Digital Inclusion
House Democrats Urge NTIA to Prioritize Affordability for BEAD
Their Republican counterparts and conservative groups have opposed the agency's low-cost policies.
Latest
Rural
Broadband Industry Groups Urge Caution on Using Fabric Data for High-Cost Compliance
Commenters noted that the fabric is iterative, and changes to the data could cause confusion.
Rural
RDOF Winners Seek Amnesty Amidst Rising Costs
The RDOF winners point to unexpected surges in broadband construction costs occurring after the auction.
FCC
Planting Crops, and Weeding Regulations, with AI and Agriculture
It's a time of changing seasons in Washington, and in Rural America.
ARPA
Oregon Opens Applications For ARPA Project Grant Proposals
Oregon to accept applications for their $156.8 million allocation of ARPA Capital Projects Fund to deploy broadband initiatives
NEPA
NTIA Releases Permitting and Environmental Data Tool
The agency said it will be announcing additional permitting initiatives ahead of BEAD.
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.
Tribal
Tribal Broadband Faces Unique Challenges, Opportunities, Experts Say
Issues include the high costs of building infrastructure, the need for tribal sovereignty, and the importance of partnering with tribes.
Eighth Circuit
Eighth Circuit Denies Industry Petition for Expedited Briefing in Digital Discrimination Challenge
Trade groups challenging the rules hoped for a ruling before the agency can begin enforcement in September.
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.
Defense Department
Senators Disagree on Spectrum Auction Proceeds
Democratic lawmakers supported using proceeds to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Open RAN
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.
Exclusive Reports
The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.
ACP
Most Democratic Senators Want Congress to Make ACP Renewal 'Must Pass' Legislation
Most Democratic senators support Affordable Connectivity Program extension, plus 'Rip and Replace' funding.
Expert Opinion
Todd Eachus: Government Red Tape Threatens Universal Broadband
Pennsylvania’s mountainous terrain and rural areas with few homes have made it difficult and expensive for broadband expansion.
