The California Public Utilities Commission last week approved $225 million in its 10th round of grants, totaling more than $1 billion, for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects. The last-mile federal funding account grant program expands broadband to underserved and unserved communities throughout the state. "These grants fund projects that vary from fiber to wireless network infrastructure," said CPUC Commissioner Darcie Houck: "In order to maximize our investments we have to use all the innovative technologies at our disposal." The latest round of funding will serve 163,000 residents across 14 counties.
The California Public Utilities Commission should "take official notice" of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' opinion in the ISP coalition's challenge of New York's Affordable Broadband Act, California's Public Advocates Office said in a motion filed Friday in docket R2406012. The U.S. Supreme Court last week denied the ISPs' petition to review the appellate court ruling in favor of the law (see 2412160039). The office said the opinion is "directly relevant" to the CPUC's proceeding on its carrier of last resort rules, which the PUC is considering lifting (see 2412100065).
A New York bill would require schools to restrict students' use of wireless devices and access to social media platforms while on school property. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D) prefiled the bill this week for the next legislative session. The bill, SB-140, would require that schools employ "progressive consequences" if a student violates the rules. A similar bill was prefiled in Missouri (see 2412090043).
The New Jersey Senate passed an Assembly bill Thursday requiring broadband and cable providers to let consumers pause or cancel service contracts if they are admitted to a long-term care facility (see 2410240024). The bill becomes law after 45 days or when Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signs it.
New York awarded about $13.1 million in the state's affordable housing connectivity program funding Thursday. Backed by the U.S. Treasury Department's Capital Projects Fund, the new funding will connect 780 buildings to gigabit-speed service at $30 per month and broadband service at $10 per month. About $4.5 million will help connect properties in portions of New York City. Roughly $3.9 million will be used to connect the Rochester metro area. An estimated $4.7 million will connect the Buffalo metro area.
NTIA awarded more than $60 million in additional state digital equity capacity grant program funding to five states and two territories Thursday. The agency sent $16.1 million to Arizona, $10.1 million to Arkansas, $12.3 million to Colorado, $13.4 million to Maryland, $4.5 million to North Dakota, $2.1 million to American Samoa and $2.1 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hilliary launched broadband expansion projects totaling $65.9 million in southern Oklahoma, the company announced at an event Tuesday. "This investment ensures even our most rural areas have the tools to fully compete in our economy," Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) said at the event. Funded by federal grants and matching funds, the projects will connect more than 2,000 homes and businesses with fiber.
North Carolina residents can now access an online tool to locate technical resources and better use the internet, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said Tuesday. The North Carolina Department of Information Technology's Division of Broadband and Digital Equity launched Tech Resource Finder, a website with more than 1,100 resources that help residents "use the internet, find public computers and Wi-Fi and access technical support and digital skills across the state." The new website will "help ensure that more people can be part of the growing digital economy to work, learn, access telehealth and connect with others online," Cooper said. Users can search for local resources and ISP offerings by county, ZIP code or type of resource. The department is working with the North Carolina State University's William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to keep the website current.
NTIA awarded Washington more than $15.9 million in digital equity capacity grant program funding Monday. "We’re one of the best-connected states as far as broadband goes but still have more than 200,000 households without broadband access," said Gov. Jay Inslee (D): "We’ll continue to scale up our efforts until that need is met along with all the opportunities it brings." The state's plans call for it to use funding for train-the-trainer and other digital inclusion programs, outreach efforts and partnering with ISPs to promote cybersecurity education.
The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld criminal charges against defendants Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman for their roles in a voter intimidation robocall scheme during the 2020 election, Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) said Monday (see 2406140027). “Voter intimidation infringes upon the fundamental right to vote,” Nessel said: “We look forward to continuing with the criminal case and bringing this matter to trial.”