Network

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and a local nonprofit are calling on the Federal Communications Commission to provide better cell and broadband access and protection to those in abusive relationships.

Alabama has committed $537 million in federal funds for high-speed Internet under plans state lawmakers and Gov. Kay Ivey approved last year and during a special session this month.

The nation's largest municipal broadband program has expanded by nearly 50 percent, now delivering free Internet and basic cable television to approximately 300,000 New Yorkers in public housing.

Plus, a continued look at what some state and local governments are doing to increase participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and more.

The city of Brownsville is installing its BTXFibers project that, when completed, will make the Internet accessible and affordable to all residents and businesses. The first connections are expected in July.

Haverhill, Mass., residents are getting help in the form of free computer classes, free computers and free Internet access from the nonprofit MakeIT Haverhill, with the support of a regional program.

Local government officials in McLean County, Ill., regional planners and the McLean County Farm Bureau want to know how fast Internet access is in rural parts of the county.

A dozen towns throughout Lewis County, N.Y., will now have access to 27 Wi-Fi hot spots thanks to a collaboration between the county and Internet service provider Spectrum. The project was created through a $370,000 program with Spectrum.

The AT&T Connected Learning Center, located at the Rincon Education Center, increases Internet access for tribal community members, while providing opportunities for students to do homework and for adults to seek employment.

The county board of commissioners is asking to be considered for the state’s Realizing Opportunities for Broadband Infrastructure Networks grant, seizing the opportunity to apply before the next round of grants in 2024.

Plus, Vermont is the latest state actively seeking resident input on its digital equity planning, Hawaii's state digital equity leader is honored by a pair of new awards, and more.

The New York State Public Service Commission will hold virtual public statement hearings to receive public comments concerning the availability, reliability and affordability of broadband in the state.

So far, two versions have been released with the third not far off, raising the question: What sets these fabrics apart, and how do they impact the National Broadband Map?

Some 16 million U.S. households – including more than 320,000 in Alabama – face losing Internet subsidies if Congress fails to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a $30 discount on broadband.

Concerns about radio frequency exposure cannot be addressed locally, with the Federal Communications Commission charged with deciding what levels of exposure are safe and which wireless facilities can be licensed.

Plus, more about Kansas' $15 million of federal funding for digital equity; U.S. senators reintroduce digital equity legislation, $180 for digital equity heading to libraries, and more.

During the 2023 State of the Net Conference, digital equity experts discussed the importance of seizing the current financial opportunity to bridge the digital divide, and why collaboration is essential.

Neighbors of the Blue Mountain Community Church have spent months searching for legal means to keep a cell tower out of their neighborhood, including pressuring the Walla Walla City Council.