Increasing Internet Access

in Increasing Internet Access, Protecting Public Airwaves

Today, the U.S. Senate passed a long-overdue infrastructure bill that includes a historic investment in broadband deployment, affordability, access, and equity. The $65 billion broadband section contains four sections to tackle broadband access and adoption problem. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Grant Program ($42.45 billion) This provision creates a $42.45 billion matching grant program for

in Increasing Internet Access

Voqal’s mission is to advance social equity by creating an educated and engaged public. A key element of realizing this goal is making sure everyone has access to the affordable, high-speed internet that is increasingly important to participate in our society. That’s why Voqal project, Mobile Citizen exists. It provides low-cost mobile internet with unlimited

in Increasing Internet Access

Last week, Voqal joined over 170 organizations asking Congress to invest in universal, future-proof broadband. According to the letter: “It is time to act to end the digital divide forever by passing a national broadband infrastructure program that will deliver universal, affordable, 21st century ready access.” “All across the nation, gaps in accessible and affordable

in Increasing Internet Access

Last week, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Rob Portman (D-Ohio), and Angus King (R-Maine) reintroduced the Digital Equity Act. The Digital Equity Act of 2021 strengthens federal support for efforts to help ensure students, families, and workers have the information technology capacity needed to fully participate in society. This legislation would achieve this goal by

in Increasing Internet Access

Voqal realizes that advancing social equity is an immense undertaking. That is why we take multiple approaches to realize our goal of a more socially equitable world for all. One of those approaches, is Voqal project, Mobile Citizen. It provides low-cost mobile internet with unlimited data plans exclusively to nonprofit organizations, educational entities, and social

in Increasing Internet Access

  One of Voqal’s flagship projects, Mobile Citizen, is featured in a recent report issued by the United Nations Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development (formerly known as the United Nations Broadband Commission for Digital Development). The report, titled The State of Broadband 2020: Tackling digital inequalities: A decade for action, “provides an important venue to

in Increasing Internet Access

Voqal is excited to join our friends at National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) in celebrating Digital Inclusion Week 2020. Digital Inclusion Week, which takes place October 5 – 9, raises awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs. NDIA provides many ways you can engage with this

in Increasing Internet Access, Protecting Public Airwaves

In his latest article, Voqal’s director of telecommunications strategy, Mark Colwell, shares how increased broadband competition can address the adoption gap and reduce the digital divide.  Never has the need for closing the digital divide received more attention than in recent months, as Americans have relied more than ever on broadband for work, school, entertainment,

in Increasing Internet Access, Protecting Public Airwaves

Earlier this week, a group of organizations including the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), AMERIND Risk Management Corp., the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA), and Public Knowledge filed an emergency motion for stay with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend the Rural Tribal Priority Window until February 1, 2021. Voqal recently joined

in Increasing Internet Access, Protecting Public Airwaves

Earlier this week, Voqal joined 15 organizations in a letter requesting that Congress ask the FCC to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. The letter was delivered the same day that the House Energy and Commerce Committee hosted a hearing focused on ways Congress can help tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribal broadband

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