California’s Digital Equity Bill of Rights
In October 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed the Digital Equity Bill of Rights. This is an interesting law that guarantees that Californians have the right to, among other things:
December 2023
FirstNet: Initial Buildout of Public Safety’s Network Verified, Delivering for America’s First Responders
“The initial build of the FirstNet network was done on time, on budget and on task.” With those words, the First Responder Network Authority Board Chair Chief Richard Carrizzo confirmed and validated the successful completion of the initial 5-year buildout of FirstNet, America’s public safety broadband network. The journey to this moment has been remarkable—it started with the development of custom FirstNet state plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 US territories. Through our public-private partnership, and close collaboration with the public safety community across
Chairwoman Announces Advisory Committee on Forward-Looking Tech Issues
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the FCC will re-establish the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC), with its primary focus to include how artificial intelligence and machine learning can enhance the security, reliability, and integrity of communications networks in a nondiscriminatory, transparent, and socially responsible manner. The Chairwoman also plans to task the next CSRIC with addressing forward-looking issues including the security and reliability risks unique to emerging 6G networks and the reliab
Wavelength's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Bids in Default Announced
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB or Bureau) and the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) announced that Wavelength LLC, a Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF or Auction 904) long-form applicant, has defaulted. The Bureau has concluded its review of Wavelength’s long-form application in Arizona.
President Biden signs into law Sen Kennedy's (R-LA) bill to require FCC to expand 5G access to rural Americans by releasing previously auctioned spectrum
President Joe Biden signed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-LA) 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act into law. The legislation will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned spectrum to expand 5G broadband access to rural communities. The US Senate passed Kennedy’s legislation in September 2023, and the House of Representatives passed Kennedy’s legislation in December.
4 Practical Ways Nonprofits Can Use A.I. to Drive Innovation and Increase Impact (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 12/20/2023 - 15:58Telefónica shares jump after Spain announces plan to buy 10% stake (Financial Times)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 12/20/2023 - 15:57The Monthly Price of a Full Collection of Premium U.S. SVOD Services Went Up $17 in Just One Year (Nexttv)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Wed, 12/20/2023 - 15:56
Verizon announces partnership with Detroit NAACP to advance digital equity
Verizon announced a $100,000 award to the Detroit Branch NAACP for the Digital Education, Training, and Access (E.T.A.) program. The partnership is part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1 million national initiative equipping communities with the tools to navigate an increasingly technological world. The Detroit Branch NAACP will partner with local organizations to provide technology-focused training to seniors and formerly incarcerated community members.