by Pivot
Tag: Policy
If You Really Want to Solve the Digital Divide, Show Me the Money
The House Energy and Commerce committee’s Communications and Technology subcommittee is considering 25 legislative resolutions that address rural broadband expansion to close the Digital Divide. At a hearing today, representatives of . . .
$2 Billion CAF II Auction Plans Set, Pai Pleads for Participation from Providers of All Types
The CAF II auction will start July 24 and will award funding to deploy broadband to unserved rural areas to network operators that offer…
5G Nationalization Proposal is the Quintessential Non-Starter
A 5G nationalization proposal calls for the government to build a 5G network as a protection against threats from China. Supporters argue…
Charter Rural Broadband Strategy Could Include Fixed Wireless and Wireline Options
Charter rural broadband deployments could use fixed wireless in the 3.5 GHz band, which the company is testing in at least six markets. The company is also testing 5G in six markets , but probably not for use in rural markets . . .
ILSR Community-Based Broadband Map Shows 750 Networks, Electric Cooperatives on the Rise
The latest community broadband map from the Institute for Local Self Reliance includes networks operated by electric cooperatives, as well as municipal broadband networks.
UN Broadband Commission Goal: 75% Global Broadband Penetration by 2025
UN broadband commission goals include having affordable entry-level broadband services in all developing countries that cost less than 2% of monthly gross national income per capita by 2025. Other global broadband penetration goals include . . .
FirstNet Gets a New Look
AT&T unveiled a new FirstNet identity that uses carefully chosen words and graphic symbolism to convey the goals of the mobile broadband public safety network that the carrier will be building nationwide.
FCC Draft Report Maintains Current Broadband Definition
A contentious debate regarding the FCC’s broadband definition may have been settled as FCC chair is circulating a draft report that maintains the 25/3 Mbps benchmark as the definition of broadband
Rural Broadband Momentum Picks Up Steam as Flurry of Legislation Joins White House, FCC Initiatives
Rural broadband legislation introduced in the House would authorize a matching grant program to promote peering points where none exist. Meanwhile, the Senate Broadband Caucus set out to school President Trump about the need for federal investment in . . .
FCC Proposes $500M Rural Broadband Funding Injection, Targets Traditional and A-CAM Mechanisms
A draft order calls for FCC rural broadband funding for A-CAM carriers to increase $360 million over 10 years and traditional high-cost Universal Service to increase $180 million for the current funding year, said an FCC spokesman. The additional funding would come from . . .
Senate Net Neutrality Resolution Would Put Rules Back in Place
A Net Neutrality resolution introduced by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey would re-impose guidelines originally established in 2015 but overturned by the FCC last month. The resolution would appear to have strong public support, and Democrats are counting on that to . . .
Report: ‘Clear and Unchanging’ Community Broadband Prices Beat Commercial ISP Networks
A study from Harvard University’s Responsive Communities found that community broadband prices were lower than for commercial operators in 23 out of 27 markets. Comparisons were based on 25/3 Mbps service and four-year average costs.
CAF II Auction Start Date Could Be July 24, FCC Not Swayed by Comments
The recommended CAF II auction start date came in a 100-page order on which the FCC will vote later this month. The auction will award…
Report: When it Comes to Net Neutrality Support, Knowledge is Evidently Power
Net neutrality perceptions vary by age, gender and political affiliation, according to research firm Gfk. But the majority of people who say they understand the issue say they support net neutrality, regardless of which category they fall into.
Trump Rural Broadband Initiatives: Where’s the Beef?
Trump rural broadband initiatives include two executive orders aimed at eliminating regulatory deployment barriers. But if you were hoping to hear something about funding or addressing the USF budget shortfall, you’ll be disappointed.
FirstNet Gains All 50 States After All
Despite some drama, all 50 states and some U.S territories are opting in to FirstNet, the national public safety network being constructed by AT&T. Verizon plans to
Wave Broadband Files with FCC Against Comcast’s NBC Sports Network
FCC Takes Key Step Toward Auction To Expand Rural Broadband
FCC Rural Health Care Reforms Under Consideration, $400M Cap May Increase
Potential FCC rural health care reforms include increasing the cap and creating a prioritization mechanism for times when demand exceeds the cap.
Room Evacuation Accompanies FCC Net Neutrality Reversal
Security personnel initiated a room evacuation during an FCC vote on controversial Net Neutrality reversal. The decision may destroy internet freedom, said
Broadband Provider Groups Aim to Debunk “Overexaggerated” Net Neutrality Fears
Consumers’ Net Neutrality fears and FCC rules are focused on broadband providers, who don’t block or favor certain traffic. But companies…
New Hampshire FirstNet Opt Out is a Strike Against AT&T
A New Hampshire FirstNet opt out decision means little known Rivada will build & operate the public safety network in that state, with implications for AT&T
Being the Product for Internet Giants Raises Privacy Concerns for Consumers
Research from Recon Analytics on privacy concerns found that 77% of consumers would like more transparency on the ads being targeted to them.
Cooperatives Embrace Fiber Broadband: ILSR Finds 87 Cooperative Gigabit Deployments Nationwide
Telecom and electric cooperative gigabit deployments are one of the best ways of bringing broadband to rural America, says the Institute for Local Self