August 26, 2024

By: Erin Stanley

Net neutrality is a fundamental principle ensuring that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) treat all Internet traffic equally. In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed a sweeping order preventing ISPs from blocking, selectively speeding up, slowing down, or prioritizing internet traffic. Just two years later, in 2017, the policy was repealed.  However, it has once again become a focal point of U.S. regulatory policy. In 2024, the FCC reinstated strict net neutrality rules marking a significant return to the initially established regulations in 2015.

RealtyCom aims to educate our clients about net neutrality. However, it takes time to have a significant impact on the types of services and marketing agreements which we advise our clients on. To understand its impact, let’s revisit the arguments for and against net neutrality:

As we approach the end of 2024, RealtyCom Partners is once again thrilled to share the recipients chosen in our 3rd Annual RealtyCom Cares giving initiative, a heartfelt tradition that underscores our commitment to giving back and supporting the communities we serve. Building on the success of our previous campaigns, this year’s initiative continues to highlight the incredible impact nonprofit organizations can have when empowered with the support and resources they need.

We invited our valued clients, partners, and staff members to nominate nonprofit organizations they believe embody positive change and transformation. After a team vote, three deserving organizations were selected as recipients of our corporate donations. We hope to amplify their missions and inspire others to get involved in their communities.

A special thank you to our clients and partners for your nominations . We look forward to growing this holiday tradition and extending our reach to even more communities in the years to come!

Meet the 2024 RealtyCom Cares Recipients:

Tracy’s Kids
Tracy’s Kids offers therapeutic art programs for children facing cancer and other blood related disorders. Through art, the organization provides emotional support, helping […]

By Phil Veletzos

The San Diego Convention Center hosted the inaugural Broadband Communities Summit West conference on October 30th and 31st. Bridging the digital divide was the overarching theme, with presenters that included government representatives, public-private partnerships, and stakeholders who shared both their challenges and best practices for accessing available State and Federal funds for municipalities and service providers to expand their networks to “unserved” (sub-25 Mbps) and “underserved” (between 25-100 Mbps) communities across the country.

Subtopics included neutral host networks, development challenges with master-planned communities, and current trends in the negotiation of Multifamily service provider access agreements. If you couldn’t attend the summit, we’ve rounded up an overview of the highlights: 

Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD)
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law on November 15, 2021, resulted in the $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) as well as the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD).  Speakers and participants were almost unanimous in their praise for the effectiveness of ACP and in providing its $30 subsidy ($75 if on Tribal lands) for their internet bills through their service provider.  The June 1, 2024 expiration […]