USDA Task Force Report on Rural Broadband Deployment
The Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity released a report outlining a rural broadband deployment agenda. The report identifies over 100 actions the federal government should consider undertaking to achieve this vision. These recommendations were organized around five key indicators of rural prosperity: (1) e-connectivity, (2) Quality of Life, (3) Rural Workforce, (4) Technological Innovation, and (5) Economic Development. Recommendations included a multi-sector assessment of the current state of affordable rural high-speed internet access, including identification of infrastructure and service gaps reduction of regulatory barriers to infrastructure deployment, and incentivizing private capital investment. The report also highlighted the importance of e-connectivity for ensuring “America’s economic competitiveness and enabling all Americans to be plugged in to a world of opportunity.” One of the key issues identified was the number of Americans lacking access to fixed terrestrial broadband service. Below is a table included in the report that showcases those figures.
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TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 1/11/17.
US House Broadband Principles
The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology introduced a series of resolutions laying out principles for broadband infrastructure. By removing barriers to buildout, supporting innovation, and focusing on communities that need it most, the four resolutions are intended to set the groundwork for a larger legislative process. The four resolutions:
US House Hearing on IOT
The House Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection announced a hearing for Thursday, January 18, 2018 entitled, “Disrupter Series: The Internet of Things, Manufacturing and Innovation.” During the hearing, members will continue to explore the effects of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its application to the manufacturing sector. #SubDCCP will also identify the challenges and benefits that come with this technology, and examine barriers to deployment and innovation. Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH) said, in part: “IoT devices are revolutionizing our homes and our everyday lives, and the impact this technology is having on American manufacturing continues to grow. By discussing the challenges and opportunities associated with IoT, this hearing will help identify where Congress can remove barriers to ensure manufacturers are able to fully realize the benefits of these cutting-edge devices.”
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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.