Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Senate and House Introduction of the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act of 2021
"We commend Sens. Cornyn and Manchin and Reps. Williams and Cooper on the introduction of the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act of 2021, legislation that helps address the digital divide by focusing broadband buildout and funding on the unserved areas of the country. The bill recognizes the importance of tech neutrality and includes important safeguards – including a challenge process, transparency, and reporting requirements – to ensure accountability. The legislation also focuses on the need to remove barriers to broadband deployment, such as the ETC requirement that imposes outdated
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Senate Introduction of the Government Spectrum Valuation Act
"NCTA commends Sen. Mike Lee for introducing the Government Spectrum Valuation Act, which acknowledges the importance of spectrum for our country. This legislation requires federal government agencies to account for the value of their spectrum resources, and recognizes that both licensed and unlicensed spectrum generate value to the U.S. economy. The potential of unlicensed spectrum is especially significant, as estimates show that Wi-Fi will generate $995billion in economic value for the United States in 2021.”
NCTA & 20 Companies and Organizations Urge Action on 3.45 GHz Band
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, along with 20 other companies and organizations, today sent the attached letter to the leadership of the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee urging them to ensure, “U.S. global leadership in the development and deployment of 5G and other broadband services so that all Americans can benefit, and believe that the 3.45-3.55 GHz (3.45 GHz) band is critical to those efforts.”
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding FCC Adoption of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
“We commend the FCC's adoption of a thoughtful and balanced framework for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, an important initiative that will help ensure millions of Americans can use broadband to work and learn from home during the pandemic. We will continue working with the FCC and other stakeholders to keep existing broadband customers connected and reach those that have yet to subscribe. Today's action also represents a real accomplishment given the voluminous record and significant time constraints involved. Acting Chair Rosenworcel, her fellow Commissioners, and FCC staff deserve
Broadband Providers Send Letter to White House Regarding Supply Chain for Semiconductor Chips
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, ACA Connects – America’s Communications Association, CTIA and USTelecom – The Broadband Association sent the below letter late yesterday to the White House about the global semiconductor chip shortage and asking, “As the White House considers executive action on this and other important supply chain issues, we urge you to include broadband providers in measures to address the chip shortage, support initiatives that will expand domestic innovation and investment in semiconductor development and manufacturing facilities for all industries and ensure
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Introduction of the American Broadband Buildout Act
“We are pleased that Senators Collins and Rosen introduced the American Broadband Buildout Act, legislation that will help deploy more broadband networks in rural areas. Through programs specifically targeted at extending high-speed internet to communities that are not yet connected, it is good to see emphasis on directing funds to areas that need help the most. In addition, the legislation ensures appropriate guardrails are in place with a challenge process to assist with accountability. As this new Congress begins, we look forward to working with Senators Collins, Rosen, and other members on
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding House Energy & Commerce Committee Markup of Legislative Recommendations for Budget Reconciliation
“As the country continues to respond to challenges brought on by the pandemic, we welcome the efforts of Chairman Pallone and members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advance legislation that will promote home broadband adoption and help schools that remain closed fulfill their educational mission through remote learning. Over the past several months, the cable industry has redoubled its own efforts to keep Americans connected, expanding our existing adoption programs and striking innovative new partnerships with school districts and other organizations to identify unconnected
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Rebecca Slaughter Being Named Acting Chair of the FTC
“We congratulate Commissioner Slaughter on being named Acting Chair of the FTC. Commissioner Slaughter has been a passionate advocate for ensuring that American consumers are safeguarded by our nation’s consumer protection laws and that the FTC has the necessary resources to be an effective agency. We look forward to working with Acting Chair Slaughter and the FTC in the months ahead.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Jessica Rosenworcel Being Named Acting Chair of the FCC
“We congratulate Commissioner Rosenworcel on being named Acting Chair of the FCC. Throughout her tenure at the Commission, Jessica has been keenly focused on promoting policies that ensure all Americans can be connected to the internet, especially students who need access for learning from home. She has also championed the FCC’s action to free up unlicensed spectrum that can supercharge our Wi-Fi networks. As America continues to wrestle with the pandemic, we stand ready to work with Acting Chair Rosenworcel and the entire Commission on policies that can help our nation stay productive during
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Concerning the FCC Wireline Competition Bureau’s Declaratory Ruling Regarding Utility Pole Replacement Costs
“Today’s ruling will help promote broadband deployment by providing additional clarity regarding pole attachment arrangements and we look forward to a future proceeding to consider these issues more fully so as to unleash as much broadband investment as possible.”