The FCC recently released working recommendations for key priorities that will be part of next month's unveiling of the National Broadband Plan. The recommendations are meant to bring greater high-speed Internet availability to the health care, education, and energy sectors, and move the federal government into a new era of engagement and transparency. Read More »
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke recently announced the latest round of economic stimulus awards totaling $357 million for expanded high-speed Internet access. Nine states received record funding for broadband expansion. Nine states - California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin - received funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Read More »
The Communications Workers of America used the FCC's last request for public comment before the release of the national broadband plan to issue a public notice laying out what they consider to be top priorities for the plan. CWA's proposals include bringing U.S. networks to world-class standards by setting ambitious, but achievable goals, with an immediate goal of 10 megabits per second downstream and 1 megabit per second up; and 50 megabits down and 20 up to 80 percent of the population by 2015. Read More »
As in the civilian world, the military is using broadband to improve access to and the quality of education and healthcare. During remarks at Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas, FCC Chairman Julian Genachowski discussed the ways that servicemen and women are benefiting from broadband and how that applies to the upcoming National Broadband Plan. Read More »
"Broadband is the new essential infrastructure," according to Susan Crawford - a member of the president's National Economic Council. Broadband will help doctors, nurses, teachers, students, police officers and more do their jobs better and more efficiently. Read More »
Connected Nation continues to expand its broadband initiatives in multiple states, as part of its mission to stimulate deployment and adoption of high-speed Internet to all Americans. They launched interactive broadband mapping tools in Minnesota, were designated the mapping entity in Nevada and Texas, and are making the case for broadband in Ohio. Read More »
Although the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) mandated in President Obama's stimulus package has only just completed initial planning stages, states in New England are eagerly planning for projects to make use of the federal dollars. In Massachusetts, over one hundred companies have expressed interest in applying for funds and Gov. Patrick appointed a director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. In Connecticut, state officials are aiming to enhance municipal and public safety networks. Read More »
In comments submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Communications Workers of America (CWA) commended the FCC for moving forward promptly to develop a national broadband plan. CWA recommends that the Commission hold a series of public hearings to solicit guidance for the plan, set specific benchmarks to increase broadband speeds to the home, establish tax incentives to encourage broadband build out and upgrades, and safeguard consumers and create quality jobs. Read More »
President Obama continued to make history earlier this week when he launched Open for Questions - an online town hall that drew almost 100,000 participants and more than 3.5 million votes. Read More »
The Alliance for Public Technology - a Speed Matters partner - recently announced the winners of its second "Broadband Changed My Life!" contest. Read More »
