Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Report and Order about the new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which provides $20.4 billion to fund broadband deployment in rural areas over 10 years. However, the Order, as written, could actually broaden the digital divide by punishing states that have taken steps to fund broadband […]

PK In The Know Podcast: Owning Digital Things

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a vital program administered through the Federal Communications Commission intended to ensure that U.S. residents, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities have access to affordable communication services, including broadband. In May, the FCC proposed capping the total amount it would expend for USF programs and combining two USF programs – the E-Rate and Rural Telehealth programs. This is a bad idea, as […]

For nearly all Americans, broadband is an indispensable service that makes it possible for them to communicate, transact commerce, and participate in civic life. In fact, broadband is so critical that last month Senator Thune, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and a bipartisan group of 60 senators, called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to ensure that rural Americans have access to high-speed broadband.

Tomorrow afternoon (May 12th), we are bringing together rural policy experts from around the country for an event on the impact of the technology transitions (previously referred to as the “IP Transition”) on rural communities. This event is open to the public and we hope you can join! It will be held on Capitol Hill at the Rayburn House Office Building at 2pm. You can RSVP here.