Level of Government

Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the bipartisan Platform Accountability and Transparency Act (PATA) alongside Senate colleagues Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mitt Romney (R-UT). The bill would require social media companies to share more data with the public and researchers.

Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) announced the preliminary approval of more than $18 million for various broadband infrastructure projects throughout the state. The announcement includes applications received under the programs Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD), Major Broadband Project Strategies (MBPS), and Wireless Internet Networks (WIN). The programs are branches of Gov.

The Federal Communications Commission voted to require video conferencing platforms—like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex—to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Communications Act and agency rules that govern interoperable video conferencing services. Video conferencing is routinely used by millions of people for workplace conferences, classes, and conversations with family and friends.

The Federal Communications Commission proposed rules to advance the transition to Next Generation 911, help ensure that the nation’s 911 system functions effectively, and support the deployment of advanced 911 capabilities—including video, text, and data—that will help first responders save lives. State and local 911 authorities are now transitioning to NG911 by replacing legacy circuit-switched 911 networks with Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks and applications that will support new 911 capabilities, including text, video, and data, as well as improved interoperability and system resi

The Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to consider innovative sharing models in 500 megahertz of spectrum in the 42 GHz band. This examination of sharing models in high-band spectrum could not only inform how this band might best be used—particularly by smaller wireless service providers—but also inform future uses of sharing models in spectrum management. With ever-increasing demand for wireless services and a finite supply of airwaves, it is more important than ever to focus on finding ways to share spectrum, a valuable resource.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and the Michigan High Speed Internet Office kicked-off a statewide Michigan Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Act Now initiative to increase awareness of the ACP, a $14.2 billion federal broadband benefit funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), that will connect more Michiganders to the long-term benefit that helps lower-income families pay for high-speed internet. The Michigan ACP Act Now initiative will unite a broad coalition of partner cities, community-based organizations and trusted institutions in partnership with EducationSup

In April 2023, the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau opened a proceeding to accept comments on filings by SpaceX and T-Mobile to establish supplemental wireless coverage from space.

Government funding is essential for digital equity. Scholarship on policies to improve internet access often examines the funding mechanisms behind subsidies, or the quality and reach of services provided.

Texas lawmakers made the biggest investment for broadband development in state history with a bill allocating $1.5 billion to an infrastructure fund that is meant to expand internet availability in a state where 7 million people lack access to the service. House Bill 9, filed by State Rep. Trent Ashby, (R- Lufkin) would create the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund.

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) understands that access to high-speed, high-quality broadband service is essential to Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. This is why the Nebraska Farm Bureau is excited to work with SpaceX’s Starlink, to better fulfill the broadband needs of all Nebraskans. This will provide Farm Bureau members with two months of free service, a nearly $200 value when subscribing to Starlink for high-speed broadband internet service in remote and rural areas in Nebraska.