Join us as we recommit to ensuring that all Americans have access to essential telecommunications services now and in the future. Read our new report, The Promise of Universal Service in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, here: www.benton.org/publications...

Benton Executive Director Dr. Revati Prasad is closing out our Telecom Act at 30 event. Listen to Dr. Prasad's remarks: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfou...

Telecom Act at 30: Universal Service as the North Star

YouTube video by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

youtube.com

Philip Verveer and Gigi Sohn sit down for a fireside chat on the future of universal service at Telecom Act at 30 🛜 Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfou...

The second session of Telecom Act at 30 is now live! 🔊 A stacked group of experts is discussing how the Telecom Act of 1996 has shaped today’s broadband landscape while considering what universal service should mean for the next decade of connectivity. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfou...

Happening now: How a Bill Becomes a Law Our first panel discusses the Telecom Act’s lasting impact, moderated by Andy Schwartzman. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfou...

We're about to get started with Telecom Act at 30: Universal Service as the North Star! 📡 Join us at 12:40 pm ET as we kick off the event with our keynote speaker, Senator Ed Markey. Tune in here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfou...

Telecom Act at 30: Universal Service as the North Star

YouTube video by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

youtube.com

“Governmental action to ensure universal service has been part of American history since the days of Ben Franklin’s post office.” - VP Al Gore Join us as we explore what universal service should mean for the next decade of connectivity. RSVP: www.benton.org/event/teleco...

We’re honored to welcome @markey.senate.gov as the keynote speaker for Telecom Act at 30 next week! 📡 The program will also feature a fireside chat with Ambassador Philip Verveer and @gbsohn.bsky.social on the future of universal service. Register today: www.benton.org/event/teleco...

30 years ago, Congress promised universal service. That promise still isn’t fulfilled. Executive Director Dr. Revati Prasad reflects on what the Telecom Act got right, what comes next, and why we’re convening on March 5 to discuss the path forward. Read here: www.benton.org/blog/were-st...

Thirty Years After the Telecommunications Act, We’re Still Working to Realize the Promise of Universal Service

Essential infrastructure should be governed not only by market forces but also by a commitment to the public interest

benton.org

In 1996, Congress promised universal service. In 2026, we’re asking what that still means, and what comes next. 🤔 Join us March 5 in Washington, D.C. for “Telecom Act at 30,” a Benton-hosted gathering of broadband policy leaders. 🌐 Register here: www.benton.org/event/teleco...

What’s wrong with West Virginia’s BEAD plan? Asks Benton’s Drew Garner (and welcomes you to read and judge for yourself). www.benton.org/blog/whats-w...

What's Wrong With West Virginia's BEAD Proposal?

Monday, June 2, 2025 Digital Beat What's Wrong With West Virginia's BEAD Proposal? Read It And Judge For Yourself “When completed, the programs detailed in this Final Proposal will provide universal b...

benton.org

How can the most online President ever be against getting all Americans online? www.benton.org/blog/achievi...

Achieving Digital Equity is a Matter of Social and Economic Justice and is Worth Pursuing

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society statement on the announcement that the Trump administration will end Digital Equity Act programs

benton.org

This week, the Senate Commerce Committee held a confirmation hearing for Trump FCC nominee Olivia Trusty www.benton.org/blog/olivia-...

Olivia Trusty Gets Her Day With Senate Commerce

The policy priorities of the Trump Administration's FCC nominee Olivia Trusty.

benton.org

FCC Chairman launched a proceeding called DELETE, DELETE, DELETE but maybe we need to Control-Alt-Delete before he does any more harm www.benton.org/blog/lets-co...

Let's Control-Alt-Delete on Delete, Delete, Delete

Federal Communications Commission, Chairman Brendan Carr is off the rails

benton.org

Trump's changes to the BEAD program aim to help just one person: Elon Musk. Our very own Drew Garner talks about really closing the digital divide on @npr.org's 1A.

The Trump administration, broadband internet, and closing the rural digital divide

Congress tried to close the internet gap. Now, the president wants to make a few changes.

the1a.org