Community Broadband
Minnesota Clears Path for Community-Owned Broadband
Minnesota's repeal of laws blocking municipal broadband ensures local governments can participate in the upcoming $42.45 billion BEAD grant program.
Jericho Casper
Assistant Editor Jericho Casper graduated from University of Virginia studying telecommunications policy. She previously served as a research assistant examining state laws that restrict local governments from owning or operating broadband networks.
FCC
Republicans Launch New ACP Proposals Amid Legislative Stalemate
Though the ACP enjoys bipartisan support among voters, it has become a contentious issue within the federal government.
FCC
Groups Oppose Bill Linking E-Rate Funds to Content Filtering
The bill would also bar kids under 13 from creating social media accounts.
Infrastructure
Senate Narrowly Rejects Resolution to Nullify Treasury’s Recovery Funds Rule
Officials warned the resolution would create confusion and uncertainty for local governments on infrastructure projects.
FCC
No Funding for ACP, Rip-and-Replace in FCC’s FY25 Budget Request
Many budget priorities hinge on Congress reinstating the commission's spectrum auction authority.
MDU’s
Federal Miscount Could Cause Millions to Miss Out on Free Apartment Wi-Fi
One nonprofit is working to ensure millions living in affordable housing gain free internet access under a current government initiative.
Energy and Commerce
House Reauthorizes National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The Senate Commerce Committee also postponed, for a second time, a markup session with short-term funding for ACP.
Senate Appropriations
Commerce Secretary Defends BEAD Low-Cost Plans Amid Senate Scrutiny
Senators raised concerns about authority to require BEAD ISPs to offer low-cost internet plans.
House
House Delays Vote on NTIA Reauthorization Act
The House postponed voting on the NTIA Reauthorization Act on Tuesday.
BEAD
States Gear Up for Subgrantee Selection in $42.5 Billion Federal Broadband Expansion
Arkansas and Tennessee now expect to service thousands fewer locations than originally anticipated through the BEAD program.
BBC
High-Speed Internet a Lifeline for Rural America’s Farms and Economy, USDA Says
The critical need for broadband deployment in rural America is emphasized by the loss of 557,000 farms sinc, RUS chief says.
Broadband Communities
NTIA to Release Guidelines for Alternative Broadband Technologies Under BEAD
The NTIA aims to influence the use of alternative technologies to fiber optics and streamline permitting processes with new guidelines.
Second Circuit
Federal Inaction on ACP Spurs State-led Broadband Subsidies
As federal ACP support wanes, state broadband subsidy solutions in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia offer innovative solutions to maintain connectivity.
Community Broadband
Engaging With Communities Crucial in Building Public Broadband Networks
Speakers emphasized the importance of assessing community needs, building partnerships, and educating people about the benefits of broadband internet.
Eighth Circuit
Intervenors Accuse FCC of Exempting BEAD Recipients From Discrimination Rules
The FCC may have breached federal regulations by introducing a last-minute safe harbor in its recent digital discrimination policies.
Earnings
Lumen Hits Fiber High, Despite Q1 Loss of Legacy Customers
The legacy copper provider has secured 25% market share in fiber-based broadband services.
