The net neutrality argument might soon be over. The FCC confirms that it will vote on the issue in February. What will the decision mean? For Paul Abrams, it is a decision on which aspect is more integral to the American identity: consumer or citizen? At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show this week, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler hinted that the FCC is leaning toward reclassifying broadband as a telecommunications service. Congress, however, doesn’t seem to be entirely on board. Public libraries have long been important as community hubs. However, Rosie Spinks reports in GOOD, their purpose now has little to do with physical books.
This week, Internet entrepreneur Andrew Keen published a new book, The Internet Is Not the Answer, a new book revealing what Keen believes are the negative effects the Internet has had on our society. Boston Globe tech reporter Hiawatha Bray reviews the book, arguing that Keen’s analysis may come too soon into the Internet age.
Pushing to open up 3.5 GHz spectrum, Google seems to be getting ready to enter the cellphone market.
The California Department of Education awarded 227 schools close to $27 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant in order to upgrade Internet connections. Recipients include schools from rural northern California counties to Oakland and Los Angeles counties.
The RAND Corporation released a new report on the effects early childhood education can have on a child’s digital literacy.
And finally, Is the FCC going to redefine broadband? Currently, broadband must have 4 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream speeds. However, recent news from the FCC suggests that we might see an increase in the minimum speeds to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.