Image
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
ACP Rally and Next #B4DE Event Spotlight Broadband Affordability
By
on
Next week an array of public interest groups, federal lawmakers, FCC officials, and digital equity advocates will converge on the Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library in the nation’s capital for an Affordable Connectivity Program Rally.
Organized by Public Knowledge, Civic Nation, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), Digital Progress Institute, and Broadband Breakfast, the event will be held on April 30 beginning at 11:30 AM ET and will highlight the importance of the ACP and what happens if Congress allows the popular subsidy program to expire.
Image
They will be joined by U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, and FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks as the rally aims to bolster the chances of a discharge petition making its way to a House floor vote to extend the ACP in the face of reluctant GOP leadership.
The rally will be livestreamed by Broadband Breakfast here.
In the weeks following the rally, the focus on what digital equity advocates across the nation are doing to address broadband affordability beyond the ACP will bring together frontline digital inclusion practitioners from across the nation for the next Building For Digital Equity (#B4DE) event.
Co-hosted by NDIA and the Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR) Community Broadband Networks Initiative, the popular (and free) virtual gathering will be held on June 10, 2024 from 3 to 4:15 PM ET.
Image
Registration for #B4DE is now open here.
With ACP running out of funds in the coming weeks and the increasingly slim chance Congress will extend the program (at least until the end of 2024), the June #B4DE will feature the timely theme: “Pathways to Affordable Connectivity.”
The agenda will be packed with practical insights from frontline digital inclusion practitioners from across the nation sharing a variety of approaches that address broadband affordability and the pressing need for creating sustainable solutions for communities.
While the event attendance is free, available slots fill up fast. We encourage anyone interested in joining the event to save the date and register here now.
Related Stories
Broadband Champion Jim Baller Presented With Lifetime Achievement Award
James (Jim) Baller’s trailblazing career was honored at the 50th Anniversary Gala of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) in Washington D.C. this week where he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Broadband Bills To Enhance Local Autonomy Thwarted By Wisconsin State Senate
In a setback to efforts aimed at enhancing broadband access across Wisconsin, the state Senate this week dealt a blow to three key bills aimed at improving various aspects of broadband provision.
Save The Date: Next B4DE Event Will Focus On Pathways To Affordable Connectivity
The second Building for Digital Equity (#B4DE) event of the year will focus on what digital equity advocates across the nation are doing to address broadband affordability challenges and delve into the need for creating sustainable solutions for communities.
RantanenTown Ranch Turns Into Broadband Playground For Tribal Broadband Bootcamp 11
Photo-filled look at the many days of prep and three days of immersive programming that went into creating Tribal Broadband Bootcamp 11 at RantanenTown Ranch.
Building for Digital Equity Podcast Returns
We are set to launch a brand new season that focuses on the frontline work to expand Internet access, address affordability, and help provide the digital skills and devices necessary to fully participate in a digital world. The first episode of 2024 features an insightful conversation with Pierrette Renée Dagg, Director of Research for the MERIT Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Municipal Broadband Provider Whip City Fiber Serves Up Win “For Everybody”
Westfield City Council votes to approve $11.1 million bond for a new athletic track and field at the local high school, thanks to the success of Westfield Gas & Electric’s broadband subsidiary Whip City Fiber. And though the return on investment may not be as eye-popping as the $2.7 billion Chattanooga's municipal network, EPB Fiber, has reaped in Tennessee, Westfield officials hailed the community investment as a “huge moment” for local residents.