Martin Taylor

ChargeUK calls on next government to accelerate chargepoint rollout Check out Current News recent article to learn more.

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Below is FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel's nifty video explaining the broadband labels rule. Background: Beginning April 10, 2024, consumers should look for broadband labels at any point of sale, including online and in stores. The labels must disclose important information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds. They also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies. While many providers will begin displaying their labels in April, providers with less than 100,000 subscribers have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply with the FCC rules to display broadband labels at their points of sale.  Regarding accessibility - the new rules require that the broadband label be accessible to people with disabilities at all points of sale, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are strongly encouraged to comply with the legal requirements included in the ADA and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). New 47 CFR Sec. 8.1(a)(1) expressly states: "Any person providing broadband internet access service shall create and display an accurate broadband consumer label for each stand-alone broadband internet access service it currently offers for purchase. The label must be prominently displayed, publicly available, and easily accessible to consumers, including consumers with disabilities, at the point of sale with the content and in the format prescribed by the Commission in “[Fixed or Mobile] Broadband Consumer Disclosure. . .”. https://lnkd.in/eCdpWa6X). Outstanding accessibility issues in this proceeding include: Additional ways to improve accessibility of the broadband label, such as video calling services to provide customer service in American Sign Language, irrespective of whether the broadband label information is provided in hard copy or digitally; whether to require Braille or a Quick Response (QR) code with a tactile indicator for blind or visually impaired consumers at the point of sale; and whether to mandate any specific WCAG suggestions, sections, and criteria for the broadband label, such as specific sections of WCAG 2.1, which suggests providing text alternatives for any non-text content, or providing definitions of idioms, jargon, and abbreviations. The comment period closed March 16, 2023. https://lnkd.in/eD77veYn. For general broadband labeling information, visit: https://lnkd.in/eJWQjv4k. For accessibility questions, contact us at [email protected], 202-418-2517, or 844-432-2275 (ASL/videophone). #fcc #disabilityrights

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A Greener Future for Connectivity

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Kudos to Linda Hardesty for asking the thoughtful questions! - A U.K. research group predicts that in 10 years many young people will have never subscribed to fixed-line broadband - They already satisfy most of their internet needs over their phones - 6G researchers say cellular will have the speeds and capacity to handle most users' broadband needs in 10 years In the words of T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert, "Wireless is where the future lies." 🔮 Which all sorta begs the question,..how much of the $42 billion BEAD should be allocated to wireless infrastructure? 🤔 Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Maine Connectivity Authority Janet Mills Angus King U.S. Senator Susan Collins Rich Miner #genz #wireless #5G #6G #lastmile #broadband #internet #future #bead

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