Verizon’s laudable initiative, Verizon Innovative Learning, has achieved a milestone by bringing digital skills training to seven million students, aiming to address digital inclusion. Their ongoing efforts focus on underserved Title I schools, providing them with an integrated technology curriculum, advanced tech tools and free internet connectivity.
The 2021 ‘Build America, Buy America Act’ significantly reshaped U.S. telecommunications, demanding domestic purchases from companies eyeing a piece of the $42 billion BEAD funding. Despite industry concerns, majority purchase from U.S. vendors remains crucial.
In an ambitious move to enhance the United States’ emergency services network, AT&T, in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), has announced plans for a significant upgrade and expansion of FirstNet. This initiative, which could see an investment exceeding $8 billion over the coming decade, aims to build upon the network’s already extensive coverage and capabilities.
In a significant development for global scientific collaboration, Aqua Comms has entered into a landmark agreement with the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), granting a 15-year lease for a portion of its subsea cable spectrum that spans from New York to Dublin and London. This arrangement, covering 25% of a fiber pair, represents ESnet’s inaugural venture into Trans-Atlantic spectrum acquisition, underscoring its commitment to bolstering the data transmission capabilities essential for cutting-edge scientific research.
CTIA President and CEO, Meredith Attwell Baker, has underlined the pressing need for a national spectrum policy synchronized with recent presidential directives. Pointing to the drawbacks of not conducting spectrum auctions, she asserts that inaction could further extend America’s shortfall in this domain. Expounding on an upcoming plan, Baker believes that the imminent strategy has the potential to amplify America’s lead in wireless innovation.
In a strategic move to enhance the appeal of its smartphones, South Korean tech giant Samsung has joined forces with Google and Qualcomm, marking a significant collaboration in the tech industry. The focus of Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 series launch lies in the integration of generative AI, a result of the newfound partnership with Google Cloud.
In the ongoing technological rivalry between the United States and China, Huawei has emerged as a significant beneficiary, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The U.S. government, in its persistent efforts to hinder China’s progress in AI development, has implemented various bans on the sale of certain products from American companies to their Chinese counterparts. The focus of this battle shifted notably to AI over the past year, with China positioning itself as a frontrunner in AI, albeit still relying on U.S. company Nvidia for crucial high-performance chips.
In a significant development, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released updated guidelines for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The revised framework, known as Uniform Guidance, outlines rules and requirements for federal financial assistance awards and subawards, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the grant management process.
In a significant development, Google has confirmed a $700 million settlement, allocating $630 million to U.S. consumers and $70 million to a fund for U.S. states. The settlement, initially reached in September and related to a class-action lawsuit filed in 2021, addresses concerns about Google’s monopoly on app distribution through the Play Store.
Viasat, Inc., a global front-runner in satellite communications, has launched its innovative Business Choice internet service plans, ushering in a new era of high-speed and reliable connectivity for small-to-medium businesses nationwide. These plans cater to businesses in the most remote areas, where traditional internet services fall short, enabling them to leverage essential digital tools for optimal operations.
