Policy

New Bipartisan Bill Would Allow U.S. Govt To Provide Internet In War Zones

The Safely Accessing Telecommunications Act allows the Defense and State Departments to procure telecommunication services on behalf of countries in conflict.

Modernization

Commerce Gives Over $277 million In Grants To Build Out Broadband

Millions were dispersed across 12 states and territories to develop stronger internet infrastructure, a key mission in the Biden administration agenda.

Emerging Tech

Air Force Commits Millions to Demonstrate ‘Space Internet’

Constellations of spacecraft spanning different orbits would be explored to provide connectivity.

Modernization

Broadband Rollout Depends on Fixing ‘Woefully Inadequate’ Maps

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo discussed the agency’s current plans for installing broadband, emphasizing the need for state planning and communication. 

Modernization

Tribal Broadband Effort Gets $1.5 Million Federal Investment

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued another round of funding for indigenous communities with poor broadband infrastructure.

Ideas

Infrastructure Law’s Digital Equity Goals Are Key to Smart Cities that Work for Everyone

Smart cities promise a shining future, but without deliberate efforts to include underserved communities they can worsen the digital divide.

Ideas

Are You Really Smart, or Is It Just Google?

“We’re seeing that people even forget that they googled a question,” a researcher said.

Cybersecurity

FDIC’s Temporary Wi-Fi Network Tool Doesn’t Have Needed Security Authorizations

The program is in limbo while the tool awaits an ATO, prompting the inspector general’s office to express its “concerns.”

Emerging Tech

FCC Releases First U.S. Mobile Broadband Map

The map, which shows where the four largest mobile carriers offer voice and data services, is a step toward improving the accuracy of high-speed internet access data.

Ideas

Fight for Control Threatens to Destabilize and Fragment the Internet

International power plays are a threat to a stable, open internet.

Ideas

Teens Have a Hard Time Finding Truth Online

Researchers say students need to be prepared for a world filled with a continual flow of misleading information.

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.

Modernization

Senate Bill Would Improve Rural Broadband Investment

The bipartisan legislation would give local and state governments new financing options for broadband projects.

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

Biden Infrastructure Plan Includes Billions for Federal Buildings and Research

The American Jobs Plan proposes spending a small chunk of the $2 trillion on improving federal office buildings and hospitals.

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.

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.