Policy

Bill Proposes $2 Billion to Help Students Get Online During the Pandemic

The legislation would mandate the Federal Communications Commission to distribute funds for Wi-Fi hotspots and other devices for internet connectivity.

Ideas

Is the Fourth Industrial Revolution a Silver Lining? 

Dramatic disruptions like the coronavirus pandemic can lead to permanent shifts in how we work.

Modernization

Lawmaker Presses FCC to Expand Internet Access for Low-Income Communities

California Rep. Doris Matsui doesn’t want those who lose jobs during the coronavirus outbreak to lose internet connectivity.

Cybersecurity

3 Essential Steps to Help Ensure Data Protection in the Mobile Workforce

Federal agencies can protect their most valuable assets by taking security measures at multiple touchpoints.

Modernization

OMB to Agencies: Time to Finish IPv6 Transition

Before the end of fiscal 2021, agencies will need to have a plan in place to hit 80% IPv6-only systems by 2025.

Ideas

Where Everyone Goes When the Internet Breaks

Downdetector is a simple, ugly utility, which becomes a weird little life raft for displaced communities when their websites crash.

Modernization

Frustrated by Flawed Broadband Maps, States Are Trying to Create Their Own

The Federal Communications Commission’s broadband maps underestimate the number of households that lack internet service. State agencies are trying to gather better data.

Cybersecurity

CISA Director Makes Case for Subpoena Power over Internet Service Providers

A key lawmaker pointed to concerns over privacy if the agency could request who’s behind internet addresses.

Emerging Tech

The Night Sky Will Never Be the Same

Elon Musk’s plan for worldwide internet has sent bright artificial, lights streaking through the dark.

Emerging Tech

FCC Approves $20 Billion Rural Broadband Funding Plan

While proponents heralded the fund as a major step to close the "rural digital divide," Democrats on the commission warned that many areas that need internet won't get help.

Digital Government

House Democrats Unveil New $760 Billion Infrastructure Plan

The 19-page proposal recommends tapping existing federal programs to funnel money to infrastructure projects.

Modernization

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Map Correlation Between Maternal Mortality and the Digital Divide

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would add a maternal mortality overlay to connectivity maps produced by the FCC.

Policy

As Putin Schemes to Extend His Reign, Expect New Forms of Internet Repression

Russia under a president-for-life will likely grow more insular and less open to Western influence.

Digital Government

Russia Plans to Cut Off Some Internet Access Next Week

The Dec. 23 test aims to evaluate a system meant to control traffic, veil hackers, and quash dissent.

Emerging Tech

Laser-Linked Satellites Could Deliver 'Internet from Space'

Such a network could potentially reach remote and underserved areas.

Ideas

Our Predictions About the Internet Are Probably Wrong

It’s easy to forget how unforeseeable the “unforeseeable” really is

Ideas

Democratic Candidates Need to Learn to Play the Long Game on Broadband

Putting monopoly-style regulations from the 1930s on the competitive broadband sector won't work.

Modernization

Agriculture Funds More than $1 Billion in Projects to Boost Rural Infrastructure

The broadband and electric investments aim to benefit more than 1.5 million businesses and residents.

Modernization

VA Stands Up Private, Virtual Exam Rooms to Bring Telehealth to Rural Communities

The agency is collaborating with corporate partners to provide veterans with comfortable, private spaces to have video appointments with their VA providers, much closer to home.