DI Policy

Oct 6, 2020

Check out Google’s Jess George on IEI’s First in Future Podcast

Podcast Summary: One of the most complicated challenges of the coronavirus has been the need for more broadband. It has been a challenge that the Institute for Emerging Issues has…

Sep 15, 2020

$40 Million for Virtual Learners, $32 million for the GREAT Grant

Governor Cooper shared that $40 million in state funding will go to North Carolina students who aren’t able to connect to consistent or affordable virtual learning through the NC Connect…

Jul 17, 2020

Broadband Legislative Tracker

Public Knowledge, an organization that shapes policy on behalf of the public interest on issues related to open internet and access to affordable communications tools and creative works, has created…

Jul 2, 2020

New Report finds that Investment in ‘Rural Only’ Federal Broadband Policies Discriminates Against Communities of Color

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) just released a report entitled “Limiting Broadband Investment to “Rural Only” Discriminates Against Black Americans and other Communities of Color.” Pulling data from the…

Jun 26, 2020

Digital Education Support in H1023

Yesterday, H1023 was approved by the NC General Assembly and was sent on to Governor Cooper for signature. There are a few digital inclusion-related items included in the bill. Should…

May 29, 2020

FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

The Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) provides $20.4 billion of support, over 10 years, to subsidize the construction of broadband infrastructure in rural communities. The first phase,…

May 28, 2020

NC Broadband Bills to Watch (HB 1228)

The NC General Assembly is considering several bills that would increase broadband infrastructure across the state. The Satellite Broadband Grants (HB 1228) was introduced in the House on May 27 and appropriates $2,500,000…

May 20, 2020

NC Broadband Bills to Watch (HB 1122)

The NC General Assembly is considering several bills that would increase broadband infrastructure across the state. The Provide Affordable Broadband Access to NC (HB 1122) was introduced in the House on…

May 20, 2020

NC Broadband Bills To Watch (HB 1105)

The NC General Assembly is considering several bills that would increase broadband infrastructure across the state. The COVID/Supplementary G.R.E.A.T. Grant Period (HB 1105) was introduced in the House on May…

May 14, 2020

What is the FIBER NC Act?

With COVID-19 exposing the digital divide across the state, many are closely following what happens with the FIBER (Foster Infrastructure for Broadband Expansion and Resources) NC Act (HB 431). If…