Debra Berlyn

Consumer telecom policy advocate in Washington, DC. Pres. of Consumer Policy Solutions ( & E.D. of Project GOAL (

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

It’s prime time to shop online,a great benefit for older adults. As Amazon kicks-off Prime Deals Days for members, older adults can shop shop safely. Here's my blog about online shopping, scams, & staying safe online. #ScamPrevention #ConsumerProtection
https://t.co/xfGH65Sx2K

[Amazon News @amazonnews]

🚨 We talk a lot about the most common tactics used in impersonation scams, like “fake orders” or “account issues” – but what’s the scammer’s objective?

In the month of July, we saw a spike in impersonation scams reported by Amazon customers worldwide where the scammer is seeking banking information, making up more than half of the reports.

See our monthly Scam Trends alert for our tips on how to protect your banking information. 👉https://t.co/F132lSckI1

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Scams continue to rise and plague all consumers. I've just had an op ed published to address the issue for older adults. You can read it here.
https://t.co/EAz8qIAkwb

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

⁦@CTIA⁩ panel highlighting the great use of #5G at Gallaudet U with the AT&T connected football helmet. Great discussion at the #5GSummit.

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

23 million Americans, including many older adults, receiving #broadband from the Affordable Connectivity Program (#ACP) no longer have this essential service. Statements of support aren’t enough. We need action to get the program back up and running now!

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Great to hear @JRosenworcel speaking at the Washington @PostLive Digital Disparities about #broadband issues, most importantly support for continued support for Affordable Connectivity Program #ACP.

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Here’s a link to the article I wrote for older adults that’s just been published on NCOA’s (National Council on Aging) website about shifting away from the landline phone network for broadband access:
https://t.co/T8eY3TpgDM

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

@GeoffreyStarks speaking @USTelecom 2024 American Connectivity Forum about importance of the #ACP program to continue to receive funding. "It's the most effective program to crack and curb the digital divide." #broadband #connectivity

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Great bi-partisan letter from 45 Congressional Members to Leadership urging extension of Affordable Connectivity Program- currently offers financial assistance for #broadband to 20 million households, including millions of older adults. Here’s the letter:
https://t.co/WFeY3AZeaw

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

With @JoeBiden's announcement today to distribute #BEAD money, he emphasized goal to close the #digitaldivide and "connect everyone to high-speed reliable Internet by 2030." Critical for "seniors who are unable to talk to doctors." #InternetforAll

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Eliminating fake reviews is critical to safe online buying! Amazon is stepping-up to help by blocking 200m fake reviews,calling on the private sector, gov't., and consumer groups to work to stop fake review brokers, & other actions. Read this blog https://t.co/PRShXzg80a

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

I am pleased to share my latest published Op Ed on broadband and older adults: Creating a Path to Close the Digital Divide for Older Adults.  Check it out here:

https://t.co/XDaWegCa2o

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Bridging the #digitaldivide will require help from all of us. Check this out to hear from industry leaders on all aspects of the digital divide and how we’re working together to create more #connectivity. https://t.co/j6lssnVRlb

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

This is a great device for older individuals to help them live more independently: AT&T, Cherish develop device for fall detection https://t.co/dzPmy1RicL

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

My interview with Comcast Newsmakers is now available, "Smart Aging: Emerging Technology to Improve the Lives of Older Adults."
https://t.co/wOkVfaTf3V

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

Helpful news for consumers today: Amazon released its 2022 brand protection report, summarized in this blog https://t.co/F1wLlnrO0n (with a link to the full report). The report highlights a series of critically important protections for consumers engaging in online commerce.

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

@Chessen #broadband adoption is a complex problem and more than just about affordability. Digital literacy training is also critical. #FSFConf15

[Debra Berlyn @dberlyn]

.@ClintEOdom @TMobile — need to figure out a way to permanently fund the Affodable Connectivity Program.#FSFConf15

[Katie McAuliffe @KatieFCC]

Panelists at #SOTN2023 say we need to push Congress to Re-up the Affordable Connectivity Program #ACP.
Agreed. This is an important program especially with so much uncertainty circulating around the future of the Universal Service Fund #USF