Today, the U.S. Senate passed the next round of desperately needed  COVID-19 relief. Among other provisions, the relief bill helps students access broadband — or stay connected — during the pandemic by providing additional funding for the E-rate program to cover for K-12 distance learning.

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission voted on circulation to approve a Report and Order to establish the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, a $3.2 billion federal initiative to provide qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer, laptop, or tablet. The program created by Congress subsidizes broadband and device payments for low-income consumers or families hit hard by the pandemic, including students and the unemployed.

Yesterday, Public Knowledge joined New America’s Open Technology Institute in filing comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Notice on the use of E-Rate funds to enable remote learning.

Yesterday, Public Knowledge filed comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Notice to consider how to operate the new “Emergency Broadband Benefit Program” established this month to provide broadband subsidies for those financially impacted by COVID-19. 

Today, a bipartisan, bicameral package for COVID-19 relief was introduced. Among other provisions, the relief bill helps Americans access broadband — or stay connected — during the pandemic.

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Nathan Simington to the Federal Communications Commission effectively deadlocking the agency until the Senate confirms a candidate for the fifth seat on the commission.

Today, Public Knowledge joins 39 other public interest, government, civil rights, labor, higher education, and rural advocacy groups in a letter urging Congress to offer a federal broadband subsidy in forthcoming COVID-19 stimulus packages.

Today, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) introduced “The Critical Medical Infrastructure Right-to-Repair Act of 2020” to allow trained experts to maintain and repair essential medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and temporarily suspend restrictions that are blocking needed repairs. Public Knowledge commends Sen. Wyden and Rep. Clarke for championing the needs of patients and medical professionals during this public health crisis.

Today, Public Knowledge joined nearly 50 public interest groups, tribal advocacy organizations, trade associations, and churches in a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. The “Tribal Priority Window” allows tribes to apply to receive free spectrum licenses on the 2.5 GHz band — crucial for expanding 5G to Tribal lands. The groups urge the agency to extend the deadline to February 3, 2021 due to the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on American Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, and Alaska Native villages across the nation.

Today, Public Knowledge joined 15 other public interest, rural, tribal, and consumer advocacy groups in a letter urging Congress to request the Federal Communications Commission extend the 2.5 GHz wireless broadband application deadline for American Indian tribes.