraries—and school libraries—nationwide," she said. "For the student without a connection at home or with housing that is inconsistent, having a teacher loan out a hotspot helps make sure they have a stable way to access to the internet. And keeping that kid connected is about more than one child.
Is Broadband Reaching All Americans?
On September 6, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission launched its latest (and 18th overall, if you're scoring at home) inquiry into the state of broadband in the United States.