IIJA
NTIA Releases Initial Funds for State Digital Equity Plans
Commerce unveiled plans to allocate an additional $1.25 billion in digital equity grants, alongside the capacity grant program.
Jericho Casper
Former Assistant Editor and Reporter Jericho Casper graduated from the University of Virginia studying media policy. She grew up in Newport News in an area impacted by the digital divide and has a passion for universal access.
BDC
FCC Imposes $10,000 Fine on ISP for False Broadband Claims
A leaked email from a company exec revealed that the false data was a deliberate attempt to prevent competitors from accessing government grants earmarked for broadband expansion in the region.
Defense Department
Spectrum Leaders Call for Balance Amidst Standstill
Leaders in the spectrum industry emphasize the symbiotic relationship between national security and economic growth.
IRA
Washington State Initiative: Helping Communities Access Federal Funding
The Washington Department of Commerce said the grants will help communities secure fund for infrastructure, innovation, research, and jobs.
Rural
RDOF Winners Seek Amnesty Amidst Rising Costs
The RDOF winners point to unexpected surges in broadband construction costs occurring after the auction.
Funding
Senate Bill Proposes $3 Billion for Rip-and-Replace Program
The bill’s sponsor had hoped the ‘Rip-and-Replace’ reimbursement funding would be included in the FY2024 minibus spending bill passed Friday.
FCC
House Passes Funding Minibus Excluding ACP, Rip-and-Replace
The House of Representatives passed a $1.1 trillion spending package Friday morning which omits funding for key broadband initiatives.
988 Lifeline
Amid Calls for Accountability, FCC Proposes Georouting Initiative for 988 Lifeline
Days before the FCC proposed location-based routing for 988 calls, the program's unused funds were flagged for audit.
BDC
FCC Moves to Relaunch $9 Billion 5G Fund for Rural America
Stakeholders are pushing for adjustments to the 5G Fund as the FCC proposes a $9 billion revival.
Justice Department
What's In the FY 2025 Budget for Broadband and Technology
The fiscal year 2025 budget has funds for broadband expansion, tech innovation and digital equity.
FCC
With Affordable Connectivity Funds Running Out, ISPs May Choose Partial Reimbursement
If providers opt to provide ACP benefits in May they may need to absorb some unexpected costs themselves.
Rural
Altice USA Defaults on RDOF Blocks in Louisiana for BEAD Eligibility
Altice USA joins the growing list of near 100 companies that have failed to fulfill commitments made under RDOF.
FCC
Wisconsin Committee Advances Bill for State Tax Exemption on Broadband Grants
A similar bill seeking to exempt BEAD from state income taxes recently received near unanimous approval in the Georgia House.
Benton
AAPB New Handbook: ‘How To Build A Public Broadband Network’
A new guide aims to assist communities in maneuvering common hurdles to building public broadband networks.
Tribal
New Rules for Infrastructure on Historic Properties and Tribal Lands
Federal agencies must compensate Tribes or consulting parties for services performed on historical sites.
TPI
From Labels to Legislation: Experts Address Barriers to Informed Choice
The assumption that consumers have a choice in selecting broadband providers is often far from the truth, said panelists.
