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Alisa Valentin, PhD

@alisavalentin.bsky.social
250 followers 188 following 41 posts

Tech & Telecom Policy Nerd| Civil Rights Advocate | Aspiring Home Holiday Decorator 🎄

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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
What if broadband policy started with people in need, rather than in Washington? Justin Hendrix talks with Public Knowledge's Alisa Valentin and UnidosUS's Claudia Ruiz about their new in-depth report centering the households stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide.
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Imagining Broadband Policy of, by, and for the People
A conversation with Alisa Valentin, broadband policy director at Public Knowledge, and Claudia Ruiz, senior civil rights policy advisor at UnidosUS.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez @agomezfcc.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Democracy depends on a free press and the preservation of free expression through all communication technologies as much as it depends on a stable economy. The Supreme Court's decision puts at risk how Congress intended independent agencies to function in American democracy. 🧵
Full statement of Commissioner Gomez. Link to it in the last post.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Me listening to @repdarrensoto.bsky.social give the receipts on the BEAD program delays:
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Receipt Proof
ALT: Receipt Proof
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The House Energy and Commerce/Comms & Tech subcommittee oversight hearing of NTIA has begun. For years, we've had to hear the Rs complain about delays, and yet this agency doesn't even have a "concept of a plan" for the $21 billion BEAD non-deployment funds, and today's date is June 30, 2026.
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Mr Bean: Rowan Atkinson Waiting
ALT: Mr Bean: Rowan Atkinson Waiting
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Join Claudia Ruiz @weareunidosus.bsky.social, @alisavalentin.bsky.social, Gina Cooper Benjamin at NDIA, + more on July 1 at 1PM ET for a @bentoninstitute.bsky.social webinar on how affordable, reliable high-speed internet is necessary to participate in modern-day life. www.benton.org/event/bluepr...
benton.org
The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation
Join the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society on July 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a webinar about how affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a foundational prerequisite for participation in modern-...
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
"Congress should be concerned that this FCC is getting ahead of its efforts to modernize USF programs by creating misleading narratives and distorting the debate." — Public Knowledge Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social in @arstechnica.com: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
arstechnica.com
FCC may kill $2B program that connects schools and libraries to Internet
Carr cites screen time concerns, is accused of trying to be "the nation’s parent."
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
“It is troubling to see that this NPRM includes questions about the E-Rate program’s existence alongside questions about if the program should be limited to support rural communities only.” Read our statement from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social:
publicknowledge.org
Public Knowledge Opposes Efforts To Undermine Schools and Libraries Connectivity Program
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
We're proud to announce the release of our latest paper, "The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation," by @publicknowledge.bsky.social Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social & @weareunidosus.bsky.socialSenior Civil Rights Policy Advisor Claudia Ruiz, in collaboration with NDIA!
Graphic with title of paper, "The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation," by Alisa Valentin and Claudia Ruiz, and logos of Public Knowledge, UnidosUS, and National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
@publicknowledge.bsky.social applauds Sen. Luján and Rep. Matsui for championing those who need devices and training to participate in our digital world. Read our statement from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social at the link below: publicknowledge.org/public-knowl...
publicknowledge.org
Public Knowledge Welcomes Bill To Advance Digital Equity, Help Close Digital Divide
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🎉 Today, @lujan.senate.gov and @markey.senate.gov introduced the “Digital Opportunity Foundation Act” to establish a nonprofit foundation to help close the #digitaldivide by leveraging public and private investments. @dorismatsui.bsky.social introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Chris Lewis @chrisjlewis.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
At the @civilrightsorg.bsky.social Tech Convening breakout on the FCC titled "Can They Do That?" talking about all the controversial things this FCC is doing to censor people, bully a free press, & harm communities. h/t to PK's @alisavalentin.bsky.social, panel moderator
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez @agomezfcc.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Disney's experience with the FCC has made one thing ⁠undeniable for ​any company facing the same pressure. You cannot buy ​this administration's favor. For the right price, you can only borrow it. And the price always goes up.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
MediaJustice @mediajustice.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Today marks one year since Trump “declared” the end of the #DigitalEquity Act, cutting access to internet, work & school opportunities, and essential services, particularly in the Black Rural South. Call your local officials to preserve vital funding that closes the #DigitalDivide (link below).
A broadband cable is cut in the middle. Above is the headline: "Digital Equity Act funds must be protected." Below the cable reads: "In May 2025, federal grants under the Digital Equity Act were unlawfully canceled, putting programs at risk across states and communities. Without protecting this funding, critical digital inclusion efforts may not move forward." Below this is a call to action button that reads, "Save the Digital Equity Act."A graphic with a blue background has several dominos in the midst of falling over in the middle. The headline reads, "Digital Equity Requires Action." Below the headline reads, "Without protecting Digital Equity Act (DEA) funds and grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities risk losing access to essential infrastructure, training, and support to participate in today's digital economy." Below the dominos is the call to action "Call Your Representative and Ask Them to: Save the Digital Equity Act."
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Coalition on Digital Impact (CODI) @codi.global · 08/05/2026
If we want America to lead in AI, we must first ensure every American can participate in the digital economy. Investments in digital skilling and AI leadership are fundamentally connected. Keep Digital Equity Act Grants protected. #AILeadership
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez @agomezfcc.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
One year ago, this administration walked away from a bipartisan commitment to help connect every American, regardless of income, zip code, or language. You can't lead in AI with a workforce locked out of the digital economy. It is time to restore Digital Equity Act funding now.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
UCC Media Justice Ministry @uccmediajustice.org · 08/05/2026
Great thread from our 2023 Donald H. McGannon Award winner @alisavalentin.bsky.social on the importance of the Digital Equity Act ⬇️ #SaveDigitalEquity #ProtectDigitalEquity
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
It is imperative that we #SaveDigitalEquity in order to make digital inclusion a reality for all in need, protect our civil rights, and preserve our democracy. We hope you join us in this fight because "Inequity is not Inevitable." publicknowledge.org/inequity-is-...
publicknowledge.org
Inequity is Not Inevitable: Save the Digital Equity Act
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
The Digital Equity Act was passed as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The programs under this act were designed to ensure rural communities, low-income households, aging populations, communities of color, and veterans are meaningfully part of the digital ecosystem.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Through a convergence of the FY27 budget proposal, executive orders, the ideological agenda of conservative think tanks, and enough people who are dedicated to the project of dismantling our civil rights, the #DigitalEquityAct ended up in the crosshairs.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
One of the ways this administration is seeking to accomplish this goal is by recklessly abandoning programs that acknowledge and seek to remedy the historic and present harms inflicted upon communities that have been intentionally or disparately pushed to the margins.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
🧵 We must be clear-eyed in how we assess and respond to the moment we face as a country. The first step is to be honest. The Trump administration has undeniably demonstrated through rhetoric and actions its desire to deepen the suffering of Black people and other people of color here and abroad.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
The late Representative John Lewis once said access to the internet is the "civil rights issue of the 21st century”. Join us today as we call on lawmakers to act to #SaveDigitalEquity and protect our digital future.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
These actions risk the loss of critical funding to provide the training, resources and skills necessary for rural, low-income, and minority communities to be competitive in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. The time to act is now.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
The Digital Equity Act passed Congress in 2021 as part of the #IIJA, allocating $2.75 billion to expand affordable, reliable broadband connectivity across the nation. But in May 2025, President Trump unlawfully cancelled the program in a Truth Social post, calling it "racist and illegal".
Graphic with text that reads, "Digital Equity Act funds must be protected."
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Technology & Democracy @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org · 08/05/2026
Communities cannot benefit from broadband infrastructure they cannot access, afford, or use. OTI's @jessicadine.bsky.social emphasized this in her @techpolicypress.bsky.social op-ed on the Digital Equity Act. #SaveDigitalEquity bit.ly/4tlVtIO
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Trump's Cancellation of Digital Equity Act Programs Will Perpetuate the Digital Divide
Ending DEA programs isn’t putting America first; it’s pulling out of a critical global race and wasting taxpayer dollars in the process, writes Jessica Dine.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
National Consumer Law Center @nclc4consumers.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
A year ago, President Trump abruptly “canceled” the Digital Equity Act for being a “woke handout.” The DEA directed funding to states, territories, & community organizations to address the #DigitalDivide. 1/2 #SaveDigitalEquity #SaveBEAD #SaveDEA www.benton.org/blog/digital...
benton.org
The Digital Equity Act Is About Universal, Meaningful Connectivity
A year ago today, President Trump abruptly “canceled” the Digital Equity Act (DEA) for being a “woke handout.” He's wrong.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
UCC Media Justice Ministry @uccmediajustice.org · 08/05/2026
One year ago, the Digital Equity Act was illegally canceled via a social media post. The Digital Equity Act funds orgs that help people get online and stay online. #SaveDigitalEquity
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Technology & Democracy @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org · 08/05/2026
OTI hosted an event featuring first-hand accounts of why the Digital Equity Act (DEA) is needed. The programs that DEA funding would have supported are what make America's investment in broadband infrastructure worthwhile. #SaveDigitalEquity bit.ly/4whPasx
bit.ly
Why Broadband Adoption Matters and the Programs That Make It Happen
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
National Consumer Law Center @nclc4consumers.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) affiliates remind us that digital inclusion work has never been fueled by one policy or program, but by every person who works toward digital equity in their communities. #SaveDigitalEquity #SaveBEAD #SaveDEA www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/the-dig...
digitalinclusion.org
The Digital Equity Act One Year Later - National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Friday, May 8th, 2026, is exactly one year since the President canceled the Digital Equity Act (DEA). Join us from May 8-June 8 for a DEA Month of Action to raise awareness on the community and organi...
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
The Trump administration's anti-civil rights agenda has landed the Digital Equity Act in its crosshairs — but the fight isn't over yet. Read the latest from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social: publicknowledge.org/inequity-is-...
publicknowledge.org
Inequity is Not Inevitable: Save the Digital Equity Act
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Today, a federal appeals court vacated the Federal Communications Commission's digital discrimination rule, finding that the agency had exceeded its authority. Read our statement from Legal Director @bergmayer.net:
publicknowledge.org
Public Knowledge Condemns Eighth Circuit Decision Vacating FCC’s Digital Discrimination Rule
A federal appeals court vacated the FCC's digital discrimination rule, finding that the agency exceeded its authority.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
*checks mail *gets another ticket for allegedly not stopping long enough before the white line before making a right turn *a very expensive coffee and cookie run strikes again
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ALT: a man in a suit and tie is sitting at a desk with a pen in his hand
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Craig Aaron @notaaroncraig.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Seems like the FCC needs to read its own website ... www.fcc.gov/media/radio/...
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Public Knowledge @publicknowledge.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
@publicknowledge.bsky.social is a proud partner of #LocalNewsDay – a national day of action to celebrate and strengthen trusted local news and information. Are you subscribed to your local newspaper yet? Find your local newspaper here: localnewsday.org/newsrooms/
Image with Public Knowledge logo and text that reads, "We're proud to support Local News Day. Celebrate and strengthen trusted local news"
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Still thinking about this moment today during @mattfieldwood.bsky.social’s testimony before House E&C. In response to Carr’s manufactured attacks against diversity, equity, and inclusion, Matt notes that it seems like white men are doing just fine. And as I said 10 years ago, #TechPolicySoWhite.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Jessica J. González @jgo4justice.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
I didn’t get to see the hearing live but I’ll take @alisavalentin.bsky.social’s CliffsNotes any day.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Free Press @freepress.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
We appreciated this exchange on affordability too, @alisavalentin.bsky.social.
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Reposted by Alisa Valentin, PhD
Julio Ricardo Varela @juliorvarela.com · 26/03/2026
Strong thread from @alisavalentin.bsky.social about Telecomms Act of 1996 hearing happening today
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
And that’s a wrap for today’s hearing!
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
@repgreglandsman.bsky.social says we are dealing with extreme concentrations of wealth & power, which leads to fewer choice, higher costs & lower-quality services. He argues this moment requires Congress to have the courage to do right by consumers in the telecom sector & increase competition.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Also, @mcclellan.house.gov joined @publicknowledge.bsky.social a few weeks ago at our Telecommunications Act of 1996 at 30 event that we hosted alongside Howard University. You can catch the recap here: publicknowledge.org/the-telecomm...
publicknowledge.org
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 at 30: An Analysis of Policy, Power, and the Public Interest
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
ICYMI, be sure to watch @mcclellan.house.gov's remarks about the Telecommunications Act of 1996. She has spent 25 years as an attorney in this space and has incredibly in-depth experience on these issues.
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a close up of a woman 's face with a quote from suits .
ALT: a close up of a woman 's face with a quote from suits .
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
@menendez.house.gov is calling out FCC Chair Carr and rightfully arguing that the agency is being weaponized, failing to protect diverse voices in media, and prioritizing Trump's interests over what's best for the American public.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
@reptroycarter.bsky.social: "We get caught up in who did what when, when our core mission, our responsibility, is to do what's best for the American people, not to see who gets a greater level of credit, not to see which party gets to pound their chest the most..."
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a man says boom that 's a quote in a blue shirt
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Also, I want to go back to something O'Reilly said earlier on favoring appropriations on USF. Congress needs to better ground the Universal Service Fund in the principles of predictability and sustainability, and not shift it into the uncertainty of the annual appropriations process.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
@mattfieldwood.bsky.social also had an exchange with Rep. Peters re: Lifeline. Recently, @publicknowledge.bsky.social , @freepress.bsky.social, etc. encouraged the FCC to modernize the program to meet the needs of consumers b/c current proposals threaten participation. www.fcc.gov/ecfs/documen...
fcc.gov
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Additionally, @repraulruizmd.bsky.social, discussed how in classrooms in his district, teachers have to print out video scenes to describe what a video would show if they had sufficient broadband in their schools. As he said, "That is just not acceptable in the United States of America."
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
In response to questioning by @repraulruizmd.bsky.social , @mattfieldwood.bsky.social says we must prioritize broadband affordability. @publicknowledge.bsky.social agrees. We have long discussed the importance of broadband affordability as seen here: publicknowledge.org/a-sustainabl...
publicknowledge.org
A Sustainable Path Toward Digital Equity Must Prioritize Broadband Affordability Assistance
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
@repdarrensoto.bsky.social is rightfully calling out the delay of the BEAD program as well. He says the Trump administration's goal of "streamlining deployment" is a "joke" because here we sit 15 months later. @mattfieldwood.bsky.social states that "every day delayed is a day not connected."
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Alisa Valentin, PhD @alisavalentin.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Live action shot of how BEAD is moving under the Trump administration:
media.tenor.com
a sloth wearing a green shirt is sitting at a table using a tablet .
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