In July, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) voted to adopt a Second Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sets in motion the rollout of Form 477 modernization and paves the way for better broadband mapping and data from the Commission. As reported in a previous Connected Nation Policy Brief, in 2019 the Commission approved a …
Getting Up-to-speed on Broadband Legislation
This quarter has seen a flurry of broadband legislation and programs aimed at increasing high-speed internet access and adoption across the country. Connected Nation’s (CN) policy team tracks these developments closely as the nonprofit works to get broadband deployed in even the most unserved of communities. Tom Ferree, CN’s Chairman & CEO, recently talked with RFD-TV about the work lawmakers …
The UN wants to connect every adult in the world by 2030
The following was published in c|net on June 10, 2019 by Dhara Singh Half the world still doesn’t have access to the internet, says UN Secretary-General António Guterres. At a time when countries are feuding over tariffs and trade agreements, Melinda Gates and Alibaba CEO Jack Ma feel optimistic that international cooperation will bridge the digital divide. The hope is that global collaboration …
Alabama Bill Expanding Broadband to Rural Communities Signed Into Law
Published by WVUA 23 on May 31, 2019 Alabama took a major step in expanding its broadband internet service in rural communities across the state this week. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Rural Broadband Initiative into law Thursday. Started by the legislature last year, the bill will expand an existing grant program under the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. “Each day …
More Rural Broadband Goal of New Virginia Legislation
The following was published by Fauquier Now on March 19, 2019 by Daniel Berti RICHMOND — If you want internet service in the rural hamlet of Honaker, in far Southwest Virginia, Cable Plus is the only game in town. With internet speeds of 3 megabits per second, customers can go online to check their email, surf social media and watch low-quality …
Broadband Bill Kicked Off Season
Published by Valdosta Daily Times on March 13, 2019 A broadband bill kicked off the legislative session. • HB 23 allows EMCs to provide broadband services, while prohibiting the cross-subsidization of the EMCs broadband services and its natural gas or electricity services. • It also prohibits EMCs disconnecting a user’s gas or electric service for their failure to pay for …
