Modernization

Libraries Eligible for Billions in Federal Funding to Improve Connectivity for Residents

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, will help libraries purchase laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots and more for patrons.

Digital Government

FCC Creates Public Database to Track Compliance with New Robocall-Killing Program

Telephone service providers must implement the new STIR/SHAKEN framework by the end of June and certify compliance in a new publicly available database.

Policy

Billions of Federal Dollars to Close Broadband Gaps are About to Start Flowing

The FCC has launched a program that provides $50 subsidies to help households pay internet bills and also approved rules for a $7 billion fund for libraries and schools.

Digital Government

3 Companies Settle Over Millions of Fake Comments on FCC’s Net Neutrality Rollback

Broadband companies funded an effort responsible for 8.5 million fraudulent comments supporting the repeal, according to a New York attorney general report.

Cybersecurity

A renewed push for secure modernization

With the SolarWinds breach as a catalyst and new leadership across government, agencies are rethinking their roadmaps.

Emerging Tech

FCC to Consider Proposal Enabling Spectrum for Commercial Space Launches

Companies currently are approved on an ad-hoc basis to share the federal spectrum during specific operations. 

Modernization

Your Streaming Binge Could Soon Be Interrupted by Emergency Alerts and Tests

The FCC is in the early stages of investigating how audio and video streaming platforms would participate in the Emergency Alert System.

Modernization

Lawmakers Urge Internet Companies to Join New Discount Broadband Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, slated to start at the end of April, will provide discounts on internet service to struggling households.

Modernization

The FCC Wants Your Feedback to Improve Broadband Access

In an effort to create more accurate maps detailing broadband connections and service, the Federal Communications Commission is collecting first-hand accounts from users.

Cybersecurity

FCC Moves to Rescind Permits of More Chinese Telecom Operators

The commission is also seeking public comment on the development of Open Radio Access Networks to improve national security and prosperity.

Cybersecurity

House passes Rescue package with TMF funding

The $1.9 trillion bill is aimed at Americans suffering financial hardships from the pandemic, but in the federal IT community, the bill will be remembered for the dramatic expansion of the Technology Modernization Fund.

Policy

Lawmaker to Reintroduce Net Neutrality Legislation Within Weeks

Supporters say giving the Federal Communications Commission greater authority over internet service providers is more important in the wake of the pandemic. 

Cybersecurity

FCC Approves Proposal to Increase Eligibility Under Supply Chain Order

The agency’s acting chief has reached out to interagency partners and wants to create a team dedicated to network security issues.

Digital Government

Biden Appoints Acting Chairs at FCC, FTC

The appointments position the regulatory agencies to take a more aggressive stance against the tech industry.

Emerging Tech

Universal Service Fund Wants Automation Tools to Help Bring Broadband to Communities in Need

The corporation that manages the fund for the Federal Communications Commission is looking for a contractor to help automate its manual, time-consuming data verification process.

People

Pandemic pivots at State, FCC

The necessary wave of IT adaptation to the pandemic showed federal CIOs and agencies they could move quickly and efficiently to modernize.

Cybersecurity

FCC Adopts Order to Rip and Replace Huawei, ZTE Equipment Amid 5G Security Challenges

The senior Democrat on the commission noted China’s continued leadership of global 5G standards development in urging further action.

Modernization

How COVID-19 accelerated IT modernization

As previous IT investments proved their worth in 2020, the pandemic is prompting agencies to accelerate their modernization efforts

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Pressure FCC to Move Forward With Unfunded Supply Chain Security Order

A list of covered items that would be barred from receipt of federal subsidies is due in March and will draw from a variety of other federal efforts.