E-Rate

Concern about Rip and Replace, China Telecom Appeals Expulsion, Clarity on Student Privacy

Rural Wireless Association is concerned rip and replace will not compensate for costs related to supply chain and labor issues.

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021

Will Rinehart: Early Reports Show the Emergency Broadband Benefit is Not Reaching Its Intended Audience

A new county-level data and maps will help researchers and leaders understand impacts of the EBB program.

Lifeline

FCC Extends Deadline for Lifeline Phase-out After Pressure

Associations and public interest groups said there are still many Americans using only voice services.

Infrastructure

Ting Continues Fiber Expansion, A North Carolina Broadband Story, Broadband’s Impact in Alaska

Ting Internet said it will continue expanding its fiber infrastructure throughout the rest of the year.

FBA

Industry and Non-Profit Groups Offer Uniformly Positive Views of Broadband Bill’s Passage

Largest single federal investment ever in broadband will enable communities to invest in fiber as critical infrastructure, says industry group.

IIJA

House Passes Bipartisan Broadband Infrastructure Bill, But Without Reconcilation Measure

After a push by President Biden, House leaders allowed for a vote on the infrastructure legislation, with some GOP support.

House Transportation

House Democrats Whipping Biden Votes, Delays in 5G, Opposition to Cybersecurity Mandates

Speaker Nancy Pelosi faces final challenges from moderate House Democrats in push to pass President Biden’s spending bill Friday.

Funding

New Treasury Rules on Broadband Funding Give Local Governments Flexibility on Spending

The rules will give Capital Projects Fund applicants authority to decide what’s ‘affordable, reliable, and unserved.’

Satellite

FCC Approves Boeing LEO Satellites, Esri Pilots Broadband Data Program, ‘Dystopian’ Metaverse

Boeing jumps into increasingly competitive but nascent LEO broadband race.

Robocall

FCC Hears Hawaiian Struggles with Robocalls, Spoofing

Hawaii official estimates that 10 million spoofed and robocalls go unreported.

China

House Passes Small Business Cybersecurity Bills, Facebook Shutting Down Facial Recognition Tech, Yahoo Exiting China

The House pushed forth bills aimed at increasing cybersecurity notification and support for small businesses.

USF

Experts Urge FCC Unilaterally Broaden Revenue Base of Universal Service Fund

Consultants say the Federal Communications Commission has the authority to do so.

Commerce

A Unified Framework for Security of the Software Supply Chain Can Prevent Disruptions, Event Hears

Discussion has emerged about the pandemic’s impact on the physical supply, but software is important, too.

Infrastructure

Republican Concern Over Sohn, Reservation to Buy Midstate, Pause on Lifeline Phase-out

Republican senators can tolerate FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, but not Commissioner-nominee Gigi Sohn, says Politico.

Broadband Live

Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 — Giving Thanks for Better Broadband

Finding something to be grateful about with regard to Better Broadband, Better Lives

Broadband Live

Broadband Breakfast on November 17, 2021 — The Changing Nature of the Debate About Social Media and Section 230

Facebook is under fire. Does that mean all of social media should be?