Broadband Roundup
Michigan Resident Builds Homemade Fiber, Latest Innovations from LG, 2020 Internet Speeds Declined

January 13, 2021– Jared Mauch works as a senior network architect in rural Michigan and lacked good broadband at home.
When Mauch first moved into his home in 2002, he believed that an internet service provider would eventually wire and connect his house with fiber or cable, but it never happened. At one point, his internet provider Comcast told him it would cost $50,000 to connect his home to the network.
About four years ago, Mauch planned and built his own homemade provider that now offers fiber-to-the-home broadband where he lives. The system has five miles of installed fiber and Mauch has signed up about 70 percent of potential customers since.
The name of Mauch’s company is Washtenaw Fiber Properties LLC, and it’s registered as a competitive access provider with the Michigan state government. Although Mauch’s fiber company is technical a phone company, it solely provides internet service.
Originally, Mauch estimated his fiber project would cost $60,000, but it has since doubled. A stop-work order from the county was also handed down due to a lack of stakes installed along the right of way.
The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted Mauch’s fiber construction plans as there was less road traffic and people stayed at home more. This helped local residents realize the importance of having good broadband access.
Thanks to word of mouth and Facebook pages, Mauch’s fiber service has a long list of anxious customers wanting broadband in their homes. “They’ve got a lake that has about 180 homes around it,” Mauch said. “I’m currently talking with them about basically repeating my project with them at a larger scale.” “I have another about 150 people who have contacted me,” Mauch said.
Mauch realizes the desperation people have to get access to broadband, but still plans to keep his fulltime job as a senior network architect. In the meantime, he hopes to expand his working knowledge of fiber with other contractors and towns to duplicate his knowledge so others may continue his work.
LG’s CTO I.P. Park talks about company’s tech in development
President and CTO of LG Electronics I.P. Park spoke about the latest innovations coming from LG during the Consumer Technology Association’s 54th annual all-digital Consumer Electronics Show.
According to Park, LG is revisiting its LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier face mask. This face mask is battery powered and operates dual fans on the inside filtering air for the wearer.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about issues with facial recognition technology, as face masks make identifying individuals difficult. Park said LG is continuing to develop its facial recognition technology so that it still determines a person’s identity while wearing a face mask.
Smart thermo cameras are further being developed for the purpose of being able to automatically scan people and read their body temperature, so a human won’t have to manually check each person’s temperature.
Park also said that LG wants to expand robotic integrations towards fighting COVID-19. This includes Ultraviolet light robots that would automatically drive around rooms and halls to disinfect and kill germs with a UV light.
Park stated that particular areas experiencing explosive growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic are in online retail and delivery transactions. “Unmanned delivery chains are every [person’s] dream,” he said. LG desires to fulfill this dream by eventually rolling out fully automatic door-to-door delivery systems for the indoors and outdoors.
According to Park, enhancing LG’s online ThinQ app using augmented reality and evolving the internet of things to more products than ever, including cars, are major goals for LG.
A recap of internet performance during the 2020 pandemic
The global coronavirus pandemic has caused many to reflect on how well the internet performed in 2020 under the never-ending strain of social distancing, closed schools, and work-from-home circumstances.
In its 2020 internet performance report, Speedtest, a company dedicated to testing the speed and performance of internet connections, measured the median download speed of G20 countries and saw that mobile speeds dipped in many countries in the spring of 2020.
Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain and Turkey experienced declines in speed during the spring, just as the pandemic was gearing into full swing. China started its decline in speed a bit earlier in February while Japan experienced its decline later in June and July.
Speedtest found that Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia and the United Kingdom showed only very minor decreases, while surprisingly, speeds in Germany, Mexico, South Africa and the United States remained unchanged and even increased.
The most relieving news is that overall, while mobile speeds decreased in the spring, fixed broadband speeds in every G20 country improved by December 2020 to higher levels than the start of 2020.
Broadband Roundup
New ACP Survey, FCC Fines VoIP Provider, Fifth Congressional Hackathon
Less than half of low-income survey respondents without internet had heard of the ACP.

September 15, 2023 – A lack of familiarity with the Affordable Connectivity Program is a major barrier to the program’s adoption, according to a survey published on Thursday by the nonprofit Connected Nation.
More than one third of low-income respondents had not heard of the ACP, according to the survey. The number was higher for low-income people with no home internet service, almost half of whom were not familiar with the program.
The $14 billion program, part of the 2021 Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, provides a monthly internet subsidy of $30 for low-income households and $75 for residents of Tribal lands. More than 20 million households are enrolled in the program, only about half of the eligible population.
More than $6 billion is estimated to have been used up, with the remaining money expected to dry up in 2024. There have been repeated calls to renew the program, but it remains unclear whether Congress will do so.
The numbers come weeks after the Federal Communications Commission, the agency responsible for administering ACP funds, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a partnership to promote the program in public housing properties.
The survey, produced with support from AT&T, was conducted in five major U.S. cities – Milwaukee, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, and San Francisco – and reached over 1,700 total households.
It also found eligibility concerns to be the biggest reason for eligible respondents not signing up for the program. Almost a third of low-income households who chose not to participate in the ACP did so because they did not believe they were eligible.
FCC announces filing violation fine
The Federal Communications Commission announced on Thursday a fine against Stage 2 Networks over $300,000 for failing to file mandatory Universal Service Fund forms.
The company provides voice services over the internet. Voice service providers are required to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which spends roughly $8 billion each year on four programs that subsidize the internet for low-income households, healthcare providers, schools, and libraries. Providers submit forms to the FCC to determine their contribution requirements.
The FCC, responsible through the Universal Service Administrative Company for collecting and administering USF funds, said in its order that Stage 2 failed to file any of these forms from February 2020 through August 2023. The company also missed certification requirements and ignored a notice from the commission, according to the order.
The company will have 30 days to pay the fine or submit a statement seeking a smaller penalty, and must file the various forms it missed in the last three years.
Multiple court cases alleging the USF is unconstitutional are pending. The conservative nonprofit Consumers’ Research has cases before the Fifth, Eleventh, and D.C. circuit courts arguing Congress gave the FCC illegal authority to collect a tax when it set up the fund in 1996.
The Sixth Circuit already struck down a similar petition from the group.
Fifth congressional hackathon
Congress held its fifth hackathon on Thursday, with lawmakers, staff, advocates, hackers, and developers convening to discuss implementing new technology on the Hill.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, D-New York, hosted the event. The House’s Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor also hosted, in the office’s first show of support for the hackathon.
McCarthy emphasized using artificial intelligence to streamline government programs.
“Think about all the data that the government has,” McCarthy said in an introductory speech. “Where’s the way we could use AI to provide it to the public in a different way?”
The hackathon comes after a flurry of AI hearings in Washington, with multiple Senate committees and the National AI Advisory Committee calling witnesses and discussing potential guardrails for companies looking to use the technology to automate decision making.
Broadband Roundup
FCC in Space, Using Broadband to Map Maternal Health, Illinois Farm Bureau
Speaking at the Global Aerospace Summit Wednesday, Jessica Rosenworcel shared a space-themed update.

September 14, 2023 – FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel laid out the commission’s vision for space-based communications at the Global Aerospace Summit on Wednesday.
The chairwoman noted that the FCC has a plan that will issue “long-term regulatory certainty” by ensuring that operators will have access to the spectrum needed for successful launches into space. This means, according to Rosenworcel, that operators will have additional access to airwaves and a simpler process for new competitors to gain “reliable access to the spectrum they need.”
At the FCC’s open meeting next week, the commission will be voting on “Expediting Initial Processing of Satellite and Earth Station Applications,” which are new rules to facilitate and expedite “application processing for satellite and earth station operators in order to advance opportunities for innovation in the new space age.”
Rosenworcel said that the streamlining effort was designed to accelerate “the processing of space and earth station applications” and as a result will be promoting “competition and innovation” by easing the process for companies to enter the market.
Rosenworcel also said the FCC is working on the development of a new regulatory framework that will support direct satellite-to-smartphone communications, as well as space-based technology.
“It is part of what we call the single network future,” Rosenworcel stated. “Our approach is designed to make it easier for satellite operators to collaborate with wireless carriers to access their terrestrial spectrum and fill gaps in coverage from space to the phone in your pocket.”
The FCC over the past year has explored ways that in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing could assist the commission in repairing and refueling satellites located in space. They have also sought out how these approaches could help “assemble whole systems in orbit” and construct new industries to further advance their “scientific frontiers and national capabilities.”
Agency’s Connect2Health Task Force hosting webinar on September 27
The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday its Connect2Health Task Force is hosting a virtual webinar on September 27 to display its updated “Mapping Broadband Health in America” platform incorporating maternal health data they announced Wednesday.
“Mapping Broadband Health in America” was created to galvanize “innovative broadband-enabled solutions such as telehealth in areas impacted by poor maternal health outcomes, including higher maternal mortality or severe maternal morbidity.”
The webinar is expected to feature how the platform is able to generate actionable insights as well as allow users to “inform further development of this important tool.” Participants will also be learning how to “generate customized maps and visualize the intersection of broadband connectivity and maternal health data.”
Among the platform’s capabilities, the public can utilize “Mapping Broadband Health in America” to divide “broadband data and maternal mortality or severe maternal morbidity rates at the state level.”
The platform can be used to dictate how connections and access to obstetric care coincides at the county level, and gives users access to connectivity metrics and maternal health data which has been filtered by racial and ethnic backgrounds, maternal age, rurality, among other disparities.
Illinois county receiving millions for broadband
The Champaign County Farm Bureau in Illinois is receiving $11 million from its county board for broadband infrastructure.
The investment is to help communities lacking access to high-speed, reliable internet.
Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady said the funds would benefit small towns and small businesses and give farms a leg up.
“Farming is a data-driven business and so being able to handle those big packets of data over an internet connection without having to try and upload it, and walk away and eat supper and come back and see if it’s maybe 10% done, is going to make a big difference,” Conrady said.
Broadband Roundup
NTIA Chief Meets Korean Counterpart, Michael Baker Hires Broadband Executive, Lumos Gets N.C. Funds
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson met his counterpart, Republic of Korea vice minister of science, to discuss telecom and AI policy.

September 13, 2023 – Alan Davidson, administer of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, met Tuesday with Park Yun Kyu, vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT for the Republic of Korea, to discuss telecom and policy on artificial intelligence, according to the NTIA.
“It will take partnership with countries like Korea to ensure that supply chain is as diverse, innovative and resilient as possible,” Davidson said in a statement.
Park agreed that cooperation with agencies like NTIA is key, adding that MSIT plans to do so “in key fields of advanced digital technologies such as AI, 6G and Open RAN,” referring to open radio access networks.
In the meeting, Davidson also outlined the non-binding 2021 Prague Proposals on Telecommunications Supplier Diversity, which are the basis for agreements in diversifying telecommunications supply chains.
Those proposals push for policy development in network innovation and support, international collaboration and engagement with industry members.The two agreed to have agencies share information on promoting responsible and trustworthy A.I. developments.
Karen White joins Michael Baker International as broadband executive
Michael Baker International, a consulting firm and sponsor of Broadband Breakfast, announced that Karen White joined as a National Broadband Practice Executive.
In her role, White will oversee the execution of Michael Bakers’ broadband projects and take on identifying, developing and winning other national broadband projects, read a press release.
“Broadband technology has revolutionized the very way we live and communicate, including how services are provided and business is conducted. Michael Baker believes in closing the digital divide and ensuring reliable, high-speed internet for all” said Dan Kieny, president consulting and technology solutions at Michael Baker.
White takes on this role with 25 years of experience in public safety telecommunications and designing and implementing broadband systems.
She is also the former Vice President of Client Solutions at CTC Technology & Energy, a consulting firm focused on things like rural broadband solutions and broadband grant writing.
“Karen has served in key roles for many high-profile, multi-million-dollar communications systems projects for clients across states, municipalities and transit organizations” added Kieny.
Fiber optic company Lumos gets rural expansion grant funding
Lumos, a fiber optic provider, announced they received funding to build broadband infrastructure in Wayne County, North Carolina.
This grant money will help uphold Lumos’ goal of bringing broadband to over 14,000 underserved communities in North Carolina, read a press release.
The funding comes from the Growing Rural Economics with Access to Technology grant, a sum of almost $350 million dollars awarded to North Carolina to increase rural broadband access.
“The GREAT grant funds will allow us to provide Wayne County with lightning-fast internet access, giving residents bandwidth and reliability to work from home, learn remotely, attend telehealth appointments and more” said Brian Standing, Lumos CEO.
-
#broadbandlive4 weeks ago
Broadband Breakfast on September 13, 2023 – AT&T and BlackRock’s Gigapower Joint Venture
-
Broadband Roundup4 weeks ago
AT&T Launches New Fixed Wireless Service, Lawsuits Over Lead Cables, $27M for Rural South Dakota Broadband
-
Broadband Roundup4 weeks ago
Push for More ACP Funding, Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force, Great Plains Communications’ Indiana Expansion
-
Funding4 weeks ago
Do Not Overlook Other Broadband Programs, say Experts
-
Funding4 weeks ago
Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
-
Community Broadband2 weeks ago
Rural Broadband Provider Touts Cooperative and Coalition-based Models
-
#broadbandlive4 weeks ago
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – What’s New in Broadband Mapping
-
Artificial Intelligence4 weeks ago
U.S. Chip Export Restrictions Will be ‘Huge Roadblock’ for Chinese AI Competitiveness: Expert