The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet held a hearing titled, "Communications Networks and Consumer Privacy:  Recent Developments" on Thursday, April 23, 2009, in 2322 Rayburn House Office Building.  The hearing focused on technologies that network operators utilize to monitor consumer usage and how those technologies intersect with consumer privacy.  The hearing explored three ways to monitor consumer usage on broadband and wireless networks:  deep packet inspection (DPI); new uses for digital set-top boxes; and wireless Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking.

The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet held a hearing titled, ‘Oversight of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Broadband,’ at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2009, in 2322 Rayburn House Office Building to examine issues related to the broadband programs created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).

The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet held a hearing titled, ‘Oversight of the Digital Television Transition’ at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2009, in 2322 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing examined the administration of the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), outreach and consumer education efforts by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the status of the transition from the perspective of other stakeholders.

The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet held a hearing titled, ‘Universal Service: Reforming the High-Cost Fund’ at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009, in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing examined aspects of the Universal Service Fund, possible reforms to the High Cost program, and the growing demand for advanced services including broadband and mobility in high cost areas of the country.