Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – Media & Communications Policy

April 18, 2024April 17, 2024 By Stuart N. Brotman

Local Approach May Be Key to Combating Digital Discrimination

Remember when the “digital divide” was developed as a shorthand to describe those Americans who had broadband network access compared to those who did not? Clearly, in a society that revolves around digital technologies and content, being on the wrong side of that divide may mean fewer educational, professional, and personal opportunities.

The good news for many Americans is that the number of persons without access to high-speed broadband at home continues to shrink. Clearly, there is a way to go to achieve near-universal broadband access, but the trend line is pointing in the right direction.

November 6, 2023November 5, 2023 By Adonis Hoffman, Esq.

FCC Ready To Ramp Up Rulemaking on Two Key Issues

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is one of the most important regulatory agencies in America, and perhaps the world. It is home to scores of talented, dedicated, and hard-working engineers, economists, and legal experts who have eschewed private-sector lucre for selfless public service.

With statutory authority to regulate the nation’s communications systems, devices, and technology, the FCC has power to approve or deny mergers; levy fines and penalties; bring suit; award licenses and contracts; allocate spectrum; conduct hearings and inquiries; establish standards and codes; and promulgate regulations governing television, radio, telephone, wireless, mobile, Internet, cable, satellite, and international services in the multibillion-dollar telecom, media, and technology sector.

November 16, 2021January 25, 2022 By Stuart N. Brotman

Invest in Better Digital Privacy Protection Along With Faster Broadband Speeds

Among the key provisions of the trillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (aka the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal) signed into law by President Joe Biden on Monday, Nov. 15, is $65 billion that will be dedicated to improving access to reliable high-speed Internet. This will include both increased availability of broadband to more than 30 million Americans who do not have minimally acceptable broadband speeds, and assistance in lowering prices for Internet services so that more households can afford better Internet service.

This new law aimed at closing the digital divide also should be used to close the digital privacy divide – the gap between more personal information being stored and shared and the level of privacy protection for online users that is provided to them.