CRS Outlines Tech Issues Before Congress, Eyeing Broadband, IoT

The Congressional Research Service outlined tech issues facing this Congress, in a 41-page report last week. “Science and technology (S&T) have a pervasive influence over a wide range of issues confronting the nation,” CRS said, citing broadband and IoT. CRS eyed the telecom implications of the Agriculture Department’s two years to implement a food labeling law, which will be studied within a year of implementation of the new rules: “Concerns have been raised that such digital methods of disclosure,” via a smartphone QR code, “could have differential impacts on those without cell phones (e.g., the elderly, low-income families) and those without access to high-speed broadband. The required study is to specifically address the availability of wireless or cellular networks, availability of landline telephones in stores, and particular factors that might affect small retailers and rural retailers as well as consumers.” CRS said net neutrality consensus “remains elusive.”