National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

NTIA is proud to celebrate 30 years of the Internet Use Survey. The survey, the result of a partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, began in 1994 with the first-ever survey on computer and modem use. This groundbreaking effort laid the foundation for the first “Falling Through the Net” report that popularized the term “digital divide.” Back in 1994, only 24% of households owned a computer, and just 11% had a modem. Today, 84% of households report using home Internet service. However, our work is far from done. The digital divide remains a challenge, with significant disparities in internet access and technology use across income levels and racial/ethnic groups. As NTIA’s Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson said at an event at Commerce last week: "Thirty years ago, we asked households for the first time about their computer and modem use—before we even called it the internet. This work is now part of the fabric of what we do at NTIA.” This data has been vital in shaping policies and driving initiatives like Internet for All, ensuring every American has access to the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. We are excited to work more with our Census colleagues as we prepare for the next survey in 2025! Watch the 30th anniversary celebration here: https://lnkd.in/exskQDcM #InternetforAll 

Tune In to Hear Alan Davidson at FOSI 2024! We’re excited to announce that Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, will participate in a fireside chat at this year’s FOSI Annual Conference! When: December 9, 2024 Time: 11:20 AM – 11:40 AM This year’s theme, "From Protection to Empowerment," focuses on innovative strategies and research to advance online safety and empower digital confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leaders shaping the future of the digital world.  Livestream is free but registration is required to access: https://lnkd.in/eMX5DNwu #FOSI2024 #AlanDavidson #OnlineSafety 

Celebrating 30 Years of the NTIA Internet Use Survey!    In November 1994, Census Bureau interviewers knocked on doors and made calls to administer the very first NTIA Internet Use Survey. Over the past 30 years, this collaborative effort between NTIA and the Census Bureau has become the longest-running and most comprehensive survey of computer and Internet use in the United States.    Since that initial survey, 17 editions have captured the evolution of the Internet and its impact on our lives. The resulting data has informed policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society, shaping the future of digital access and equity.    To celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join NTIA, our Census Bureau colleagues, and special guests on December 5th from 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET.    The event will be live streamed at: https://lnkd.in/exskQDcM    Let’s celebrate three decades of groundbreaking data collection and the role it continues to play in driving policymaking and digital equity initiatives

Building broadband networks to connect 25 million Americans currently without high-speed Internet access is no small feat—and it starts with a skilled workforce. The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program will require tens of thousands of trained workers across 56 states and territories, including network designers, drill operators, fiber splicers, and more. To ensure BEAD deployment stays on track, NTIA urges grantees to act now on workforce readiness plans. Partnerships, education, and training take time, so preparation is key. Here’s what we’re seeing so far: - Over 25% of states plan to allocate $300M+ in BEAD funding to workforce development.  - States like Louisiana, Ohio, and South Carolina are leading the way with initiatives like community college training programs, apprenticeship stipends, and sector-focused partnerships. Read more to see what can be done now: https://lnkd.in/gUkFNhCs

This November, we honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native communities across the United States during Native American Heritage Month. As we reflect on their rich heritage, we also recognize the unique challenges they face—especially in achieving digital equity—and reaffirm our commitment to advancing #InternetforAll. Approximately 23% of people on Tribal lands lack access to high-speed Internet, creating barriers to education, healthcare, and economic growth. NTIA is addressing this gap through the Native Entities Capacity and Planning Grant Program, empowering Native entities with funding to develop community-driven solutions. Digital equity opens doors to: - Education and workforce opportunities  - Telehealth access for better health care  - Economic growth and entrepreneurship  - Cultural preservation through technology As we celebrate this month, we remain committed to building a more connected future together. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/euChDWPs

In 1978, the year the Federal government created NTIA, if you wanted to know how long to cook a turkey, you asked Grandma. You had one chance to watch the football game on TV. If you were lucky, you might be able to have a static-filled—and expensive—long-distance phone call with loved ones who couldn’t make it to dinner. If you were very lucky, you might be part of the 26% of the country that could call 9-1-1 in an emergency.     Today, information, entertainment, connections, and help are all much more readily available.    At NTIA, we’re proud of the part we’ve played in expanding, improving, and securing America’s communications networks to build a better-connected world. Our new logo and branding reflect how much our mandate has changed over the years. It demonstrates our commitment to cutting-edge research and innovative policy development; our historic effort to make affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service available to all; our work to put the best communications technology possible in the hands of our first responders; our ongoing mission of ensuring America’s airwaves meet the needs of government and commercial users; and our pursuit of America’s vision of a single, open, and secure Internet around the world.    We wish you and your family a happy, safe, and connected Thanksgiving. We can’t wait to tell you more!    #logodesign #designinnovation #telecommunications 

NTIA Senior Advisor for Space and Satellite Policy Jennifer Manner recently joined the Saudi Arabian Communications, Space, and Technology Commission’s “Connecting the World from the Skies Conference” to discuss the future of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.    Jennifer highlighted the important work happening at the International Telecommunication Union to expand spectrum access and enable NTN integration into 5G and 6G networks.    #Spectrum #5G #6G #SpacePolicy

NTIA is seeking technical experts to serve on the Innovation Fund Advisory Committe for a 2-year term starting in 2025.    This committee will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecommunications by advising the $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This competitive grant program aims to facilitate the adoption of open and interoperable radio access networks to drive wireless innovation, competition, and supply chain resilience.    Who Should Apply?     We’re looking for individuals with expertise in telecommunications with strong open and interoperable network deployment experience, familiarity with 5G and successor wireless technologies, or expertise with specific applications of wireless technologies.    Deadline: Applications must be submitted by December 17, 2024.     For more details and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/eNeEfAMg

With today’s announcement that NTIA has approved all 56 Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, our BEAD Progress Dashboard now has a new look!     Now you can monitor states and territories as they finalize their challenge processes and select the service providers that will build and upgrade high-speed Internet networks. Check here for regular updates! https://lnkd.in/eXqwAYmJ

Even as Washington faces a major transition, the work of connecting America marches on. I am intensely proud of our staff at NTIA and the hard work they have done to bridge the digital divide.     NTIA's historic investment in connectivity is just one part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Biden signed three years ago today. Since then:  ✔ The federal government has obligated more than $35 billion of the $42.45 billion available in the BEAD state grant program, and is on track to obligate the rest by the end of this year.  ✔ Fiber optic and network equipment manufacturers have announced the reshoring of more than 2,500 jobs to the U.S.  ✔ Through our Middle Mile Program, 3,200 miles of fiber are under construction.    I salute the dedication of so many in the federal government -- and our many partners in states and territories, in Tribal and local communities, and in organizations across the country -- who are now part of a growing movement to connect the unconnected in America.  https://lnkd.in/eGCkjbhG