July 2021

FCC Announces Updated Lifeline Minimum Service Standards and Indexed Budget Amount

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau announces updated minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported services as required by the 2016 Lifeline Order. Absent action, beginning December 1, 2021, the Lifeline minimum service standard for mobile broadband data capacity will increase to 18 GB per month pursuant to the calculations set out in the FCC’s rules and the 2016 Lifeline Order. The Lifeline minimum service standard for mobile voice service will remain unchanged, at 1000 minutes per month.

House Passes FY 2022 Appropriations Bills, Includes Broadband Funding

The House passed HR 4502, a package of seven fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills, including the 2022 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill. The bill, among other things, provides $907 million for the expansion of broadband service, including $800 million for the ReConnect program.

Sponsor: 

Impact Labs

Date: 
Thu, 08/12/2021 - 09:00 to Sat, 08/14/2021 - 17:00

A gathering of talented and passionate students and early-career technologists from around the world to connect with one another, hear from expert speakers, learn new skills, and discover exciting opportunities.

The fourth annual Impact Summit will be held virtually August 12-14, 2021. All are invited to register and the event is completely free.



Low-Cost Broadband in Senate Bill Sparks Alarm on Rates

The infrastructure bill moving through Congress requires internet service providers to offer a low-cost option, sparking opposition from Senate Commerce Committee Minority Leader Roger Wicker (R-MS) who said the mandate may lead to broadband rate regulation. The measure will require funding recipients to offer a low-cost plan.