What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
A three-day summit in Chicago.
5x5 unites leading experts involved in emergency communications technology, including public safety personnel, industry leaders, technology researchers, innovators, and government officials. 5x5 is a collaborative experience focused on exchanging technical lessons learned, spreading new ideas and sparking conversations.
Chair Rodgers, Ranking Member Cruz Lead Colleagues in Urging FCC to Halt Unlawful Plan to Reclassify Broadband as a Public Utility
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) led a bicameral coalition of their committee colleagues in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reverse course and abandon its so-called “net neutrality” draft order—an illegal power grab that would expose the broadband industry to an oppressive regulatory regime under Title II of the Communications Act. The members argue that the FCC’s draft order ignores the text of the Communications Act of 1934, which explicitly precludes the FCC from
Shout it with me: FCC is bringing back net neutrality
Millions of people have called on the Federal Communications Commission to protect the free and open internet — backed by the authority of Title II of the Communications Act — registering more public comments on this issue than any other in the agency’s history. Now, under the leadership of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel — who had to wait two years to act until the Senate filled a vacant seat on the commission — net neutrality, gutted under the Trump administration, is back on the docket. A new vote to restore it is set for April 25 at the FCC.
FCC urged to reconsider USF stance in net neutrality order
With the FCC's vote on net neutrality coming up Thursday, April 25, some industry groups are making a final push for a change to the language in order to leave open the possibility of meaningful Universal Service Fund (USF) reform at the agency level. Specifically, representatives at industry trade groups NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, Incompas, and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) met with members of the FCC in the last week to urge the Commission not to forbear applying USF to broadband Internet access providers (BIAS). I
The Affordable Connectivity Program is vital for many Americans, and we need your help to preserve it.
During this rally, you'll hear from:
Amidst historic levels of investment in rural broadband, it is critical that the rural broadband community’s united voice is heard in Washington. Attend NTCA’s premier advocacy event, the annual Legislative + Policy Conference, to learn more about and advocate for the policies that impact the broadband industry, your company and the communities you serve. At the Legislative + Policy Conference, you will be trained and given resources on how to present your high priority items to federal lawmakers, hear directly from legislators and policymakers, and meet with NTCA's advocacy team.
Initial funding for digital equity plans is available. But how do states plan to use it?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently finished approving digital equity plans for all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington (DC) in what Administrator Alan Davidson called a “milestone moment.” The grants announced in the March 29 notice of funding opportunity can be used to begin implementation of those plans, which identify the barriers in each sta
With the ACP Winding Down, Advocates Tout Its Value
As the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) winds down, federal officials are hopeful Congress will reauthorize funding for the widely popular project that helps subsidize monthly Internet service for low-income households. “This program is making a difference.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is Popular because it Works
Time’s almost up for Congress to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Without the funding, 23+ million households risk losing internet access. This federally funded program has made a huge difference in people’s lives, but its future remains uncertain. As many of you prepare for what’s next, we’re making one last push to remind Congress of what’s at stake.
Can States Pick Up the End of ACP?
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel made it clear recently that the FCC is not willing to tackle funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that is expiring in May 2024. She estimated that the FCC would have to add something like $9 to every broadband bill in the country to fund the ACP plan. However, states could pick up the ACP funding just for their state. States will have the authority to do this after the FCC approves the reinstitution of Title II authority this week.