Press Release
About 960,000 Added Broadband in the First Quarter of 2023, According to Leichtman Research
Leichtman Research Group found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the US – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 960,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in the first quarter (1Q) of 2023, compared to a pro forma gain of about 1,085,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022. These top broadband providers now account for over 112 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 76.2 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having about 30.8 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having ab
Treasury Department To Give Awards to Connect More Families and Businesses to High-Speed Internet
The US Department of the Treasury approved federal funds for multi-purpose community facility projects and broadband infrastructure projects in Delaware and Idaho under the American Rescue Plan’s (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF). A key priority of the CPF program is expanding economic opportunities and providing internet connectivity in communities with unmet needs. The following descriptions summarize the Idaho and Delaware plans that Treasury approved:
DE-CIX to Support Connected Nation & Newby Ventures in Closing the Digital Divide in the US
DE-CIX, the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs), and Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points (CNIXP), a joint venture between nonprofit Connected Nation and Newby Ventures, are entering a strategic partnership for the establishment and operation of edge IXs in unserved and underserved markets across the US to
Biden-Harris Administration Kicks off Infrastructure Week by Highlighting Tremendous Progress Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure 18 Months In
President Joe Biden (D-DE) signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) 18 months ago. To date, the Administration has announced over $220 billion in IIJA funding, including over 32,000 specific projects and awards, across over 4,500 communities in all 50 states, DC, and territories. To implement the law, agencies have now hired over 5,000 federal employees, and states and territories have appointed infrastructure coordinators to facilitate clear communication and coordination with the federal government.
Governor Youngkin Commits More Than $59.5 Million in Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Grants
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) announced more than $59.5 million in grants through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for 14 projects serving 20 localities throughout Virginia. The VATI program provides targeted funding to extend service to areas that are presently underserved by any broadband provider. The goal of VATI is to create strong, competitive communities throughout the Commonwealth by preparing those communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure.
Sen. Bennet Introduces Legislation to Ensure Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies Like AI By The US Government
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Oversee Emerging Technology Act to require relevant federal agencies to designate a senior official able to advise on the responsible use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
Sens. Luján, Thune Announce Bipartisan Working Group on the Universal Service Fund and Broadband Access
Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and John Thune (R-SD) announced a bipartisan Senate working group to evaluate and propose potential reforms to the Universal Service Fund (USF). The goal of this working group is to create a bipartisan forum to guide education, awareness, and policy-making on this topic.
Senator Schmitt Introduces Legislation Aimed at Stopping the Federal Government’s Collusion with Big Tech to Censor Speech
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Curtailing Online Limitations that Lead Unconstitutionally to Democracy’s Erosion (COLLUDE) Act, in order to halt the collusion between Big Tech and the federal government which has led to censoring Americans’ speech. The COLLUDE Act prevents Big Tech companies from colluding with government to censor free speech, by stripping them of their Section 230 protection if they commit such actions. Specifically, the bill:
Sens. Hickenlooper, Capito Reintroduce Bill to Create Cybersecurity Office Related to Critical Infrastructure
Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) reintroduced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act, a bipartisan bill to modernize and codify the NTIA’s work in cybersecurity.
Reps. Cammack, Soto, Jackson, Perez Introduce Rural Internet Improvement Act Of 2023
Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL), Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL), Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-TX), and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) introduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023. The Rural Internet Improvement Act eliminates duplicative broadband programs at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) by merging and codifying the popular Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) with USDA's broadband loan and grant program.