Thread re: $7B for #broadband in the COVID-19 bill. Still waiting on the final bill (computer & printer problems, I'm told), but the breakdown is something like this:
1) $32B for $50 ($75 for tribal lands) monthly emergency bb benefit; 2) $1B for deployment on tribal lands 1/
1) $32B for $50 ($75 for tribal lands) monthly emergency bb benefit; 2) $1B for deployment on tribal lands 1/
3) $250M 4 telehealth; 4) $65M 4 #broadband mapping; 5) $300M grant program 4 bb in rural areas; 6) $2B for "rip & replace" (removing Chinese made equipment & replacing w. something more secure; 7) $285M for a "Connecting Minorities Community Fund," 2 expand bb in near HBCUs. 2/
There's a lot 2 celebrate in this bill, but nobody who is trying 2 close the #digitaldivide believes that this is enough. Here's what we should be most happy about: Bipartisan agreement that #broadband Internet is essential 4 full participation in society, economy, & culture. 3/
The phony debate over whether #broadband is a luxury or a necessity is over. Nor is there a debate over whether government must make sure that everyone has it. By supporting the emergency #broadband benefit, the industry has conceded it can't close the #digitaldivide itself. 4/
The emergency #broadband benefit also is a recognition by Congress that there are 10s of millions of Americans who can't afford the cost of #broadband. In fact, the affordability gap is far larger than the deployment gap. 5/
Another huge win is the $1B for tribal broadband. That alone won't be enough to fill the coverage gaps in Indian Country, but it's a long-overdue investment for the most underserved communities in the nation. 6/
What didn't get in that should've & what more needs 2 be done? I was shocked 2 see no $ 4 #ERate, the program providing #broadband 2 schools & libraries. Critically, language fr the HEROES Act & other bills would've allowed E-Rate $ 2 be used 4 home connections 4 K-12 kids. 7/
Another provision that was dropped would have strengthened the #Lifeline program, which provides a small subsidy 4 phone & #broadband. Thanks 2 this @FCC, the Lifeline program is on life support. 8/
@FCC What more needs 2 be done? The repository 4 many of the best ideas is @WhipClyburn's Accessible, Affordable, Internet For All Act, which was passed as part of HR 2, the Moving Forward Act, in July. congress.gov/bill/116th-con…. 10/
@FCC @WhipClyburn Ideas include: 1) making monthly #broadband benefit permanent; 2) Investing $80 4 high-speed networks in unserved & underserved areas; 3) making clear #ERate $ can be used 4 connectivity 2 the home & beyond the school building; 4) $ 4 state & local digital equity programs; 11/
@FCC @WhipClyburn 5) Preferencing funding 4 open access networks (that allow anybody 2 provide last mile service; 6) requiring those who receive gov't funding 2 provide 50/50 low cost #broadband service; 7) pre-empting state laws that prohibit communities from building/expanding networks; 12/
@FCC @WhipClyburn 8) #broadband pricing transparency & 9) loans, lines of credit & other financial assistance 4 service 2 community anchor institutions, residences, public safety, etc. 13/
@FCC @WhipClyburn A good bit of what is needed must be passed by Congress, but the Biden @FCC can also move the needle. 1st thing it must do is reinstate its authority 2 oversee the #broadband market. Otherwise, any bold action @FCC takes 2 close the digital divide will be legally suspect. 14/
@FCC @WhipClyburn Biden @FCC should act 2 permit #ERate funding 2 be used 4 #broadband beyond the classroom, on an emergency basis at 1st if needs be. It should also increase the #Lifeline benefit. & it must fix the Universal Service Fund, which has too few companies contributing 2 survive. 15/
@FCC @WhipClyburn Another "Day One" project 4 Biden @FCC is 2 fix the maps that claim 2 show who has #broadband & who doesn't. Congress has now provided the $$. You can't make good policy with bad maps. @FCC should also collect data on who doesn't have bb due 2 cost, not just availability. 16/
Finally, the #digitaldivide won't be closed unless there is collaboration from all stakeholders. Federal, state & local governments, industry, consumer advocates & philanthropies must all work together in common cause. 17/
The Biden @FCC, or the White House should bring these parties together 2 build a blueprint 4 getting everyone in the US connected. Also vital that the US agencies responsible 4 #broadband policy work together & that states & cities are treated as partners, not adversaries. FIN/
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