- House Passes 6G Legislation
- Funding to Support Internet, Device Access in Wisconsin
- Support for Native Entities in Grant Application Process
- Local Governments Expand Device Access
- Grant to Support Literacy Centers
HOUSE PASSES 6G LEGISLATION
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act.
While some network experts are still working to better understand 5G, 6G technology is coming. It’s a technology that will offer connectivity at higher speeds. And the federal government is taking steps to inform its role in 6G development and deployment.
The new legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission to convene stakeholders to establish a 6G Task Force. This task force is to be made up of private- and public-sector representatives as well as public interest groups.
The task force will be responsible for creating a report that outlines several things related to 6G technology: the function of standards-setting bodies; possible use cases; potential threats related to cybersecurity, supply chain and otherwise; and the role of interagency coordination to support deployment.
“The economic and national security stakes in the race to 6G couldn’t be higher,” said Rep. Doris Matsui, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, in a statement. “The FUTURE Networks Act will accelerate us down this path, making a crucial down payment on American leadership by taking steps forward as this technology evolves.”
People have been planning for 5G for years, looking to the technology for its potential to improve the digital divide, economic participation and even public safety. And according to a Department of Homeland Security report, 6G is the successor to 5G, with the 6G wireless communication network slated to launch in 2030. As such, the federal government must understand the technology better to inform its advancement.
FUNDING TO SUPPORT INTERNET, DEVICE ACCESS IN WISCONSIN
A total of $27.8 million in funding will support 11 projects aimed at reducing the digital divide in Wisconsin. The funding, awarded by the Public Service Commission through the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program, is expected to serve thousands of Wisconsin residents.
Specifically, it’s estimated that this funding will support the distribution of loaned devices to 52,409 households as well as free Wi-Fi access for 33,682 households. This program is made possible through the Capital Projects Fund. It promotes digital connectivity through the installation of Wi-Fi equipment in multi-dwelling units, the distribution of Internet-enabled devices and by supporting digital navigators.
More information about the projects that will be supported by this funding can be found here.
SUPPORT FOR NATIVE ENTITIES IN GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
A document from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) aims to support Native entities applying for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The funding opportunity aims to specifically support Native entities in their ability to carry out digital inclusion activities in alignment with the Digital Equity Act.
The NTIA document includes information about the things that proposed projects should promote, who can apply, when applications can be submitted, and other things that applicants can do to prepare. The application window opened on Sept. 25 and closes on Feb. 7.
Further grantee support is available from Grants.gov via their toll-free number, 1-800-518-4726.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS EXPAND DEVICE ACCESS
The digital divide persists, and a significant factor is gaps in device access. However, device distribution programs are working to bridge that gap. For example, this week, the city of Topeka, Kan., has announced that it is giving free computers to qualifying residents between the ages of 18 and 59 in the city and Shawnee County. The program is part of the city’s digital equity initiative.
Separately, in Arlington, Texas, Chromebooks are now available for checkout at all seven public library locations in the city. One branch started offering these devices in 2021, and now the program has expanded to make more than 200 devices available.
GRANT TO SUPPORT LITERACY CENTERS
The American Library Association (ALA) has been awarded a National Leadership Grants Award to design literacy support centers for libraries nationwide.
Libraries play an essential role in closing the digital divide, and they are increasingly lending technology to do so.
“Libraries are culturally and strategically positioned to close the literacy gap in this country,” said ALA Director of the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services Kevin Strowder in a statement.
The grant, for more than $400,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to help raise literacy in reading, numeracy and digital skills for the approximately 54 percent of U.S. adults lacking proficiency.
