President Donald Trump renewed his support Tuesday for efforts to include broadband funding in a fourth major COVID-19 legislative package, amid continued Capitol Hill interest in addressing broadband in future pandemic-related measures. The fortunes of broadband funding as part of future pandemic-related bills fluctuated in the weeks since Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the most recent aid bill (see 2003270058). Many tech and telecom entities listed proposals to include broadband funding in HR-748 and future aid legislation as one of the issues they lobbied the Hill on during Q1.
President Donald Trump renewed his support Tuesday for efforts to include broadband funding in a fourth major COVID-19 legislative package, amid continued Capitol Hill interest in addressing broadband in future pandemic-related measures. The fortunes of broadband funding as part of future pandemic-related bills fluctuated in the weeks since Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the most recent aid bill (see 2003270058). Many tech and telecom entities listed proposals to include broadband funding in HR-748 and future aid legislation as one of the issues they lobbied the Hill on during Q1.
An FCC webinar May 20 at 2 p.m. EDT is for state, local, tribal and territorial government officials on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction slated for October, said a public notice Monday.
The FCC appears to be split 3-2 on the 5G Fund NPRM, scheduled for a vote Thursday. Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks are said to be concerned about Chairman Ajit Pai's proposed approach. Rosenworcel questioned that approach when it was unveiled earlier this month (see 2004010065).
The National Tribal Telecommunications Association asked the FCC to add $20 monthly Lifeline support on tribal lands plus more funding "to address connection difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic," in a letter posted Friday in docket 11-42. NTTA wants "revisions to the Lifeline program rules to streamline entry into the program for those unfortunate Americans -- those living on Tribal lands and elsewhere -- experiencing a sudden loss of income that would meet the eligibility requirements." Let tribal authorities qualify newly eligible, it said.
The growing number of newly unemployed need access to broadband and voice services more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, FCC Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks said during a MediaJustice online event Thursday. Speakers shared stories of how the lack of robust telecom access hurt their ability to reach healthcare providers, complete online schooling and keep in touch with relatives. Bolster Lifeline benefits and enrollment, close the homework gap and lower inmate calling service rates, Rosenworcel asked of her agency. Starks recalled a visit several months ago to a District of Columbia Department of Corrections facility where he listened to 20 prisoners. They told him how important it was to stay connected to their communities. The push to make ICS free for those in local and state jails and prisons, and not just federal facilities (see 2004150061), is important, he said. Starks said the FCC should do more to keep people on tribal lands connected. Foster the Lifeline program because connectivity is a central aspect of social distancing, Starks said. Leonard Edwards, an advocate with D.C.-based Bread for the City, wants the Lifeline program to extend unlimited voice minutes and broadband data to customers even after the pandemic.
House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, N.J., is circulating discussion language to provide $2 billion in “emergency broadband benefit” funding in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill. Some lobbyists we spoke with see the draft as Democrats’ bid to resurrect plans for emergency broadband funding without providing new ammunition to Lifeline critics. Several Democratic lawmakers want future COVID-19 legislation to fund broadband and other infrastructure (see 2003260063). Some groups are urging Congress to use the coming measure to address other communications policy priorities, including media funding (see 2004090066).
The FCC Wireless Bureau granted emergency special temporary authority Monday for Ashiwi College & Career Readiness Center to use three unassigned 2.5 GHz channels to provide broadband to the Pueblo of Zuni in New Mexico during the coronavirus crisis. Tribal entities remain eligible to apply for 2.5 GHz licenses during the rural tribal window, which closes Aug. 3, the FCC said. The bureau understands the college “is ready to deploy immediately.”
Smith Bagley sought Lifeline changes tied to COVID-19. “Additional relief is needed given the worsening situation and the special challenges faced by low‐income populations, especially on Tribal lands,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 11-42. The FCC should make more support available “on a temporary basis for purchase of broadband‐capable devices and for additional data needed to access distance learning and other critical services,” the company said. It sought temporary suspension of requiring notification and de‐enrollment for nonusage of no‐charge Lifeline service of the one‐per‐household requirement.
Smith Bagley sought Lifeline changes tied to COVID-19. “Additional relief is needed given the worsening situation and the special challenges faced by low‐income populations, especially on Tribal lands,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 11-42. The FCC should make more support available “on a temporary basis for purchase of broadband‐capable devices and for additional data needed to access distance learning and other critical services,” the company said. It sought temporary suspension of requiring notification and de‐enrollment for nonusage of no‐charge Lifeline service of the one‐per‐household requirement.