We Can Close the Broadband Gap
Broadband is essential—for work, school, healthcare, and connecting with others. But more than 42 million Americans cannot connect because broadband isn't available or it's too expensive.
Government policy, combined with private sector investment, can close America's broadband gap. By participating in Voices for Innovation, you can help urge Congress and the Administration to move forward with policies that enable every American to get online.
Executive Briefings
Voices for Innovation’s Executive Briefings provide weekly updates on technology policy and news, including highlights from Capitol Hill, breaking tech news, clips of relevant articles from traditional and new media, and a roundup of thought leader quotes and tweets.
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The Rewards of Advocating for Data Privacy Legislation
Prior to joining the tech industry, I ran a consulting practice. Much of my work involved helping corporate and nonprofit leaders build or restore a level of trust with their partners and ...
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What does the infrastructure bill mean for #broadband access? Learn more with this episode of the Marketplace Tech Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3drlp16
Gathering intelligence about #ransomware payments would help law enforcement and national security officials act on digital extortion trends. Read more about Congressional action on the issue: https://bit.ly/3Eqh6Pz
After finding the Education Dept. hasn't updated #cybersecurity plans since 2010, Congress’ auditing branch released a report on steps the federal government can take to better ensure the protection of K-12 schools nationwide. https://bit.ly/3HCaIqA
Powered by 100% carbon free-energy, @Microsoft's new data centers in Sweden are the most sustainably designed and operated in the world. https://bit.ly/30MbRen
The @FCC launched a program to help low-income households pay for internet service to combat the decline in #broadband subscriber growth this year. Read more: https://bit.ly/3nxHC3q
Location sensors and breathalyzers are two of the technologies that will be greatly affected by the shift away from 3G. Read more on the impact of 3G shutdowns: https://wapo.st/30EfFxP
The @USTreasury has agreed to a #cybersecurity partnership with Israel to protect critical infrastructure and counter the threat of #ransomware. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3HxXuLj
Do you feel your consumer choice and privacy is protected? 🎧 Listen to the TechTank podcast discussing how the @FTC is attempting to promote competition and protect consumer privacy: https://brook.gs/3kPUQXF
Only 26 states have a centralized #broadband office to facilitate updates and improvements. @NPR details first hand accounts of the struggles with internet access in underserved communities like the Navajo Nation: https://n.pr/3oEujxD
A survey found that most employees working within #cybersecurity infrastructure want greater action at the federal level to protect U.S. data and systems. Read more: https://bit.ly/3HDnIMr
.@POTUS has signed the infrastructure bill into law, officially allocating nearly $2 billion for #cybersecurity. Learn more about the spend: https://bit.ly/3cHqz9b
The infrastructure bill approaching @POTUS' desk includes investments designed to protect the country from #cyberattacks. Read more: https://bit.ly/3Dnazot
.@Microsoft joined the #COP26 discussion by announcing new carbon accounting tools with the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability. Explore the plan for a net zero future: https://bit.ly/30r6fWw
A new bill would require online platforms to let users opt-out of having personal data-driven algorithms select the content they see. Read more about the Filter Bubble Transparency Act: https://bit.ly/2YLD6oq
Establishing better broadband infrastructure would give more Americans access to high-speed internet, helping close the #DigitalDivide existing between urban and rural areas. Read how the infrastructure bill aims to tackle this: https://bit.ly/3ov0Cip
Investors and consumers show growing enthusiasm for privacy-focused services. Learn more about the companies paving the way for a secure web-life: https://bit.ly/3FaSwlU
The Biden administration's #infrastructure plan includes $65 billion for #broadband access to improve internet services for rural areas, low-income families, and tribal communities. Read how the money will be divvied up: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-the-infrastructure-bills-65-billion-in-broadband-spending-will-be-doled-out-11636410820
Three good options for expanding coverage to underserved areas:
1️. Fiber
2. 5G
3. Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Read more about how each plays a role in closing the #DigitalDivide: https://bit.ly/3H8Du1M
Oakland expects to close 90% of its #DigitalDivide within five years, a monumental step in bridging the gap for unconnected homes. Find out how the city plans to tighten the gap: https://bit.ly/3okOHDX
Laura Peters and VFI Team Up for Device Donation Drive
VFI's David Pryor spoke with Laura Peters, MBA, Founder and President of International Software Systems, about her work to get families connected.
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Our Issues
Affordable, Accessible High-Speed Internet for Every American In May 2021, BroadbandNow confirmed that 42 million Americans lack access to broadband. Microsoft’s own research finds that more than 120 million people in the U.S.—representing more than one-third of our nation’s population—do not use the (...)
Rights and Responsibilities When It Comes to Data Privacy Privacy is recognized as a fundamental human right by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and many other treaties. Data-driven innovations and services should (...)
About
Voices for Innovation (VFI) is a Microsoft-supported community of technology professionals and everyday Americans committed to advancing discussions about the most important technology policies. As citizen advocates, we champion public policies that foster innovation, support business growth, and enable technology to address societal challenges.