Funding
South Carolina and Georgia Release Volume Two of BEAD Initial Proposals
Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.
Jake Neenan
Reporter Jake Neenan, who covers broadband infrastructure and broadband funding, is a recent graduate of the Columbia Journalism School. Previously he reported on state prison conditions in New York.
FCC
Industry Pushes Back on FCC Digital Discrimination Rules as ‘Rate Regulation’
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AT&T, Verizon, and industry trade groups met last week with commission staff to voice concerns.
BDC
Precision Agriculture Task Force Seeks Better Broadband Mapping, Rural Priority
The task force, mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, pushed both the FCC and USDA on mapping and subsidies.
BDC
FCC is Looking to Update its Definition of Broadband
The commission would increase its standard to 100 * 20 Mbps.
NTIA
NTIA OKs Virginia’s Broadband Plan, Commonwealth Launches BEAD Challenge Process
It is the second state to start ground-truthing broadband data as part of the $42.5 billion program under IIJA.
Funding
NTIA Will Allow Alternatives to Letter of Credit for BEAD Funding in New Guidance
The new guidance allows performance bonds and takes other measures to include smaller providers.
Joe Biden
Tribal Providers Say They Rely on ACP to Connect Communities
The fund is set to run dry in 2024.
FCC
White Houses Asks Congress to Fill Rip and Replace Funding Gap
The $3 billion shortfall was first flagged by the FCC in July 2022.
Broadband's Impact
Biden Administration Asks Congress for $6 Billion to Continue ACP
The internet subsidy dubbed the Affordable Connectivity Program is set to dry up as early as April 2024.
BBLO
Broadband Trade Group Continues Lobbying on Railroad Crossings
Right-of-way disputes regularly hold up deployments, providers said.
Senate Commerce
Federal Agencies Need to do More on Robocalls, Senate Hears
Lax DOJ enforcement lets fines go uncollected, witnesses said.
Biden-Harris Administration
FCC Chair Set to Release Digital Discrimination Proposal
The rules would aim to prevent unequal broadband access along racial and class lines.
FCC
FCC Chair Pitches Proposal for Combatting Robocalls Using Artificial Intelligence
The latest step in the agency’s efforts to curb scam calls will kick off this week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said.
FCC
FCC Votes on E-Rate, 6 GHZ and Emergency Alerts at October Meeting
The commission took action on expanding E-Rate, maternal health data, and opening the 6 GHz band.
FCC
FCC Moves to Reinstate Net Neutrality, Keeps Rules Open for Comment
Public comment open until December 14, with reply comments due on January 17, 2024.
Defense Department
Experts Disagree on Licensed-by-Rule Spectrum
The framework could help free up more spectrum to meet rising demand, some experts said.
