Principles for Broadband Expansion with the American Rescue Plan of 2021

04/02/2021
Louisiana’s state and local governments will be receiving approximately $5.18 billion from the federal government because of the American Rescue Plan of 2021. Part of that $5.18 billion is earmarked for water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure projects. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that many rural areas still struggle with broadband internet access.  Louisiana policymakers should invest...

TAGS: broadband internet, COVID-19, innovation, Louisiana, Louisiana Legislature, technology

Pelican Statement: Governor Vetoes Rural Broadband

06/15/2020
On Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards’ vetoed an important piece of legislation for connecting Louisianans to high speed internet. SB 406 by Senator Beth Mizell would have removed government barriers that are preventing countless Louisianans from getting connected. The following is a statement from Daniel Erspamer, chief executive officer of the Pelican Institute, regarding Gov....

TAGS: broadband internet, digital divide, internet, regulation

Pelican, Partners Release Policy Solutions to Close State Digital Divides

05/18/2020
As connectivity has become more important than ever, elected officials at all levels of government are facing issues, challenges, and opportunities that have previously been largely unexplored. To that end, today, the Pelican Institute joined other public policy groups across the nation in releasing policy solutions to help states close the digital divide following COVID-19. This...

TAGS: 5G, broadband internet, Center for Technology and Innovation Policy, innovation, regulation, technology

TECH NEWS: Pelican Leads Coalition Supporting A Free and Open Internet

04/17/2020
Since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Chairman Ajit Pai, ended the regulation of the internet under Title II, investment in broadband infrastructure has continued to increase. Now that we’re facing a public health crisis posed by COVID-19, this increase in broadband capacity is more important than ever. That’s why when the FCC recently...

TAGS: broadband internet, Center for Technology and Innovation Policy, innovation, technology, Title II