Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Introduction of the Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2022
“We applaud the work of Senators John Thune, Ben Ray Luján, Amy Klobuchar, and Deb Fischer to introduce legislation focused on helping broadband reach more Americans. The Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2022 would replace existing programs with a revised ReConnect program that would enhance participation and results, so that more communities can be connected to broadband even faster. Most significantly, this bill would direct funding for network expansion to areas where at least 90% of households lack access to broadband, and encourage reliance on applicants with demonstrated experience
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the Passing of Congressman Donald McEachin
“NCTA mourns the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin who served the residents of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District with distinction since 2017. Having spent more than two decades in public service, first in the Virginia state legislature and then as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman McEachin will be remembered as a steadfast and dedicated advocate for the residents of central and southeastern Virginia. He cared deeply for his constituents and worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for those in the communities he represented. During this very
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the CBRS Study Released by CTIA and Recon Analysis
“The study released today by CTIA and Recon Analysis about CBRS overlooks the value of shared spectrum and its ability not only to meet consumer needs, but also enable new and diverse users. A zero-sum, exclusive-licensed-only strategy is not a solution. There are many creative ways to approach the spectrum crunch, and the CBRS model offers a compelling and innovative basis for doing so. “As the number of connected devices grow among consumers, businesses, and other organizations, the CBRS band allows for the sharing of spectrum among several entities, be it educational institutions
Award-winning Broadband Equipment Agreement Exceeds Energy Efficiency Goals
More than 98% of new modems, routers and other internet equipment purchased and sold last year for U.S. residential broadband subscribers met targeted energy efficiency levels, exceeding the goal of 90% set out in the industry voluntary agreement for small network equipment (SNE) led by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and CableLabs, according to a new independent audit report. Further, the report found that energy usage held steady even as average broadband speeds increased by 27% in 2021, and that the average energy usage of the
Hallmark Media’s Wonya Lucas Joins NCTA Board
Washington, D.C. – NCTA – The Internet & Television Association today announced Wonya Lucas has joined the NCTA Board of Directors where she will serve as an Appointed At-Large Director for a two-year term. Lucas is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Hallmark Media, where she oversees the company’s portfolio of entertainment brands, including linear networks Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama, and subscription video on demand service Hallmark Movies Now. Before joining Hallmark in 2020, Lucas was President and CEO of Public Broadcasting Atlanta
Industry Initiative Saves Consumers $2.5 Billion in Annual Energy Costs
Washington, D.C. — Consumers saved $2.5 billion in energy costs in 2021 under a voluntary agreement between the pay-TV industry and energy efficiency advocates to improve the energy efficiency of set-top boxes used to access video programming. Led by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and CableLabs®, the agreement has cut the aggregate energy use of set-top boxes by 57% in the United States since the agreement was launched nine years ago, according to a new independent auditor’s report. The voluntary agreement has saved consumers almost
Michelle Ray Departing Kaitz Foundation in December
The Walter Kaitz Foundation, the cable industry’s leading advocacy organization in advancing equity, inclusion and belonging in media and entertainment, today announced that Michelle Ray will leave her position as Executive Director on December 2. Ray has served the Foundation for over 15 years in successive leadership roles and the December date ensures her management of the annual foundation dinner on October 12 and a smooth transition afterwards. “Michelle has been a true force of nature and her leadership at the Kaitz Foundation has been invaluable to the industry. Her passion and tireless
Joni Lupovitz Joins NCTA’s Legal & Regulatory Affairs Team
Washington, D.C. – NCTA – The Internet & Television Association today announced the addition of Joni Lupovitz to its Legal team as Vice President and Associate General Counsel. Lupovitz joins NCTA with more than two decades of legal, public policy, legislative and regulatory experience in the private, nonprofit and government sectors. Most recently, she served as NPR’s Senior Director, Public Policy, representing NPR and the public radio system before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and other agencies to support public radio news and cultural programming across platforms
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the D.C. Circuit’s Decision on the FCC’s 5.9 GHz Order
“The D.C. Circuit’s decision to uphold the FCC’s 5.9 GHz order is an enormous victory for American consumers. The Commission’s unanimous, bipartisan order modernizes a band that was primarily unused for over 20 years, and today’s court decision enables that important 5.9 GHz spectrum to provide consumers with even more reliable high-speed Wi-Fi and access to next-generation automotive safety applications. We look forward to working with the Commission to build on this positive momentum and complete the 5.9 GHz proceeding.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Legislation That Would Codify Broadband Networks Under Title II Public Utility Regulation
“Twenty years into an increasingly stale debate over net neutrality, the justifications for it seem increasingly limp. The breathless assertions over the years that the internet is gravely threatened because ISPs would block or throttle traffic and erect toll booths to charge internet companies to reach consumers have proven hollow and unrealized. The claim that ISPs would not invest in expanding capacity and speed wilts in the shadow of massive expansion to gigabit networks today with efforts driving rapidly to 10G networks in a few years. Similarly, the wireless industry is in the middle of