February 20, 2024

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ACA CONNECTS UPDATE

NEWS: ACA Connects joined NCTA in filing a petition for review of the FCC’s Digital Discrimination order. We join a large group of litigants challenging the Order, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

We’re continuing to defend our Members’ proven record of service and leadership to close the digital divide.

ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS

Ziply® Fiber lights up new fiber network in Coupeville, bringing America’s Fastest Internet and speeds up to 50 Gig to town

Kirkland, WA (February 16, 2024) – Ziply Fiber, home to America’s Fastest Internet, today announced that it has begun construction of a new, ultra-high-speed, 100-percent fiber-optic network in Coupeville, Washington, which will serve more than 850 homes and businesses across the city when construction is complete. Fiber internet – with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to America’s fastest home internet at 50 Gig – is now ready for service the first 200 addresses in Coupeville today, with the remaining addresses coming online over the next several weeks. 

ACA CONNECTS NEWS

State Reports Roundup for the Week Ending February 16, 2024

States having broadband coordination meetings occurring or planned are: Indiana and Vermont.  More details about the activities occurring in the states named above and those that follow can be found in updated state reports that are now posted on the BEAD State/Territory Implementation Tracker: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Vermont.



Important updates in the reports include the Indiana challenge period which will open on March 4, 2024 and will close on April 3, 2024.

FILINGS

FCC Opposition to EEI Petition re Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment

Published February 13, 2024

FCC Comments re Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment By Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment

Published February 13, 2024

PRESS RELEASES

ACA Connects Statement on DOJ Review of Sports Streaming Juggernaut

Published February 15, 2024

ACA Connects Announces Senator Markwayne Mullin as Keynote Speaker at #Summit2024

Published February 14, 2024

ACA Connects: Time to Cut Down on Pole Attachment Burdens & Boost Infrastructure Deployment

Published February 14, 2024

MEMBER ADVISORIES

Annual Customer Privacy Certification Due March 1

Published February 13, 2024

Copyright Statements of Account for Six-Month Period Ending December 31, 2023, Are Due on March 1

Published February 12, 2024

All Voice Service Providers Must Complete FCC Robocall Filings By February 26

Published January 31, 2024

RECENT WEBINARS

The FCC’s Digital Discrimination Rules

Published February 13, 2024

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHT

INDUSTRY NEWS

Subcommittee Chair Latta Opening Remarks on Securing Communications Networks from Foreign Adversaries

Source // Energy & Commerce

House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee legislative hearing on securing our communications networks from our adversaries, like China, and advancing American leadership.

Justice Department to scrutinize Fox-ESPN-TNT Sports streaming service

Source // TheDesk.net

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will launch a review of a forthcoming streaming service operated by Fox Corporation, the Walt Disney Company’s ESPN and Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) TNT Sports, according to a report published last week.

FCC Addresses Accessibility Gaps in Emergency Alerts in February Meeting

Source // Broadband Breakfast

The Federal Communications Commission took steps to enhance the accessibility of emergency alerts broadcasted on television and radio for non-English speakers at its Thursday open meeting, citing the tragedy that the majority of those who lost their lives in Hurricane Ida were non-English speakers.

‘AI Is Going to Cause the Next Digital Divide’

Source // GovTech

The leader of the most prominent digital inclusion organization in the country has a straightforward take on artificial intelligence. “AI is going to cause the next digital divide,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). “I have no doubt about that.”

Rural Americans were less likely to enroll in a federal broadband assistance program. Now it’s too late to sign up. 

Source // NC Health News

Rural households were not as likely as their urban counterparts to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal fund that is running out of money to help low-income families connect to the internet.

U.S. Commerce Department’s Shakedown of Virginia Broadband

Source // Former FCC Commissioner Michael O’Reilly

Virginia is extremely blessed with magical landscapes. With a short drive, residents can reach her urban centers, ocean coastal areas, Blue Ridge Mountains, central farmlands, Carolina border, and more.

Biden administration providing $1.5B to produce computer chips in NY, Vermont

Source // The Hill

The Biden administration announced a preliminary agreement Monday to provide $1.5 billion in funding through the CHIPS and Science Act to a New York-based company in an effort to bolster domestic production of semiconductor chips.

As AI Looms Large, FTC Says Big Tech Can’t Feed it Your Data Without Your Permission

Source // Cord Cutters News

As tech companies dive into artificial intelligence, many turn to their user base for information to train their bots. However, the Federal Trade Commission warned the tech giants that there are restrictions in place to protect consumers’ private information, and stealthily altering privacy policies could violate fair business practices.

Have a question or comment about the Daily Media Sweep?

Please email ACA Connects Director of Digital and Social Media Nathan Penrod at npenrod@acaconnects.org.