Jun 10, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, FCC, Federal Policy
Since enrollment for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (“EBBP”) began in May 2021, 2.3 million people have signed up to receive assistance with their broadband bill. However, eligible participants have faced significant challenges to enrollment such as the...
Jun 3, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Francella Ochillo, Digital Inclusion, Federal Policy, Financing
Due to the COVID pandemic, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s (“NDIA”) annual conference had a different look and feel this year. It is traditionally a production fueled by volunteers where digital inclusion practitioners and other stakeholders gather in...
May 25, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Corian Zacher, By Ryan Johnston, COVID-19, Digital Divide, Emergency Broadband Benefit, Federal Policy, Treasury Department
The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (“SLFRF”) is a $350 billion emergency fund to be used by eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support the populations hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of the...
May 24, 2021 | Blog Entry, By NCC Staff, COVID-19, Digital Divide, Emergency Broadband Benefit, Federal Policy
Last week marked the beginning of enrollment for the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) Emergency Broadband Benefit. The program offers a monthly discount to offset the cost of broadband Internet subscriptions, helping those who are struggling with...
May 21, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, Spectrum
Wireless internet access, cell phones, and thousands of other technologies rely on the availability of spectrum. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released an NPRM in January 2021 seeking comment on how to most effectively open up the 12 GHz spectrum band...
May 18, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Corian Zacher, Federal Policy, State Policy
Disparities between those who have reliable broadband access and those who do not have never been more apparent. The transition of countless services online has united people living in all corners of the country toward a common goal — ensuring ubiquitous broadband for...
May 12, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Corian Zacher, Federal Policy, Low-income
Teachers fill a variety of critical roles outside of traditional classroom education. Promoting wellness and child nutrition, ensuring that students are safe and cared for at home, and preparing children for emergencies and natural disasters are only a few examples of...
May 10, 2021 | Blog Entry, By NCC Staff, Federal Policy
On May 6, 2021, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a virtual hearing to discuss “Broadband Equity: Addressing Disparities in Access and Affordability.” The hearing was called to examine persistent...
Apr 30, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Corian Zacher, Federal Policy, News, Spotlight City, State Policy
In March 2021, an anonymous Newport resident with a stable internet connection described Rhode Island’s digital divide as a major issue. In the author’s words, I see the effects of Newport’s digital divide every day in my work since the inequity especially affects...
Apr 30, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, Local Policy, News, Spotlight City, State Policy
The lack of broadband Internet access caused residents across the nation to struggle with telework, distance learning, and community development long before the COVID-19 pandemic forced our lives online. The residents in Leverett, Massachusetts, are all too familiar...
Apr 20, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Ryan Johnston, Federal Policy, Lifeline, News
In 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) directed the Wireline Competition Bureau to submit a State of the Lifeline Marketplace Report by June 30, 2021. This report is intended to provide meaningful insight on how the FCC should continue to administer...
Apr 19, 2021 | Blog Entry, By Francella Ochillo, Federal Policy, NCC News, News
Over three million Americans call Puerto Rico home. That is more than the State of Wyoming, Vermont and the Dakotas combined. Much like any other part of the US, broadband connectivity has been a critical tool for education, healthcare, and government service...
