Milestone Communications

07/08/2020

FCC asks Congress to fund more broadband for education

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said he has asked Congress to increase funding for broadband in support of education, claiming that the agency has seen success with its Covid-19 Telehealth Program and could do the same with a program for remote learning.- FierceTelecom

#FCC ##broadband #education #remotelearning #elearning

The agency wants to administer a program that would be focused on broadband in support of remote learning.

07/06/2020

First Responders Across Maryland Get Boost in Wireless Communications with Public Safety Communications Enhancements | Southern Maryland News Net

"Maryland’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety." Southern Maryland News Net

#FirstNet #ATT #Maryland #wirelesscommunications #wireless

Maryland’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing i...

07/02/2020

Governor Hogan and Superintendent Salmon Announce $210 Million in COVID-19 Relief For Remote Learning and Targeted Tutoring - The Southern Maryland Chronicle

Resources will help local school systems address learning gap and digital divide, and expand rural broadband.

#Maryland #ruralbroadband #digitaldivide #remotelearning #infrastructure #FCC

News Release, Office of Governor Larry Hogan Resources Will Help Local School Systems Address Learning Gap and Digital Divide, Expand

06/30/2020

Wireless networks have kept Americans connected during the Pandemic

Wireless network infrastructure has proven its worth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

#wireless #infrastructure #Covid

One bright spot in the last few months is the overall availability of the wireless network infrastructure which has proven its worth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to other nations with developed wireless networks, the U.S. has performed well. This is primarily due to the investments wireles...

06/27/2020

5G rollouts grow amid COVID-19 crisis

5G has continued to grow even with the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 63.6 million 5G connections were active throughout the world in the first quarter of 2020.

#5G #COVID #Networks

As of the first quarter of 2020, more than 63.6 million 5G connections were active throughout the world, according to 5G Americas.

06/25/2020

FCC pursuing new spectrum policy for public-safety communications, official says – Urgent Comms

Federal Communications Commission pursuing new spectrum policy for public-safety communications.

#5G #spectrum #FCC #communications #publicsafety

FCC officials are taking a new approach to public-safety spectrum policy, abandoning exclusive-use airwaves in favor of multi-purpose broadband frequencies that can be leveraged to support wireless communications for both first responders and the general public, according to an FCC official.

06/22/2020

Can 5G help make it easier to work from home?

One thing that is certain is that the need for fast, reliable internet connections is going to grow. In that light, it’s easy to say yes, 5G can help us work from home. USA TODAY

#5G #workfromhome #internet #flexibility #wifi #connectivity

Having a strong, reliable connection is essential for working from home. 5G wireless might just be an answer for some telecommuters.

06/20/2020

FirstNet Authority board approves $218 million investment into 5G core, deployable assets – Urgent Comms

A total of $218 million that will be used to fund initial upgrades to help make the FirstNet core ready for 5G, as well as to expand FirstNet’s portfolio of deployable network assets. FirstNet

#ATT #5G #EmergencyResponders #CriticalCommunication #Infrastructure

FirstNet Authority board members yesterday voted to approve its first network investments into the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN)—a total of $218 million that will be used to fund initial upgrades to help make the FirstNet core ready for 5G, as well as to expand FirstNet’s po...

06/18/2020

Let’s Bridge the Digital Divide

"Lack of internet access is a problem in urban and suburban homes, as well as in rural communities. And it is especially destructive when it comes to education." - The Progressive Magazine

#digitaldivide #covid19 #FCC

COVID-19 has shown us that the digital divide isn’t sustainable if we want all Americans to have a fair shot at success.

06/15/2020

FCC General Counsel: 5G Conspiracy Theories Hurting 5G Roll Out | Inside Towers

“Paradoxically, such fears are likely to exacerbate suffering during the COVID-19 crisis, because the dislocation caused by the coronavirus pandemic requires strong internet connectivity to facilitate telework, remote learning, as well as staying in touch with friends and family. Investment in 5G is thus central to the United States’ recovery, and it’s important for Americans to know that wireless networks are safe.” Federal Communications Commission General Counsel Thomas Johnson Jr. stated.

#5G #COVID #FCC

FCC General Counsel Thomas Johnson Jr. says conspiracy theories threaten 5G and the U.S. recovery. In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post, he explains the theories of how recent violence spurred by such theories mistakenly link cell towers to the coronavirus, threatening cell towers an...

06/11/2020

docs.fcc.gov

FCC Facilitates Wireless Infrastructure Upgrades For 5G Deployment. "The action will expedite equipment upgrades to deploy these next-generation networks, which are critical to expanding economic opportunities and supporting public health and safety in American communities. " Federal Communications Commission

Read the News Release below.

#FCC #5G #nextgeneration #WirelessInfrastructure

06/08/2020

Here's how telecom companies are rolling out 5G during a pandemic

5G is expected to enable technologies like automated factories and remote augmented reality training, the utility of which are even more apparent in an age of social distancing and working from home.

#5G #socialdistancing #workfromhome #networks #bridgethegap

As 2020 kicked off, rolling out 5G was top of mind for telecom companies.

06/05/2020

The Pandemic Sent 1.5 Billion Children Home From School. Many Might Not Return.

"A large number of children from low-income families continue to rely on their parents’ mobile phones for online lessons, with siblings often sharing a single device between them. Many children haven’t been able to do even that." -The Wall Street Journal

A cellphone is the lifeline and it does not work without a wireless network.

#wirelessnetwork #digitaldivide #onlineschool #elearning #mobilephone #moreinfrastructure #celltowers #communications #keepkidsconnected

School closures this spring are now compounding longstanding social differences, as hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. and Europe who lacked the support to continue distance learning risk leaving school altogether.

06/04/2020

How 5G will change your life

A big boost in speed and responsiveness is just the tip of the iceberg for the next-generation wireless technology. CNET

#5G #wirelesstech #celltowers #infrastructure

A big boost in speed and responsiveness is just the tip of the iceberg for the next-generation wireless technology.

06/01/2020

Milestone Communications Concealment Cell Tower Sites

Watch the incredible drone video shots of the "concealment" cell tower sites that Milestone Communications has placed into service for our wireless customers. Integrating the right solution in the built environment with the least amount of visual impact is why so many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile, Shentel and AT&T chose Milestone to cover the toughest gaps in their network.

#verizon #5g #networks #wired #network
#wireless #mobile #milestonecommunications #wirelesscommunications #wirelessnetworks #verizonwireless #tmobile #att #shentelwireless #roanoke #parksandrecreation #infrastructure #celltowers #5gtechnology

05/29/2020

5G Doesn’t Cause COVID-19! Here's Everything You Need to Debunk the Myth

A World Health Organization (WHO) report covering two decades of research found no evidence linking adverse health effects to mobile phones.

#WHO #5G #COVID #Myths #Conspiracy

The idea that 5G causes COVID-19 may be one of the most ludicrous conspiracy theories ever. Here’s some of the strongest evidence to the contrary.

05/26/2020

Fact: 5G Mobile Networks DO NOT spread COVID-19.

Image - World Health Organization (WHO)

#5G #MobileNetworks #WHO #WIA

05/23/2020

How the COVID-19 is magnifying South Carolina’s ‘digital divide’

How COVID-19 is magnifying South Carolina’s ‘digital divide’.

#digitaldivide #moreinfrastructure #broadband #towers #covid19

With many South Carolinians relying on the internet for work, schooling, and even getting medical help, some said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown South Carolina needs to bridge the digital divide.

05/21/2020

This is What 5G Upgrade Order Would Do | Inside Towers

“5G deployment requires a massive amount of additional co-location for network upgrades and expansion. The Federal Communications Commission action will strengthen competition, and support FirstNet public safety, improve wireless in rural and underserved areas, and increase the resiliency of our wireless networks,” said Wireless Infrastructure Association President and CEO Jonathan Edelstein.

“Here in Cheyenne, we’ve invested in towers. We’ve invested in those significant infrastructure projects. That’s because broadband access is critical to our police, fire, those 911 calls,” said Cheyenne, Wyoming Mayor Marian Orr. She said broadband is also vital to file for unemployment, as well as find a new job.

Inside Towers

The FCC’s 5G upgrade order intended for a June vote continues a multi-year effort by Congress and the FCC to eliminate needless tower upgrade delays. In 2012, Congress required local governments to approve modifications to wireless infrastructure that don’t substantially change tower or base sta...

05/19/2020

MISD: Providing cell towers could increase WiFi access

Providing cell towers could increase WiFi access. Superintendent Orlando Riddick said during a school board meeting that what is needed is cellphone towers.

#CellTowers #wifi #schooltechnology

The effort to push the classroom experience beyond MISD's buildings has exposed the community's technological shortcomings, specifically out in the county. The district has tried hot spots - purchasing more than 1,000 - and turned its school buses into WiFi delivery vehicles, but Riddick said during...

05/16/2020

Pai: 5G Has Nothing to Do With the Coronavirus | Inside Towers

“The Federal Communications Commission is sticking by its statement that: “5G has nothing to do with the coronavirus.” That’s according to agency Chairman Ajit Pai. Speaking during a Wireless West webinar Wednesday, Pai received several questions about the recent spate of destruction of cell towers both here and abroad by those who are linking 5G with the pandemic.” - Inside Towers

The FCC is sticking by its statement that: “5G has nothing to do with the coronavirus.” That’s according to agency Chairman Ajit Pai. Speaking during a Wireless West webinar Wednesday, Pai received several questions about the recent spate of destruction of cell towers both here and abroad by t...

05/14/2020

Washington must invest in internet infrastructure for low-income kids to get a fair education

"We need to invest in stronger cellular coverage and broadband infrastructure over the long term, particularly in rural areas. Broadband expansion, Sen. John Cornyn said, according to the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, is an issue of safety, of education and health for rural Texans." -The Dallas Morning News

#cellularcoverage #digitaldivide #broadband #infrastructure

We are seeing two stories about our nation’s public schools while their doors are closed. The first is the optimistic story. Math teacher shows up on...

05/11/2020

Covid-19 Exposes Digital Divide in Healthcare

"As health facilities seek to minimize in-person visits, telemedicine has become a popular alternative to traditional doctor appointments. While this virtual method of care has expanded access for some, others have been shut out." -Direct Relief

#digitaldivide #telehealth #cellphones #telemedicine

As telemedicine takes hold, those without technological access may be left behind.

05/08/2020

Opinion | It’s time to embrace distance learning — and not just because of the coronavirus

"The digital divide is real. Only two-thirds of rural homes have broadband; low-income families typically lack access to Internet-enabled devices beyond smartphones." Jeb Bush Washington Post

#DigitalDivide #Infrastructure #smartphones #broadband

Stopping distance learning over equity concerns is a false choice.

05/01/2020

House Democrats roll out $86 billion plan for broadband expansion

House Democrats on Thursday announced an $86 billion plan to expand the nation’s broadband infrastructure as Democrats and Republicans work to sort out priorities for a phase four coronavirus package.

#Infrastructure #COVID #Broadband #digitaldivide

Democrats on Thursday announced an $86 billion plan to expand the nation’s broadband infrastructure as Democrats and Republicans work to sort out priorities for a phase four coronavirus package.

04/28/2020

FirstNet tops 1.3 million connections, 12,000 agencies, AT&T says – Urgent Comms

FirstNet had a 30% increase in subscribers during the past four months. They have 1.3 million connections across more than 12,000 agencies. FirstNet provides critical connectivity to our first responders, health care providers, governments, military, police, fire and EMS.

#FirstNet #FirstResponders #ATT #CellTowers #Infrastructure #connectivity

FirstNet supports more than 1.3 million connections across more than 12,000 agencies, according to figures supplied last week by AT&T, the FirstNet Authority’s nationwide contractor responsible for building the nationwide public-safety broadband network.

04/24/2020

Fact check: 5G technology is not linked to coronavirus

“A worldwide online conspiracy theory has attempted to link 5G cellphone technology as being one of the causes of the coronavirus. Many cell towers outside of the U.S. have been set on fire as a result. 5G technology does NOT cause coronavirus,” the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission jointly emphasize on an "Coronavirus Rumor Control" page of FEMA's website.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a similar statement dispelling myths that 5G is caused by the coronavirus. “Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks,” the WHO said on its website. - USA TODAY

#5G #telecommunications #facts #cellphone #Coronavirus #COVID #nolink #false

Theories and allegations that the rollout of a new global technology standard is related to or caused COVID-19 are false.

04/22/2020

How Smartphones Can Help the U.S. Track the Coronavirus

"IN 2019, NEARLY THREE quarters of the U.S. population, approximately 266 million, owned a smartphone. With today's technological capabilities, we can use apps to geo-locate individuals and allow users to anonymously enter relevant data about symptoms that may reflect a COVID-19 infection. As medical experts tell us, this may be a dry cough, or difficulty breathing, or a fever. Such apps already exist. " - U.S. News and World Report

#smartphones #COVID #Apps #datatracking

US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. Track elected officials, research health conditions, and find news you can use in politics, business, health, and education.

04/20/2020

Digital divide persists even as lower-income Americans make gains in tech adoption

"Roughly three-in-ten adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year (29%) don’t own a smartphone. Last year, 26% of adults living in households earning less than $30,000 a year were “smartphone-dependent” internet users – meaning they own a smartphone but do not have broadband internet at home." - Pew Research Center

#digitaldivide #smartphones #celltowers #technology #pewresearch

Even as many aspects of the digital divide in the U.S. have narrowed, the digital lives of lower- and higher-income Americans remain markedly different.

04/17/2020

Milestone Communications is keeping you connected one tower at a time. Thank you to all the men and women climbing and building the towers! This is a 124’ Lightpole that we stacked in Frederick, MD.

#frederickmd #towersafetygram #towerclimb #celltowers #keepconnected #infrastructure #bridgingthegap #bridgingthedigitaldivide