NPRCC Announces New Louisville Chapter, Name Ricardo Santiago Chapter President.

 

Louisville Chapter President, Ricardo Santiago

 

Louisville, Kentucky - December 21st, 2022 - We are delighted to announce the launch of The Louisville Chapter of The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC). Our goal is to provide support and resources to the vibrant Hispanic small-business community of Louisville, Kentucky. We strongly believe that this chapter will be instrumental in fostering a strong and prosperous small business ecosystem in the city, ultimately leading to a brighter future for Louisville. We invite all members of the community to join us in our mission of creating a thriving and successful environment for local businesses.

Ricardo Santiago, Digital Inclusion Manager with the Louisville Metro Government and current NPRCC Louisville Ambassador, has been appointed as the new Louisville Chapter President. In response to this new role, Ricardo had this to say: "Louisville is a growing Latin community and Puerto Ricans are a big part of that growth. According to the US Census, Louisville is home to about 6,500 Boricuas. We have identified over 30 entrepreneurs in our community and it is my wish that in NPRCC they find the resources, education, and support that they need to thrive in Louisville. I also hope that entrepreneurs from other cities look at what we can do and be inspired to work with Louisville entrepreneurs. Louisville is a welcoming city and its open for Puerto Rican businesses"

In addition to his role as The Louisville Chapter President, Ricardo will also be taking on the responsibility of NPRCC Senior Digital Inclusion Advisor. This position will involve supporting the organization's efforts in promoting Digital Equity and ensuring that all individuals have access to the same digital resources and opportunities. Ricardo's experience and knowledge in this field will be an invaluable asset to the organization.

NPRCC Joins Coalition Encouraging Department of Labor Review of “Shared Savings Fees” Under Employee-Sponsored Health Plans.

Washington D.C. - December 15th, 2022 - The overall cost of healthcare continues to cripple America's businesses and employees, this is why The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) was supportive when Congress passed the "No Surprises Act" to establish new federal protections for patients against surprise medical bills.

Unfortunately for Americans whom it claimed to benefit, however, the law has yet to be implemented in a way to protect patients and businesses alike from continued unnecessary insurance costs. It seems some insurance companies are using "shared savings fees" to their benefit to drive up costs for employers and employees.

The NPRCC joined other Chamber of Commerce on a coalition letter that encourages the Department of Labor (DOJ) to review these so-called “shared savings fees" under employer-sponsored health plans to better understand their propriety and impact on millions of Americans.

There is an opportunity to use the "No Surprises Act" for what it was intended for - to lower or remove fees for Americans and increase transparency in health plans.

Verizon continues to help advance digital equity across Hispanic small businesses

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Hispanic-owned small businesses can leverage Spanish language resources as well as apply to receive grant funding.

NEW YORK, Dec. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, a free online curriculum focused on helping small businesses with digital transformation, Hispanic-owned small businesses will be able to access Spanish language course offerings, coaching from experts, community events and personalized mentorship, as well as apply to receive a $10,000 grant as part of a $250,000 fund to help further support minority small businesses. In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon Small Business Digital Ready was created with and for small businesses, with a specific focus on helping diverse and under-resourced business owners.

“At the core of our commitment to small business is a focus on historically underrepresented entrepreneurs,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon. “As the number of our Digital Ready users that identify as Hispanic continues to grow, the tools and resources we’re providing will play a pivotal role in supporting the digital transformation of their businesses and the communities they serve.”

“LISC is committed to the recovery and growth of all small businesses,” said Denise Scott, President of LISC. “The launch of Spanish language content on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready will provide Hispanic entrepreneurs with important skills and resources. It will also connect our partners working with small businesses across the country with a digital tool that better meets the needs of their Spanish-speaking clients.”

To be eligible for the grant, qualified applicants must be a 51 percent Hispanic-owned small business and complete, in any combination, at least two courses, coaching events, or community events between July 1, 2022, and the application deadline of January 13, 2023. All applicants will be notified if they have been selected for grant funding the week of January 30, 2023.

Verizon is also offering new and existing Business Internet customers special discounts. Now through December 9, 2022, qualifying customers can save $30/month for 2 years on select new LTE Business Internet plans and get up to $200 off new self-install 5G Business Internet plans.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, part of Verizon’s responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, has a goal to support 1M small businesses with the resources to thrive in the digital economy by 2030. To learn more about Verizon’s continued efforts to help bridge the digital divide, through Citizen Verizon, visit CitizenVerizon.com.         

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

Apagón Launches Funding Campaign to Expand Its Apps Offerings and Empower Customers

SAN JUAN, PR October 24, 2022 – In response to power outages after Category 1 Hurricane Fiona plunged the archipelago into darkness, Puerto Rican non-profit Apagón launched a funding campaign on Patreon to expand its app’s offerings and empower the consumer, allowing users to report, track and challenge their electric consumption.

Once Fiona hit the island and the recently privatized power company, LUMA, removed outage data from its website, downloads of the Apagón app, available on iOS and Android devices, spiked by 21,000%.

“Ever since the power distribution and transmission were taken from the public utility and awarded to a private company, transparency, honesty, and accuracy have been lacking for subscribers who demand accountability,” Héctor Tarrido-Picart, Apagon Founder and Developer, said.

“Additionally, LUMA only provides estimates of your power usage, not an actual number, and refuses to check consumers' power meters for accuracy. Apagón is here to fix that,” he said.

With Apagón, consumers can report when their power is out and generate an easy-to-read bill of their monthly energy consumption. With this information, consumers can contest their accounts and demand an accurate reading of their bills, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually.

Apagon’s development team is 100% volunteer-driven. It needs this funding to scale its app’s capabilities and server use and provide Puerto Ricans with desperately needed service.

About Apagón LLC

Apagón LLC is a non-profit organization founded and developed by Boricuas living in Puerto Rico and the Diaspora. The Apagón App is a free tool that was created after Hurricanes Irma and María in 2018 to help the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) locate power outages.

Media Contact

David Binkowski, Large Media

(787) 932-3898

david@largemedia.com

Puerto Rico's App selected to Showcase New Tech for Local Work at Web Summit 2022

[San Juan, Puerto Rico] The app-based startup for local on-demand jobs Hallo Helper, gets one of the coveted Startup Showcase spots at Web Summit 2022 in Lisboa, Portugal. This year’s hosts companies from 92 countries all over the world. 192 are coming from different states in the US, and representing the US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is Hallo Helper. The 2022 Web Summit is quickly becoming the tech summit leader allowing global startups to meet, compete, and showcase their tech innovations for the world to see. The summit attendees include media magnates from Inc., Fast Company, Techcrunch, to Vogue Italia.  


The startup launched its apps in 2021 and has recently released a local worker impact study showing users of their Helper App gained an estimated thirty-three percent (33%) added annual income per household when compared to the National Median reported by censusreporter.org for 2021. This impact on worker life and in the island's gig economy provided statistical proof of the on-demand platform's necessity and social impact. Allowing Hallo Helper to nab one of the Startup Showcase spots in Web Summit this coming November 1-4, 2022...

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in Digital Inclusion Week 2022!

Washington D.C. (10/05/2022) - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has been vocal in Washington, DC, and across our local markets on the issue of Digital Inclusion and the importance of getting more households and businesses connected.  Connectivity is central to participating in and benefiting from today’s digital economy. 

This week, dozens of groups are coming together nationwide to take action for Digital Equity Now! In 2022, we're turning our digital inclusion moment into a movement by working to get affordable broadband, devices, and digital skills training in the hands of everyone who needs them!

There are more people with broadband access that choose not to adopt it than there are people without broadband access altogether.  Helping communities understand the benefits that come with getting online and supporting businesses as they seek to leverage digital technologies to grow and scale their businesses is central to our Chamber’s work.

As communities get connected, continued investment by way of digital adoption will be more critical than ever.  In addition to directing federal funds towards getting broadband networks to those who do not have any access – equally important is the task of ensuring that communities with newly acquired access (or existing access) take the critical step of subscribing to broadband and becoming full digital citizens.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce thanks our friends at The National Digital Inclusion Alliance and look forward to working with the many organizations and communities on these issues and stands ready to support efforts to improve digital inclusion and equity for small businesses and the communities they serve. #DIW2022

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Releases Statement on one-year waiver request from Jones Act by Congressional Leaders

Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 - Washington D.C. - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) joins Congressional Leaders, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, and countless other organizations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in support of a one-year waiver from The Jones Act for Puerto Rico. Read the full statement below:

SBA offers disaster assistance loans to Puerto Rico businesses, residents

The US Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents in Puerto Rico in response to the disaster declaration after Hurricane Fiona struck the island.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Puerto Rico small businesses and residents impacted by this disaster in every way possible under President Biden’s disaster declaration for certain affected areas,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas-Guzmán. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

“With this declaration, we are now fully prepared to move forward to assist the people of Puerto Rico,” said Francisco Sanchez, Jr., Associate Administrator, Disaster Assistance.

“We have personnel already on the island staffing our Initial Operating Facility working diligently with our federal partners and the Commonwealth to urgently open disaster recovery centers,” he said.

The disaster declaration covers 58 municipalities, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. 

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Arecibo, Barceloneta, Camuy, Guanica, Hatillo, Las Marías, Loíza, Manatí, Mayagüez, Sabana Grande, San Germán, and San Sebastián are eligible to apply only for EIDLs, the agency stated.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. 

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Applicants that have an existing SBA disaster loan may apply under this declaration. Businesses and residents with previous SBA disaster loans and current applicants have up to two years from the date of their prior loan approval in which to request a loan increase for mitigation projects.

“The opportunity to include measures to help prevent future damage from occurring is a significant benefit of SBA’s disaster loan program,” said SBA Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez, Jr. “I encourage everyone to consult their contractors and emergency management mitigation specialists for ideas and apply for an SBA disaster loan increase for funding.”

Interest rates are as low as 3.04% for businesses, 1.875% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.188% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years.

Applicants may apply online, but to be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online or download the FEMA mobile app.

The filing deadline for physical property damage applications is Nov. 21, 2022, while applicants for economic injury aid have until June 21, 2023, to file.

NPRCC Joins Philly Latino Community Leader for Infrastructure Roundtable with US Senator Bob Casey

PHILADELPHIA - September 16th, 2022 - National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Director of Operations, Joel Berrocal joined a group of Philadelphia Latino Community Leaders at Taller Puertorriqueño for a roundtable discussion with US Senator to Pennsylvania, Bob Casey to discuss infrastructure and workforce development Initiatives as it relates to the Latino Community in Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico.

The roundtable included representatives from The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Unidos US, HACE, APM, and Providence Center, among others. Senator Casey and his team discussed their work on The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and their prioritization of investment in underserved communities for things like broadband access and adoption priorities.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce has been vocal in Washington, DC, and across our local markets such as Philadelphia on this issue and the importance of getting more households and businesses connected. Connectivity is central to participating in and benefiting from today’s digital economy. During the roundtable, we were able to discuss our advocacy priorities which include:

  1. Focus on unserved areas first.

    • According to 2021 data from the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, 14.5 million people still have no access to high-speed broadband, most of which are in rural areas. 

    • We support prioritizing federal funding to support broadband buildout into unserved and rural areas first. Many small businesses reside in areas that lack access to high-speed internet, which limits their ability to grow and scale.

  2. Prioritize adoption.

    • There are more people with broadband access that choose not to adopt it than there are people without broadband access altogether. 

    • Helping communities understand the benefits that come with getting online (AKA: digital adoption / see below) and supporting businesses as they seek to leverage digital technologies to grow and scale their businesses is central to our Chamber’s work.

    • *Digital Adoption

      1. As communities get connected, continued investment by way of digital adoption will be more critical than ever. 

      2. In addition to directing federal funds towards getting broadband networks to those who do not have any access – equally important is the task of ensuring that communities with newly acquired access (or existing access) take the critical step of subscribing to broadband and becoming full digital citizens.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with Senator Bob Casey and your staff on these issues and stands ready to support efforts to improve digital inclusion and equity for small businesses and the communities they serve. #GrowPR

###

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Closely Monitoring Hurricane Fiona Situation in Puerto Rico

UPDATE (09/19/2022) - Washington DC - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) is closely monitoring the situation in Puerto Rico. While we believe the worst of the storm has passed, the strong winds remain, and the situation is far from being over.

We are currently communicating with our network of community leaders and non-profit organizations in Puerto Rico to assess the areas of greatest need. Understandably, it will likely take weeks to comprehend the full scope of Hurricane Fiona’s damage fully.

If you know of any particular area of need or know of any relief work being done by non-profits, we want to hear from you. Please contact us at info@nprchamber.org. The NPRCC has begun to mobilize in the US Mainland. We are our vast network of members, partners, community leaders, and politicians who stand ready to support Puerto Rico’s recovery through fundraising and advocacy efforts.

We feel at this point in time the most impactful way to support our efforts is through monetary donations, while we wait to see the full scope of the situation. The NPRCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so your donation is 100% tax deductible. We also pride ourselves in accountability, so 100% of the funds raised will benefit the work being done in Puerto Rico by our network of trusted and vetted allies.

T‑Mobile Takes Coverage Above and Beyond With SpaceX

Starbase, TX —August 25, 2022 — In a live event today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) CEO and President Mike Sievert and SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk announced Coverage Above and Beyond: a breakthrough new plan to bring cell phone connectivity everywhere. Leveraging Starlink, SpaceX’s constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, and T-Mobile’s industry-leading wireless network, the Un-carrier plans to provide near complete coverage in most places in the U.S. – even in many of the most remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell signals.

Today, despite powerful LTE and 5G wireless networks, well over half a million square miles of the U.S. in addition to vast stretches of ocean are untouched by cell signals … from ANY provider. And as anyone who has ever encountered a mobile dead zone knows, the wireless industry has struggled to cover these areas with traditional terrestrial cellular technology, most often due to land-use restrictions (e.g. National Parks), terrain limits (e.g. mountains, deserts and other topographical realities) and America’s sheer vastness. In those areas, people are either disconnected or pay exorbitant rates to lug around a sat phone. SpaceX and T-Mobile share a vision where these uncovered areas are a relic of the past, and today, the companies are taking a first step to make that vision a reality.

From the middle of Death Valley to the Great Smoky Mountains or even that persistent neighborhood dead zone, T-Mobile and SpaceX have a vision to give customers a crucial additional layer of connectivity in areas previously unreachable by cell signals from any provider. And the service aims to work with the phone already in your pocket. The vast majority of smartphones already on T-Mobile’s network will be compatible with the new service using the device’s existing radio. No extra equipment to buy. It just works.

“We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

“The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone,” said SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk. “We’re incredibly excited to do this with T-Mobile.”

To provide this service, the companies will create a new network, broadcast from Starlink’s satellites using T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum nationwide. This true satellite-to-cellular service will provide nearly complete coverage almost anywhere a customer can see the sky.

With this technology, T-Mobile is planning to give customers text coverage practically everywhere in the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters, even outside the signal of T-Mobile’s network starting with a beta in select areas by the end of next year after SpaceX’s planned satellite launches. Text messaging, including SMS, MMS and participating messaging apps, will empower customers to stay connected and share experiences nearly everywhere. Afterwards, the companies plan to pursue the addition of voice and data coverage.

In addition, the CEOs shared their vision for expanding Coverage Above and Beyond globally, issuing an open invitation to the world’s carriers to collaborate for truly global connectivity. T-Mobile committed to offer reciprocal roaming to those providers working with them to enable this vision.

Today’s news is the next step in T-Mobile’s quest to deliver Coverage Beyond. Earlier this year, the Un-carrier gave customers enhanced connectivity beyond the reach of its network – in the air and abroad. Today’s move is the next step on the path to provide the ultimate coverage experience.

# # #

The US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce lunches with UPS a Small Business Grant Program!

Our friends at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are proud to partner with UPS on the Proudly Unstoppable Latinx-owned Small Business Grants Program for the second year in a row! We encourage you to apply for a grant before the deadline of Friday, September 16, 2022.

We have listed below the grant criteria for your reference:

  • The applicant must be a small business with less than 20 full-time employees.

  • The applicant must be a majority Hispanic-owned business with an active EIN or ITIN number.

  • The business must have been in operation for at least 9 months from the date that you complete this form.

  • The business registered main address must be located in the U.S. states or territories.

  • Typical grant amounts will be $5,000 per business that is selected.

  • If you have any technical difficulties filling out this grant application, please contact Yhanna Mckinney via email at: ymckinney@ushcc.com.

The deadline to submit your application is Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

NPRCC Small Business Member, MRV Group partners with Attentive Energy Partners to Launch State-wide Survey Supporting MWBE and SDVOB Offshore Wind Supply Chain in New York

Survey to evaluate small business participation in the offshore wind industry and provide business development awards for DEIJ-owned businesses.

NEW YORK, August 23, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Attentive Energy LLC, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies Renewables USA, LLC, today announced a new collaboration with Brooklyn-based MRV Group, LLC initiating a state-wide small business survey to evaluate the challenges and business development pathways for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) owned-businesses to enter the offshore wind industry.

The survey will seek feedback from for-profit and non-profit organizations in New York and focus on procurement processes, grant applications, and DEIJ business certification, such as Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB), Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE), LGBT-Owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Tribal Communities, and Justice-Involved Individuals. All survey participants will be eligible for a business development award that comprises networking and mentorship opportunities, including a private session with offshore wind executives.

"Effective DEIJ and local content implementation are critical to the buildout of a robust offshore wind supply chain across New York," said Attentive Energy Managing Director, Damian Bednarz. "This survey is forward thinking in its intention to identify a pathway that increases participation from social equity populations in offshore wind and serves as a resource for the entire industry. Attentive Energy is vested in listening to all populations and mobilizing action based on the insights gained from this survey."

The survey launch follows the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) release of its third offshore wind solicitation on July 27, 2022. The third solicitation seeks to secure New York’s position as the hub of offshore wind energy and gain momentum in establishing major ecosystems for workforce development, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance to support the region’s offshore wind projects and the development of a green economy. This includes an annual commitment to contract MWBEs and SDVOBs registered in New York.

"America’s clean energy transition, specifically the development of the New York Bight for offshore wind, will impact the quality of life for all New Yorkers for generations. This work is ensuring that small businesses and nonprofits don’t get left behind. This holds even truer for all underserved communities in rural, suburban, and urban markets across the state," added Managing Director and Founder of MRV Group, Glenn O. Vickers II. "This survey is a step forward in understanding the barrier to entry and provides a baseline for the offshore wind industry at large. The participation of New York businesses owned by social equity populations is a priority for New York State’s leadership to meet the state’s economic and workforce development goals."

MRV Group, a privately held diversity supplier and development firm, is managing and implementing the survey, which aims to represent New York’s 10 economic development regions including North Country, Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island. Initial survey findings are expected in Q4 2022.

"Every organization can benefit from the economic and environmental benefits of the offshore wind industry. We are excited to share this opportunity with our clients and members to elevate their voices to create tangible and lasting opportunities for all New Yorkers," said Deidre Helberg, CEO of Helberg Electrical Supply (MWBE/DBE) and President/Founder of the U.S. Coalition of Black Women Businesses.

The survey can be accessed at https://www.businesssurveygrants.com or text SURVEYGRANTS at 631-519-3003. Responses are due by October 31, 2022.

About Attentive Energy

Attentive Energy LLC, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies Renewables USA, LLC, is delivering offshore wind opportunities to empower communities today and tomorrow. Attentive Energy is developing an 84,332-acre area located approximately 54 miles from its nearest point to New York and 42 miles from its nearest point to New Jersey. When completed, the project has the potential to generate 3,000 MW of clean energy to power nearly 2.2 million homes. We are guided by deep experience in the offshore sector and a forward-thinking commitment to put people first, on and off the coast. With the power of offshore wind, we will strengthen our communities, forge a new industry, and build an inclusive clean energy economy. For more information, visit www.attentiveenergy.com.

Attentive Energy on social media

About MRV Group

MRV Group is a privately-owned supplier diversity and development firm. MRV provides commercial and industrial product and service solutions for public-private enterprises across various industries with a focus on equitable economic development.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220823005222/en/

Contacts

Attentive Energy Media Contact
Marie Maitre, marie.maitre@totalenergies.com

The Future of Using (and Reusing) Spectrum

Here’s a recent article titled “The Future of Using (and Reusing) Spectrum” by our friends at NCTA on the importance of a balanced Spectrum policy, critical to next-gen Wi-Fi and scaling of wireless services - which all our Small Business Members, Corporate Partners, and big investor friends rely upon!

From laptops to cell phones to tablets to smart home technology, it's hard to escape the sea of devices that people depend on every day to keep themselves informed, entertained and connected to others. While consumers have a huge appetite for wireless devices, they may not give much thought to the essential resource that makes it possible – spectrum.  

At the beginning of the 20th Century, there was hardly a need for spectrum regulation, as the use of radio frequencies for mass communications was the exception rather than the rule. But as the use of the airwaves became more popular, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created to issue licenses and assign exclusive rights in an effort to prevent harmful interference among varying commercial spectrum users. For years, these licenses were simply assigned or doled out through subjective 'beauty contests' or lotteries until later policymakers discovered that public auctions could be used to promote greater efficiency.

Concurrent to these changes in spectrum policy, a new complementary model for unlicensed spectrum use emerged in the mid-80's when revolutionary technology allowed use of the public spectrum on a shared basis without the need for the FCC to issue licenses. This new approach spurred innovation and promoted the shared use of a public resource by many rather than a select few. Today, consumers benefit from this unlicensed spectrum model whenever they connect to the internet over Wi-Fi. The FCC recently has made great strides in opening additional spectrum for Wi-Fi in the 5.9 GHz band and 6 GHz to keep pace with the continuously growing demand for Wi-Fi and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and we must find ways to use this spectrum more efficiently, in addition to freeing more spectrum.  

A Deloitte survey found that the average U.S. household now has a total of 25 connected devices, which includes mobile tablets, smartphones, laptops, video streaming devices and TVs, connected exercise machines, and more. The majority of Americans use Wi-Fi to connect these devices, making the role of unlicensed spectrum increasingly vital. And according to Cisco, the number of global public Wi-Fi hotspots is predicted to increase by four-fold to 628 million between 2018 and 2023, while the worldwide share of IP access network traffic that is carried over Wi-Fi is predicted to grow from 53% in 2019 to 66% in 2025.  

The majority of Americans use Wi-Fi to connect these devices, making the role of unlicensed spectrum increasingly vital.

More recently, the FCC has also been at the forefront of developing new innovative, hybrid models such as the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS, sometimes referred to as the "Innovation Band") that enables both priority licensees and shared use through dynamic spectrum sharing. The licenses were auctioned with lower power levels and smaller county-sized licenses than traditional auctions, and as a result, generated significantly more participants than previous auctions (including cable operators, utilities and energy companies, schools, farms, factories, neutral host network operators, municipalities, and small and rural wireless carriers). The result of this new competition has created significant new benefits for consumers and has incented providers like cable operators to develop new fixed wireless services that can extend the reach of traditional platforms in remote and rural areas, enable private LTE networks used for education, healthcare, energy conservation, and agriculture, and provide competitive mobile access. In fact, in recent years cable operators have become some of the fastest growing wireless providers in the country.  

Finally, while the future of spectrum policy in the United States will undoubtedly require a balanced approach to the development of commercial wireless needs (both licensed and unlicensed) to meet consumer demand, there will also continue to be a strong consumer interest in the efficient use of spectrum to serve certain governmental or non-commercial interests. The federal government uses spectrum for national defense, weather observation, law enforcement, and more. As such, a successful spectrum policy must balance the needs of commercial wireless services while addressing the spectrum needs of federal agencies. How these interests were balanced in the aforementioned CBRS band to encourage shared use through a cooperative sharing regime offers a compelling model for other spectrum bands.

As the U.S. looks ahead to meet the seemingly insatiable appetite for wireless services, we must consider all of the tools in the government's toolbox. While auctions may be one way to make spectrum available for commercial use, there are multiple innovative and creative ways to approach the spectrum crunch. Extending the FCC's auction authority is a critical next step particularly with auction authority set to expire soon, but it is clear that the FCC will need to use that authority wisely in its design of future auctions along with other arrows in its spectrum quiver to ensure that the U.S. remains on target to achieve a balanced spectrum policy.  

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce hosts inaugural Puerto Rico Small Business Showcase

SAN JUAN - July 28, 2022 - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Puerto Rico Small Business Showcase this past Thursday in collaboration with OZWorks Group 4-Day Puerto Rico Investing Mastermind in San Juan. The Showcase was held at Holberton School in Santurce. The NPRCC selected 12 of its most diverse Small Business Members to speak in front of over 50 Opportunity Zone Investors attending the Mastermind. The event was organized with the goal of highlighting the amazing things currently being built in Puerto Rico. The list of presenters were as follows:

  1. Friends of Puerto Rico

  2. Red Atlas

  3. Causa Local

  4. TerraFirma Software

  5. Traducoop

  6. re+connect

  7. MarePesca

  8. Holberton School

  9. Cuela

  10. Entre Panas

  11. Hyperion Finance

  12. Gamestorme

If you’d like to learn more about The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Membership benefits, our upcoming events, and all of the amazing businesses that presented during our Showcase, be sure to shoot us an email at info@nprchamber.org.

#GrowPR

Partnership for the future of Puerto Rico

By Claudia Quezada, Friends of Puerto Rico Communications & Development Coordinator

The National Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Rico is committed to the incredible things that happen in Puerto Rico and we are very happy and proud to announce a new and important partner that will be part of the Friends Of Puerto Rico family.

Joel Berrocal, National Director of Operations expressed: At The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, we believe collaboration is a pillar of successful economic and community development.  With that always in mind, we look to collaborate with organizations whose missions align with our own.  For that reason, we're thrilled to partner with the amazing team at Friends of Puerto Rico.  Through this collaboration, we look to build awareness of the amazing things happening in Western Puerto Rico, the amazing women entrepreneurs of the island, and so much more!"

Together, Friends of Puerto Rico and the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce will together expand small business resources and programs that will develop Puerto Rico’s economy.

Thanks to one of its fundamental pillars, collaboration as a successful community and economic development, they will provide the future of our people, together with Friends of Puerto Rico, the necessary tools to continue growing and collaborating with these important causes.

We thank the entire team that makes up the Puerto Rico National Chamber of Commerce for trusting us and wanting to invest in social objectives that will help our country move forward. We have many plans that will soon come true!

The NPR Chamber is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to support the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business expansion throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland by providing a comprehensive resource for incubating business ideas, leveraging new markets, taking advantage of new opportunities, and advocating for policies that help our communities grow.

 

Friends of Puerto Rico

Friends of Puerto Rico is a non-profit 501(C)(3) that supports the economic development of the people of Puerto Rico through entrepreneurial initiatives, education, and creating opportunities for women and girls. Since 2015, we have mobilized a passionate community of over 30,000 global entrepreneurs, donors, and partner organizations focused on driving economic success and innovation to cultivate the next generation of leaders. Through a combination of training, education, and mentorship initiatives that utilize the beautiful culture, art, and people of Puerto Rico, our goal is to end financial hardship and provide economic opportunities and self-sufficiency for people on the island, in Washington, DC, and around the United States.

 

#GrowPR #BuildPuertoRico

Holberton School: Changing the Face of Tech in Puerto Rico

Mercedes Díaz – Campus Director - June 17, 2022

Puerto Rico’s technology scene has been a prominent driver of economic growth over the last few years. The changes driven by the global pandemic have made it evident that we rely on technology for our everyday lives. These conditions are creating a higher-than-ever demand for tech skilled professionals. For Puerto Rico to attract and support the growth of tech-centered businesses and industries, workforce development must be at the top of the priorities list for the public and private sectors. Here’s where Holberton School comes in.

Established in Puerto Rico in September 2020, Holberton is the premier software engineering school on a global basis, with 33 campuses in 20 countries. Holberton’s proven methodology allows incoming students with little or no programming experience, and no higher education pre-requisites to become Software Engineers in under 2 years. What makes Holberton different? Why is it so successful in producing top-quality software development professionals? The answer lies in its curriculum, methodology, and accessibility.

Holberton’s curriculum is created, reviewed, and updated by leading industry professionals from around the globe. It constantly changes and improves according to the most recent market developments, so Holberton students are always at the forefront. In addition to the web-based curriculum, the student's learning process is enriched with frequent Tech Talks and Fireside chats from visiting experts. Holberton is all about real-world learning, and real-world skills.

Holberton’s methodology rests on 3 strong concepts. First, it is 100% project-based learning. It is a hands-on approach that has students coding from week one. Holberton believes the best way to learn is by doing, and that is why our graduates have a practical advantage over students from other higher learning institutions. Second, we aim to mimic a real-world work environment where collaboration and teamwork are not only expected but necessary. Peer learning days, daily stand-ups, and mock interviews are mandatory and serve as opportunities for collaborative learning and for acquiring the critical soft skills in demand by employers. Third, it is evident that technology evolves at a fast pace and that no school would be able to teach it all. At Holberton, students acquire, by design, a framework for lifelong learning. Holbies learn to learn. When they face new technologies and challenges in the work environment, they have a system in place to quickly learn and adapt.

Holberton School’s mission is centered on inclusivity and diversity. We aim to change the face of the Tech industry by increasing the accessibility of our program to all motivated and talented individuals regardless of their socioeconomic background. We lower the barriers to entry by not requiring prior experience, and by not asking for upfront payment. With the option of signing an Income Share Agreement, Holberton students only begin to pay for their education once they graduate and start earning at least $30,000. 2021 Holberton Puerto Rico graduates were hired at an average salary of $61,000, 50% more than the market average, and were employed within 45 days of graduating.

Holberton Puerto Rico’s successful, scalable, model supports the development of a highly skilled tech talent workforce to help position the island as an innovation-driven economy and a competitive player in the global arena. For more information about enrollment, hiring our graduates, or to schedule a visit, please call 787-296-9300, or go to: holbertonschoolpr.com

T-Mobile quickly deploying Ultra Capacity 5G in Puerto Rico

The adoption of Ultra Capacity 5G is already showing results, as several developer and accelerator hubs have popped up across the US and Puerto Rico.

Our friends at T-Mobile Puerto Rico are moving at a “breakneck pace” on its deployment of next-generation Ultra Capacity technology, which calls for focusing on underserved and rural areas to deliver faster and more reliable service, Jorge Martel, general manager of T-Mobile Puerto Rico, confirmed.

To date, the wireless carrier has retrofitted 66% of its sites across Puerto Rico with the Ultra-Capacity technology, which users can detect on their devices — particularly iPhones — when it is available as a symbol that says “5GUC” next to the coverage bars.

Of those, 70 new cell sites lit up this year giving access to the Ultra Capacity 5G signal in Lares, Gurabo, Isabela, Utuado, Cabo Rojo, Moca, Aibonito, and Morovis.

“The combination of coverage and speed that we’re building at a breakneck pace is why we’re already seeing the benefits of 5G come to life in Puerto Rico, with partners like Engine-4 and their projects developing technologies that will change the way we live and many aspects of how society works,” said Martel, during an interview with News is my Business.

Ultra Capacity 5G can deliver average wireless broadband speeds of 400 Mbps or more, which translates into giving users the ability to download content quicker, get more reliable connections for services such as video calls, and improve performance for cloud gaming and live event streaming with virtually no lag.

In Puerto Rico, extending the next-generation technology — which is a combination of several broadband spectrums, some brought over from T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint two years ago — will run through next year.

“With this, you start to see how through wireless technology, you can offer a capacity and greater speed, and reach places where there used to be one option or none,” said Martel. “The impact that this deployment has is that you will see speeds in underserved rural areas that a few years ago only reached offices in Hato Rey. Puerto Rico is one of the markets that’s benefiting from the union of the two networks.”

“Also, we’re taking this technology to areas that didn’t have 5G before, or the economic levels, with the fewest levels of barriers possible so they can access world-class technology,” said Martel.

Although the carrier would not disclose how much it plans to invest in the Ultra-Capacity upgrade across Puerto Rico, Martel did say the company is working with federal money available through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Uniendo a Puerto Rico fund, established several years ago to bridge the gap in wireless broadband services.

Furthermore, T-Mobile recently announced that it invested nearly $3 billion in FCC Auction 110, securing additional band spectrum to further power its Ultra Capacity 5G network, which will serve to take its 5G network to the next level.

The adoption of Ultra Capacity 5G is already showing results, as several developer and accelerator hubs have popped up across the US and Puerto Rico, and new partnerships have been established with universities and entities such as the Girls Scouts on the island.

“Engine-4 has projects underway in the areas of agriculture and to regenerate corals, for which they use our technology. They use drones and our nearshore network to bring back information,” said Martel. “The Girl Scouts are being taught about coding, to develop women who will lead in the sciences.”

T-Mobile expects to extend its Ultra Capacity signal to Vieques and Culebra by the end of this year, and eventually cover the US Virgin Islands, which is part of its Caribbean footprint, Martel confirmed.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce releases Statement on the "Puerto Rico Status Act"

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPR Chamber)

 

Friday, May 20, 2022 - Washington, D.C. - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce commends Congressional Leaders on the historic introduction of the "Puerto Rico Status Act” that would allow Puerto Ricans to determine the political future of the archipelago by finally defining their status.

We applaud and support this bipartisan effort by Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD-0S), Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez, House Committee on Small Business (NY-07), Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva, House Committee on Natural Resources (AZ-03), Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-AL) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).

"We thank the Congressional Leaders on both sides of the aisle for coming together on this compromise which aims to put an end to Puerto Rico’s century-long political limbo. Both sides had to make some concessions, but this was something we always knew would be necessary. We applaud them for setting aside their difference for the betterment of Puerto Rico and its people. The NPR Chamber team will continue to support the bill's passage in Congress as we believe it to be the foundation for any true Economic Development in Puerto Rico after decades of recession, austerity measures, and natural disasters," said the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce National Director of Operations, Joel Berrocal.

The ‘Puerto Rico Status Act’ will allow Puerto Ricans to vote to choose non-territorial options like independence, free association, and statehood. 

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