USDA
More Changes Unveiled for Round 5 of the ReConnect Program
Key revisions to this new round of ReConnect include awarding priority points to applications from states with the highest concentrations of unserved locations.
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.
Rural
FCC Urged to Grant Amnesty for RDOF Recipients
Almost 70 broadband associations are urging the FCC to allow ISPs who cannot fulfill their commitments to surrender their grants with a lesser penalty.
FCC
New FCC Broadband Standards Should Consider Latency
The FCC sought public input in November on including latency metrics in reporting requirements.
USDA
USDA Extends ReConnect Round 5 Application Deadline
If fully utilized, the fifth round ReConnect funding will amount to $700 million.
CPUC
California Residents Concerned About AT&T Request to Phase Out Landline Service
Nearly 4,000 California residents have expressed that their landline connection frequently acts as their sole means of communication.
FCC
FCC Authorizes Unlicensed Operations of 6 GHz Band
Seven new systems were greenlit to manage spectrum in the 6 GHz band.
IIJA
NTIA Finalizes BEAD ‘Buy America’ Waivers
The waiver exempts specific BEAD-funded equipment from the domestic manufacturing requirement outlined in the IIJA.
Digital Inclusion
Pallone Pledges to Pass ACP Extension Act
Pallone was instrumental in securing funding to establish the COVID-era broadband subsidy initiative, commonly known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
Community Broadband
UTOPIA Fiber Announces Connection Numbers for 2023
The community-owned fiber provider secured more than $35 million in new financing last year.
Nebraska
Pennsylvania, Nevada, Nebraska and Puerto Rico Clear NTIA Volume 1 Approval
Proposed modifications to the NTIA's model challenge process include classifying DSL and licensed fixed wireless to be underserved.
IIJA
USDA Announces Over $770 Million for Rural Infrastructure
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced the launch of the fifth round of the ReConnect Program.
Election 2024
FCC Launches Committee Focusing on Impact of Artificial Intelligence
The committee will delve into the ramifications of emerging AI technologies concerning consumer privacy and protection.
Rural
LTD Broadband Challenges FCC Denial of RDOF Funds in Court
In its petition to the court, LTD asserts that the FCC's denial of RDOF funds is unlawful and should be set aside.
BDC
Burden of Proof in Challenge Process Should Be on ISPs: Local Government
Only a single public institution provided feedback on ways the FCC’s broadband data collection initiative could be improved.
Infrastructure
Utility Companies Push Back Against FCC's New Pole Regulations
Seven telecom organizations oppose an electric utility association's petition to the FCC, which seeks to overturn pole attachment changes.
Energy and Commerce
Addressing 'Rip and Replace' Shortfall Takes Center Stage at E&C Committee Hearing
Members emphasized fully funding reimbursements mandated by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.
