Apr 15, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, News
President Biden’s recent comment that “broadband is infrastructure” highlights a new federal commitment to treating broadband Internet service in the same way as water or electricity – as a necessity. In many disconnected communities across the nation, broadband...
Apr 7, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, News
In September, 2020 Verizon announced that it intended to acquire TracFone. Currently, TracFone is the largest prepaid wireless provider in the United States with around 21 Million customers. It is also one of the largest Lifeline providers in the country, accounting...
Apr 5, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Corian Zacher, By Ryan Johnston, COVID-19, Federal Policy, News
Through American Rescue Plan, Congress appropriated $7 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund for schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency tasked with developing rules for distributing the funds, sought public comment on its...
Mar 30, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, News
About 1,100 miles Southeast of Florida and roughly 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, our fellow Americans live on a cluster of three main islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands – made up of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas – is also surrounded by 50 minor islands. In...
Mar 26, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, Local Policy, State Policy
Broadband networks are part of the DNA of resilient communities. As evidenced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, reliable and high-speed connections are vital for education, health, safety, and economic development. Natural disasters pose ongoing threats to broadband...
Mar 25, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, COVID-19, Federal Policy, News
Even though thousands of Americans are getting vaccinated each day, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Families who are still struggling to pay utilities, small businesses still have difficulty keeping their doors open, and students continue to distance...
Mar 18, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, News
Providers should visit the FCC’s website for the most updated information. Emergency Broadband Benefit Resources FCC information and eligibility guidelines for providers FCC outreach partner information and eligibility guidelines for consumers Next Century...
Mar 5, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, News
The Federal Communications Commission is constantly working to make spectrum available for 5G services. To this end, on February 24th, it released a draft Report and Order to be considered at the agency’s March open meeting that would establish the licensing rules and...
Feb 24, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, News
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that broadband access is essential for distance learning, telework, and telehealth applications. To that end, on February 16, 2021, House republicans announced a series of 28 bills that are intended to “improve” broadband competition...
Feb 24, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy
Broadband policy discussions are often reduced into how broadband should be deployed in rural areas, and why adoption is an ongoing issue among urban populations. While the technologies and strategies needed for success are fundamentally different, both require...
Jan 28, 2021 | Blog Entry, By NCC Staff, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, NCC News, News
Every four years, as a new Presidential administration begins and Congress has a new list of priorities, there are always new executive positions that must be confirmed by the Senate. This year is no exception. A significant non-cabinet level appointment includes...
Jan 25, 2021 | By Brittany-Rae Gregory, By Corian Zacher, By Ryan Johnston, COVID-19, Federal Policy, NCC News, News, Press Releases
View a pdf of this press release here. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brittany-Rae Gregory brittany-rae@nextcenturycities.org NEXT CENTURY CITIES SUBMITS COMMENTS ON THE FCC’s REQUEST FOR RESPONSE TO THE EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM Washington D.C....
