Digital Inclusion
Biden Administration and FCC Push on ACP as Funding Dwindles
The program will be fully exhausted at the end of May.
Broadband permitting
NTIA Adopts Environmental Exemptions for BEAD Projects
It's the latest in the agency's effort to streamline permitting for the program.
Cybersecurity
FCC Approves Cyber Trust Mark Program
The voluntary certification will be based on NIST cybersecurity standards.
Expert Opinion
Debra Berlyn: The ACP is Critical Aid for Low Income Older Adults
It is downright shocking that millions of low-income older adults will lose their broadband connection due to uncertainty of funding.
Spectrum
Biden Administration Announces Plan to Free Up Spectrum
The NTIA will study repurposing 2,786 MHz of spectrum in the next two years.
Tribal
Tribal Providers Say They Rely on ACP to Connect Communities
The fund is set to run dry in 2024.
Infrastructure
White House Releases ‘Buy America’ Guidance, Does Not Budge on Fiber as ‘Construction Material’
Possible BEAD waivers are expected to be announced by end of summer, an official told Broadband Breakfast.
White House
President Joe Biden Declares ‘Made in America Week’
Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative is investing billions of dollars into domestic manufacturing.
Funding
Moneyless ACP Could Mean Small Providers Not Building Out in Remote Areas: Treasury Official
The Affordable Connectivity Program running out of money could potentially put smaller providers in a difficult spot.
Cybersecurity
Government Should Incentivize Information Sharing for Ransomware Attacks, Experts Say
‘Information sharing between the government and the private sector, while integral to tackling ransomware, is inconsistent.’
Infrastructure
NTIA’s Effort to Dispense Broadband Funds to Municipalities Is Not Without Obstacles
The NTIA’s notice of funding opportunity stops short of explicitly endorsing municipal broadband as the preferred model.
Net Neutrality
Biden Signs Executive Order on Net Neutrality, Broadband Pricing Policy and Big Tech Merger Scrutiny
Executive order would kickoff new antitrust and net neutrality regulations.
Infrastructure
Vice President Kamala Harris Compares Administration’s Broadband Effort to Rural Electrification
The Biden administration aims to support broadband as the New Deal measure provided electricity in isolated rural areas.
Infrastructure
Treasury Announces Summer Deadline For Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund
$10 billion dollars are being made available to communities in need to better connect their communities.
Infrastructure
Vice President Kamala Harris Will Oversee Administration’s Broadband Goals
Biden has assigned Vice President Kamala Harris with the broadband portfolio.
White House
Biden Signs ‘Buy American’ Executive Order to Bolster U.S. Manufacturing
January 25, 2021—As one of his first actions made in the Oval Office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Monday aimed at ensuring American-made products are favored when purchases are made by federal agencies. “Federal law requires government agencies to give preferences to American fi
