While there's still a chance that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will be extended beyond April, one top policy expert fears that a successful extension faces an "uphill struggle." That was the assessment of New Street Research Policy Analyst Blair Levin, who shared his latest thoughts on the perils of the program in a research note. A pressing issue, he points out, is that ACP was not woven into Congress's latest budget package. "Nor do we see signs that Congress will do so in the next set of packages" that are set to be voted on later this month, added Levin, who is also a former Federal Communications Commission official. "There are a series of other legislative vehicles that will likely move forward in the next few months, in time to extend the program before current ACP customers are faced with the choice of increased payments or losing service," Levin explained. "But it also suggests that the odds of an ACP extension remain low."

If you ask broadband providers about the biggest obstacles to network deployments, permitting roadblocks and pole attachments usually make the top of the list. At the ACA Connects Summit, Metronet CEO Dave Heimbach summed it up as “the three Ps: pain, poles and permitting.” Heimbach said that in many cases utilities are “largely ignoring” the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules and regulations about the timeframes in which they have to respond to attachment requests. Another challenge, he went on to say, is when municipalities “just have outmoded and outdated” rules and regulations. “Even assuming we can navigate the electric utility issue on the aerial side, we’re finding ourselves in a pickle oftentimes, either with local permitting authorities or perhaps even the state department of transportation,” said Heimbach. To make matters even more complicated, these entities all have their own shot clocks (i.e. timeframes in which they have to respond to requests).

Some State Broadband Offices are taking a stab at social engineering by trying to force BEAD grant winners to offer low broadband rates. I understand the sentiment behind this because everybody in the industry involved with digital equity issues hears stories about homes that can’t afford broadband even when it is available. I know this feels like a broadband office is doing something good, but there are a number of reasons why this is a terrible idea. The first is simple since Congress specifically prohibited the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and States from regulating rates in the BEAD grants. The more important reason why rate regulation is dangerous with BEAD is that many rural business plans are highly stressed and will have a hard time just breaking even with normal rates. I know that broadband offices want to do social good, and I applaud them for the sentiment. High rates are a problem. But it’s irresponsible to put the full burden on internet service providers to solve the digital divide with low rates. It’s irresponsible to force low rates in rural areas where costs are high while the providers serving metropolitan areas can charge high rates with impunity.

The Biden Administration has launched a new effort to lower costs and promote competition for US consumers. The Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing––co-chaired by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)––aims to strengthen interagency efforts to root out and stop illegal corporate behavior that hikes prices on consumers through anti-competitive, unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices. The announcement included upcoming actions to be taken by the White House Competition Council to promote competition and lower costs across industries, including for broadband consumers. The White House announcement highlights the Federal Communications Commission's consumer protection role. Here we look at the FCC's efforts to address “bulk billing” arrangements, early termination fees, net neutrality, and digital discrimination.

Allegan County’s journey to universal connectivity has overcome a number of obstacles: accurately determining the extent of connectivity gaps, exploring potential strategic solutions, and tackling costs in a manner palatable to the community. Advancing this initiative required a leader with deep industry knowledge and a strong connection to the community. A leader who would refuse to take no for an answer and demand that incumbent internet service providers work with her, rather than against her. Jill Dunham, the Broadband Project Manager for Allegan County, has been instrumental in the county’s journey. Currently, only 472 of over 44,000 households remain without a funded plan for a high-speed internet connection, and Jill continues to drive the efforts to connect these remaining homes, too. 

[Dr. Pierrette Renee Dagg, Ph.D is a Benton Institute Digital Opportunity Fund Fellow, the Director of Technology Impact Research at Merit Network. The aim of her work is to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and practical application to advance issues of technology understanding and information equity.]

In today's digital world, access to technology and the Internet enables boundless opportunities.  Now more than ever, women and girls are seizing these opportunities to smash barriers and soar to new heights. For women and girls, achieving digital equity is more than gaining access to the devices and connectivity that empower them—it is also about safeguarding their journey. As we celebrate International Women's Day, here are three reasons why digital equity is a game-changer for women and girls’ empowerment.  

1. Empowering through Education and Workforce Opportunities Digital equity ensures equitable access to education and workforce opportunities. By providing women and girls with access to online learning platforms, educational resources, and digital skills training programs, they get the tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven society.
2. Building Support Networks and Amplifying Voices Online spaces provide women and girls with platforms to connect, collaborate, and amplify their voices on issues that matter to them. Digital equity ensures that women and girls have a seat at the table and a voice in online discussions, allowing them to advocate for their rights, share their experiences, and mobilize support for social change.  
3. Safeguarding Women's Online Journey Unfortunately, digital technologies can also be used as tools of coercion, control, and violence against women and girls. Digital equity initiatives address this challenge by providing resources, support, and legal protections to survivors of gender-based violence and technology-enabled abuse. From online counseling services to digital evidence collection tools, women and girls have access to a range of resources to seek help and navigate the legal system.