Author Archive
Cloud & Infrastructure
Senators press FCC on map that will guide billions in broadband infrastructure funding
State and local officials and others have raised questions about the accuracy of the The Federal Communications Commission map and the process to make corrections to it.
Emerging Tech
$500M for new tech hubs program included in federal spending bill
A law to promote domestic semiconductor production approved earlier this year created the regional development program, but didn’t fund it. The proposed spending would enable its launch.
Cloud & Infrastructure
How the infrastructure act aims to take on digital discrimination
The FCC is considering adopting a set of recommendations for state and local governments that would address disparities in broadband service.
Cloud & Infrastructure
New state and local government financial reporting requirements headed to Biden’s desk
State and local advocates opposed the provisions, which were attached to a massive defense bill and call for financial data to be standardized, searchable and machine-readable.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Fears grow over plan to distribute billions in broadband dollars
State and local officials are raising alarm about what they say are major flaws with a federal map that will guide where the infrastructure money is sent. They want the Biden administration to extend a timeline for flagging the problems.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Congress moving ahead on new state and local government financial reporting rules
The new requirements, tacked on to a must-pass defense bill, call for financial data to be standardized, machine-readable and searchable. State and local advocates argue the plan is an “unfunded mandate” that will create significant costs.
Cloud & Infrastructure
New national broadband map offers granular look at service and gaps
The draft release kicks off a process where states, localities and the general public can challenge inaccuracies. The new data will be crucial in guiding how the federal government divides billions in broadband funding between states.
Public Safety
Local election officials brace for possible violence and threats
With worries over armed poll “monitors,” voter intimidation and risks to staff, some are coordinating with law enforcement or conducting special training ahead of Election Day.
Data & Analytics
Cities and states bristle over proposal to change how they report on finances
Congress is weighing a plan that calls for overhauling how state and local government financial data is made public, stirring worries about new costs for software and staff. But supporters of the revamp say it’s long overdue.
Cloud & Infrastructure
How much are people without high-speed internet willing to pay for it?
A new federal survey takes a look and finds that, for many who don’t have service because of the expense, the amount is $0.
Cloud & Infrastructure
New semiconductor law aims to create ‘Silicon Valleys’ across US
$10 billion in funding will go to support 20 research hubs with a third of them set to be in small or rural communities.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Why cities and towns see a huge economic opportunity in the semiconductor bill
As the legislation cleared the Senate on Wednesday, local leaders from tiny Taylor, Texas, to metropolitan Phoenix were eying the investment and jobs it could bring to their communities.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Deadlines approach for billions in broadband funding
The federal grant programs will support state and local efforts to expand high-speed internet access and improve digital equity.
Public Safety
State and local leaders call for overhaul of nation’s 911 system
A group that includes mayors, police chiefs and state officials want to rethink who should respond to calls for help.
Cloud & Infrastructure
States must ramp up to administer broadband funding
A new McKinsey report says states have a huge opportunity, but they will need a dedicated team to map existing broadband availability, address digital equity requirements and manage grants and funding.
Public Safety
Biden’s executive order on policing could help spur local reforms
The directive, which includes varied restrictions and alternatives, drew support from reform advocates as well as groups representing law enforcement officers and cities.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Biden administration official offers tips for tapping broadband funds
Andy Berke, a senior broadband advisor, spoke to state and local officials about $45 billion in pending federal money to expand high-speed internet service.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Biden administration releases $45B for broadband to states
Guidance for the infrastructure program says states must make affordable broadband available to the middle class, too, and cannot exclude cities from being considered for the funding.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Internet service essentially free for millions under new Biden program
With a discount already in place, 20 companies have agreed to offer service for $30 a month. Advocacy groups are hoping states will adopt similar pricing requirements.
Data & Analytics