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Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
August 2023
The process of rolling out broadband funds under the country’s bipartisan infrastructure law has begun in earnest, with the White House announcement in June of allocations for each state under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
Policy Experts Consider Future of the Universal Service Fund
Panelists also discussed BEAD at Technology Policy Institute event
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Joe Supan: The Rise and Inevitable Downfall of 7,000 Starlink Satellites
Elon Musk's internet satellites have been a game changer for Rural America, but scientists are alarmed by plans to launch thousands more.
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Former GOP FCC Members, Policy Experts Endorse Arielle Roth
Michael O’Rielly and Harold Furchtgott-Roth sign letter in support of Roth.
Lawmakers Renew Bill to Address Permitting Delays on Federal Lands
The bill comes as state officials push for reforms to environmental and historic preservation permitting rules under BEAD.
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In Washington State’s First BEAD Round, 77% of Locations Receive Bids
Washington State has a $1.2 billion slice of federal broadband funding. The state's application funding window closed Jan. 31.
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Arkansas’ First BEAD Round Covers 9% of Locations With Just 2% of Funds
Arkansas' first BEAD funds go to 18 providers to cover 7,000+ locations
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Competitive Carriers Challenge 5G Fund Order
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a commissioner at the time, dissented from the order when it was adopted last year.
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Senators Revive Bill to Prevent BEAD Supply Chain Bottlenecks
The NET Act would address supply chain delays ahead of the government dolling out $42.5 billion for broadband.
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Former FCC Commissioner Predicts Court Battle Over BEAD’s Fiber Preference
But Kathryn de Wit of Pew said the structure of BEAD was carefully crafted to address systemic flaws in federal broadband policy.
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Michael Santorelli: Freeing BEAD from Its Bureaucratic Shackles
For the Trump administration, BEAD presents an immediate opportunity to show how cutting bureaucracy can lead to tangible results.
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Greg Davis: Federal Funding Freeze Puts BEAD Broadband Rollout at Risk
A federal funding freeze risks eroding trust in national broadband initiatives. Here’s how to keep moving forward.
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Fiber Is a Good Long-Term Bet, Says Former FCC Chairman Pai
Some Republican lawmakers have said they're concerned about high per-location costs.
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West Virginia Utilities Win Concessions in Broadband Pole Dispute
State task force weakens utility reporting requirements, despite calls for more oversight.
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Ellis Scherer: State Satellite Programs Offer Lessons for U.S. Broadband Deployment
LEO satellite technology is proving to be a cost-effective, high-quality solution for broadband deployment, the author writes.
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Some Red States Don’t Want Too Much Satellite for BEAD
'We’re hoping the administration's change is not just ‘Let’s give it all to satellite, and then the problem’s over,' said Montana's broadband officer.
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Texas Pushes to Eliminate BEAD Low-Cost Broadband Requirement
Texas broadband official urged senators to remove affordability mandates, and labor requirements.
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New ISP Halo Fiber Leveraging ARPA Grants to Help Bridge Alabama’s Digital Divide
Company hopes to use $188 million in middle mile broadband grants to connect unserved Alabama households.
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Fiber Deployment Costs May See Slight Slowdown
Industry experts predict price stabilization with federal broadband funding scheduled to begin.
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Rep. Louis Riggs: BEAD's Groundhog Day Moment
No reputable provider is going to propose serving areas that do not make sense with fiber.
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Fiber Broadband Association Voices Confidence About Fiber's Role in BEAD
GOP lawmakers have signaled a desire to increase participation from fixed wireless and satellite.
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Senate Committee Votes To Advance Commerce Nominee Howard Lutnick
Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz told Broadband Breakfast he was 'certain there will be' changes to BEAD.
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NTIA Nominee Roth Has Big Issues with BEAD
Incoming NTIA chief Arielle Roth would abolish fiber preference, low-cost mandates.
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Sen. Moran Wants to Shield BEAD Grants from Taxation
Kansas senator hinted at tying broadband tax exemption to reconciliation bill.
ACA Connects Pushes for Less Regulation, Faster BEAD Deployment
The industry group laid out its 2025 broadband policy priorities under President Donald Trump.
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Commerce Committee to Hold Vote on Nominee Lutnick
Executive session will include vote on Capito USF bill.
Arkansas’ First BEAD Round Sees 98% of Locations Receive Bids
With 96% of applications deemed competitive, Arkansas now moves into adjudication.
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Lutnick Receptive to GOP Critiques of BEAD, Declines to Commit to Approved Spending
Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary said he wanted to review plans aproved by the Biden administration.
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Trump White House Rescinds OMB Order Freezing Federal Grants
Widespread confusion on Tuesday, particularly about the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant program, among others.
Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Funding Freeze
A spreadsheet circulated by the OMB and attached to this story showed thousands of programs up for review, including BEAD.
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Funding Freeze Makes More Uncertainty for BEAD
A White House memo directed agencies to pause all grant spending until Feb. 10.
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BEAD Applicants Urged to Think Beyond End Users for Revenue
Telecom experts highlight telehealth, education, and agriculture as key opportunities.
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USTelecom CEO to Trump: Copper Networks Looking for Parts on eBay
Spalter wants Big Tech to support USF and seeks end to permitting delays.
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Senators to Question Lutnick Amid Concerns About BEAD
Confirmation Hearing set for Wednesday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. EST
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Louisiana Gov. Wants BEAD Flexibility, Keep Fiber Priority
The GOP governor's state, the first to get funding, wants easier funding for satellite and wireless.
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ITIF Plan Would Cap BEAD Grants at $1,200 Per Location
Savings would go to fund Internet affordability programs
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Experts Predict BEAD, USF Reforms in 2025
Broadband experts McDowell, Olsen predict BEAD, USF reforms under Trump.
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BEAD Spending Safe from Energy Executive Order, White House Says
The White House issued a memo clarifying that a call to pause Infrastructure Act funding applied only to energy projects.
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Johnny Kampis: Shot Clock Reforms Will Help Close Digital Divide
Reducing regulatory burdens will be key to ensuring the speedy and efficient growth of broadband.
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Cox, Rhode Island Settle Lawsuit over BEAD Overbuild Funding
Cox Communications has dropped its lawsuit against Rhode Island’s BEAD mapping plan.
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Rural Carriers Want Reconsideration of 5G Fund
They want to hold off on the $9 billion reverse auction until BEAD awards are finalized.
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President Trump Signs Orders on Permitting, Regulatory Freeze
NTIA has already been working to streamline permits for programs under the broadband infrastructure law.
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Think Tank Analysts Outline Pro-Growth Broadband Reforms
Competitive Enterprise Institute team calls for FCC auction authority renewal, USF funding overhaul, and NTIA bureaucratic reform.
Trump Vows to Restore Free Speech in Inauguration Speech
Highlights of Trump's speech included a focus on deregulation, protections for what he described as free speech, and sweeping energy policy changes.
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Maine Announces Updates to Starlink, BEAD Programs
State has received just under 200 applications for LEO project in the first month
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O’Rielly: Too Late for NTIA to Pivot from Pro-Fiber Approach
Shifting away from fiber may not be practical.
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FCC’s Broadband Mapping Fabric Will Now Drive Other Agency Programs
FCC’s new mapping fabric will drive Rural Digital Opportunity Fund 'true-up'.
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NTIA Approves Nevada’s $416 Million in BEAD Money
New Street's Levin doesn't expect the Trump administration to put the program on hold.
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Chairman Guthrie Suggests BEAD Changes Afoot
Complains not a single American has been connected under the BEAD program.
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Colorado Hoping to Up Participation in BEAD Round Two
The state is instituting a higher low-cost plan and more flexible project areas.
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BEAD Program’s Success Hinges on Reform
Eliminating the program seems unlikely, considering the NTIA is already far along in awarding grant money to the states.
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New Hampshire’s $90 Million Broadband Build Passes Halfway Mark
More than 58% of unserved and underserved households now have access to high-speed fiber.
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Delaware Gets Its $107 Million in BEAD Cash
It became the second state to get necessary NTIA approval, one day after Louisiana reached the milestone.
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NTIA Approves Louisiana Final BEAD Proposal
It's the first state to reach the deployment stage of the $42.5 billion program.
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Don't Hit Pause Button on BEAD, Say State Broadband Officers
States are beginning to get spending plans together for the $42.5 billion broadband expansion effort.
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State Broadband Leaders Speculate BEAD Future Under Trump Administration
More than half reveal permitting challenges, tariffs, and labor shortages threaten to impact BEAD rollout.
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Louisiana Planning on Final BEAD Approval 'Any Day Now'
It's the final step before projects can get underway.
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Arkansas, Arizona, New Hampshire Open for BEAD Apps
At least 20 states have reached the milestone.
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NTIA Finalizes Guidance on LEO Satellites for BEAD
NTIA said it has significantly reduced barriers to participation by LEO satellite providers.
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Loper Bright, A Court Ruling That Changes How D.C. Operates
Loper Bright sets the stage for a Republican-led overhaul of broadband and telecom policy in 2025.
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New Hampshire Getting $191 Million for Universal Broadband
The state will get $191 million for contracts with municipalities and commercial internet service providers to run fiber on remote roads.
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A Year of Prepping for BEAD Projects
Every state got its BEAD proposal approved, and at least 18 began fielding grant applications.
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The Year States Stepped Up for Broadband Affordability
States, cities, and private providers led the charge as federal broadband affordability efforts falter.
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Fiber a Big Winner in Nevada's BEAD Awards
The state is set to get fiber to more than 80 percent of its eligible homes and businesses.
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House Passes Trio of Last-Minute Broadband Bills
Two bills target BEAD delays, one focuses on U.S. wireless leadership
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Broadband Breakfast Person of the Year: Elon Musk
In our view, without Musk’s support, Trump would not have won the presidency.
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Mark Vasconi: BEAD Shouldn’t Bet on Forever Subsidies
BEAD money is start-up capital and not designed to provide on-going support for long-term operating expenses.
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New York Open for BEAD Applications
It's at least the sixteenth state to start taking grant proposals under the $42.5 billion program.
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Maine, New Mexico Want Starlink Part of the Mix: Balancing Trade-Offs and Concerns
Some of these locations may require $100,000 for a terrestrial wireline connection.
State Leaders Push Back on BEAD Sustainability Concerns
State broadband officials advocated for a flexible, tech-neutral approach to serving the hardest-to-reach locations.
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Davidson to Step Down from NTIA on Jan. 20
It's not clear who will succeed him at NTIA under the Trump administration.
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Delaware Unveils BEAD Spending Plan
Republicans in Congrass have called for changes to the program when Trump takes office.
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Ramping Up the BEAD Workforce: 5 Things States, ISPs, and Construction Firms Can Be Doing Now
Every state and territory’s BEAD Initial Proposal includes a workforce readiness plan.
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NTIA Releases Draft Guidance on BEAD Performance Testing
Comments are due Dec. 19, 2024
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DEI is Dead… But Will ‘Digital Equity’ Programs Shutter?
Why digital equity broadband programs may still continue under the coming Trump administration.
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State Digital Equity Officials Say Internet Programs Serve Everyone
States are working to coordinate digital equity initiatives with the larger $42.5 billion BEAD infrastructure program.
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USF Contribution Factor Expected to Rise to 37.4 Percent
Analyst Blair Levin said that policymakers unlikely to intervene.
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Broadband Breakfast on December 11, 2024 - Measuring Broadband on Existing Federal Programs
How should companies approach speed testing across their networks? What testing protocols meet federal requirements?
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NTIA’s Davidson Highlights Digital Divide Progress
About $800 million in additional broadband funding will be allocated by the end of this year.
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Incoming FCC Chairman Carr Takes Aim at Censorship, Infrastructure
'We’ve been living under this cloud of censorship,' Carr said.
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ITIF Report Draws Fire Over Claims Against Public Networks
Critics claim the report's methodology overlooks market failures and connectivity gaps.
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Closing the Digital Divide Can Power a Rural Resurgence
High-speed broadband unlocks business growth and job creation, attracting people to come and put down roots.
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Georgia Opens BEAD Application Window
State to receive $1.3 billion in BEAD funds
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Minnesota Providers Not Participating in BEAD Program
Telecom alliance struggles to gauge members' waiver needs and overall interest.
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Cable ISP Trade Group: FCC Data Highlights Broadband Expansion
About 2.1 million rural locations were added between June 2023 and June 2024
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Sen. Ernst to DOGE: ‘Pull the Plug’ on BEAD Program
19 Senate Republicans voted for the BEAD program a part of the 2021 infrastructure law.
An Informed Citizens View of the Current Broadband Fiber Kerfuffle
We all need to reject the whiners, profiteers, naysayers, and just get to work.
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CEOs Call for Regulatory Reform to Retire Copper Networks
Decades-old regulations are stifling broadband innovation and slowing the transition to fiber, they said.
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California Regulators Launch BEAD Webinar Series
Webinars will begin on Dec. 3, 2024.
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Pennsylvania Announces First Round of BEAD Applications
State to receive more than $1.16 billion in federal broadband funding
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Cruz Wants BEAD on Hold, Planning ‘Substantial Changes’
The senator also asked NTIA to pause a digital equity grant program.
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Idaho Publishes BEAD Application Project Areas
Comments will be accepted through Dec. 19, 2024.
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Vermont Official Predicts ‘Massive Changes’ to BEAD
Trump’s second presidency could delay buildout.
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Policy Priorities for a Changing Guard at the FCC
Whether a second Trump administration will seize the moment to reset telecom policy is unknown, but the time for action is now.
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States Navigate BEAD Program Implementation Amid Political Transition
Officials emphasized that the BEAD program is likely to continue despite the upcoming administration change.
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Trump Picks Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary
The investment firm CEO hasn't been vocal on telecom issues.
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Texas Approval Turns Big Corner for BEAD
NTIA has approved every state and territory plan for implementing the $42.5 billion program.
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Mercury Broadband Defaults on More RDOF Locations
Missouri-based ISP defaulted on 160 Census Block Groups in Michigan.
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Louisiana First State to Release Its Final Plans for BEAD
The state will serve all its eligible locations, with 95 percent set to receive fiber.
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Former Trump NTIA Chief Says BEAD Shift From Fiber Possible
BEAD program director says he is 'not planning to leave' the NTIA under the next administration.
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Levin: Elon Musk’s Growing Power Over U.S. Telecom Policy
Musk’s influence could drive changes to BEAD, spectrum policy, and the Universal Service Fund
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Washington Opens BEAD Application Window
Washington state to receive $1.2 billion in BEAD funds.
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BEAD Director Optimistic About Participation, More Guidance Coming
Evan Feinman said to expect the first BEAD final proposal 'in about two weeks.'
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State Broadband Officials Offer Opinions on BEAD
Officials from Michigan, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C., offered opinions.
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West Virginia Extends BEAD Application Window
State is set to receive more than $1.2 billion in BEAD funds
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Biden Funded Factories and Infrastructure, But Trump Might Get to Cut the Ribbons
Trump, rather than Biden, could get to tell Americans that he built the country back better.
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Cox Challenge to Rhode Island BEAD Map Dismissed, Federal Suit Possible
The company said the state's challenge process rules made it impossible to challenge broadband coverage data.
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South Carolina to Open BEAD Pre-Qualification Phase
State is set to receive more than $550 million from BEAD
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Musk Backs Florida Sen. Rick Scott for Majority Leader
The Florida senator led a bill that would have removed BEAD's FOIA exemption last year.
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November 19, 2024: Demystifying BABA Compliance in the BEAD Program
A webinar that will help explain the ins and outs of Build America Buy America compliance.
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Broadband Breakfast on December 4, 2024 - Permitting on Federal Lands
Securing permits on federal lands has often been a slow and complex process.
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Mercury Broadband Defaults on Hundreds of RDOF Locations
Largest default was in Michigan, with 640 Census Block Groups
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Some D.C. Trade Groups Respond to Trump Victory
NRECA, WISPA, and others reveal priorities for Trump’s second term.
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N.D. Broadband Leader Sees ‘Business As Usual’ for BEAD Under Trump
State broadband official expects only incremental changes under the new administration.
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Broadband Breakfast on November 13, 2024 - State Broadband Offices and BEAD Awards
Several states have launched their application portals for the BEAD Program.
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GOP Senators: Biden Deliberately Excluding Satellite, Wireless From Broadband Count
'When the data are wrong, policy outcomes will inevitably suffer,' GOP senators say.
Charter Broadband Losses Better Than Expected
The company said it would have reported positive gains if not for ACP impact.
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State Control Over FCC’s Pole Regulations – a Blessing or a Curse?
Twenty-three states choose to regulate their own pole attachment processes.
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Firefly Broadband Looking to Scoop up Virginia RDOF Locations
The company said it's having trouble reaching the defaulting provider.
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Experts: BEAD Success Hinges on States Supplementing FCC Pole Rules
Local approaches may resolve cost and delay challenges, experts say.
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If Trump Won, What Would Carr Do as FCC Chairman?
The agency's senior Republican outlined policy priorities in his Project 2025 chapter.
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GOP Policy Experts Offer Views on a Trump NTIA
BEAD funds unlikely to be clawed back, one expert said.
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Georgia Releases Proposed BEAD Application Questions
Providers to be considered for awards must answer a comprehensive list of questions
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AT&T Enters $1 Billion Agreement With Corning
Company aims to expand its fiber network
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Trump Praises Starlink During Joe Rogan Podcast
Trump said Elon Musk's satellite-delivered Internet service saved lives.
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GoNetspeed: Pole Regs in Massachusetts Threaten BEAD Success
Company says it can take years to access poles in the Bay State.
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Maine's Free Starlink Initiative Sparks Debate Over Rural Broadband Solutions
These locations will remain eligible for fiber deployment under BEAD.
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To Withstand Emergencies Like Helene, Broadband Policies Need to Last
Going forward, we could mitigate risks by designing our networks with resiliency in mind.
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Cable One, Mercury Broadband Default on RDOF Locations
FCC decided not to provide blanket amnesty for RDOF defaults.
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State and Industry Leaders Offer BEAD Update
Panelists emphasized community, collaboration as essential to BEAD success
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DZS Receives BEAD BABA Manufacturing Certification
Company is one of five BABA-compliant equipment manufacturers
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Map Released for Missouri’s Potential BEAD Service Areas
The map will help providers better understand BEAD service obligations
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Colorado Warns: One Week Left to Apply for BEAD Funds
Application window for BEAD will close Oct. 28
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Hawaii Introduces Statewide Internet Speed Mapping Initiative
Map would identify where federal funding is most needed
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NTIA Head Calls GOP Criticism of BEAD 'Election-Year Politics'
He pointed to FCC's implementation of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund under Trump as as a cautionary example.
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Wyoming Opens BEAD Grant Application Window
The BEAD application window will close Dec. 5, 2024
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Broadband Breakfast on October 23, 2024 - Satellite Broadband and BEAD
Has the tide truly turned for satellite broadband?
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With Surety Bonds, the State's Contract Language Is Crucial
States now bear the burden of the next steps as NTIA has not provided any guidance on the requirements of surety bonds.
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Missouri to Begin Accepting BEAD Applications
The application window will open Nov. 15
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Maine to Hand Out Free Starlink Terminals to Unserved
Gov. Mills predicts Maine will close its digital divide by the end of the year.
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One BEAD Requirement Making You Nervous? Ask for a Waiver
"An application with a waiver in there is something I can look at," said state broadband officer.
WISPA Not Done Working to Ease Wireless Participation in BEAD
The group is working on model legislation for states, its state advocacy manager said.
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NTIA Continuing Work on Permit Streamlining
The agency has been working to prevent permit backlogs ahead of BEAD.
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NTIA Approves Initial BEAD Proposals for Alaska, Ohio
Alaska is to receive about $1 billion and Ohio about $793 million
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ISPs Warned: Watch Out for BEAD’s Longer Quiet Periods
After fielding applications, Louisiana is still locking down commitments for nine percent of its eligible locations.
California Official Offers Update on BEAD Implementation
CPUC official said California is working well with NTIA.
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Adelstein: Markets Upbeat About Fiber’s Future
Implementation of federal funding is being watched by investors.
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ISP Trade Group Wants to Retain Status Quo on Broadband Definition
Raising the benchmark could have unintended consequences for the BEAD program
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USDA’s Andy Berke Champions Fiber as Key to Rural Broadband Success
Broadband experts cautioned against alternative technologies under BEAD.
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Wisconsin Allocates $115 Million in Broadband Funding for Anchor Institutions
Grants will fund libraries and community centers in 35 communities
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Alabama Statewide Middle Mile Network Reaches Major Milestone
Network is 67% toward completion, bringing resilient infrastructure to 38 counties.
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NTIA Approves Volume Two of Iowa’s BEAD Proposal
The approval enables Iowa to begin implementing its BEAD program
Steven Schwerbel: BEAD Will Succeed If WISPs Can Participate
While an excellent tool for many applications, fiber is far from the only, or even optimal, solution for every broadband access challenge.
Rural Electric Co-ops Want Broadband Data Fixed by FCC Before BEAD
NRECA pushing for consumer-driven speed tests to improve FCC broadband data.
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California Plan to Award $1.8 Billion in BEAD Funds Approved
CPUC also awarded $172 million to get fiber to 56,000 locations.
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Two Alabama Cooperatives Win Grant Funding to Expand Fiber Service
The grant helps fund 2,347 miles of new fiber deployment, bringing broadband availability to more than 15,000 locations.
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State Broadband Officers Prioritize Community in BEAD Deployment
Officials said that community outreach is essential to digital equity
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Kansas Set to Open BEAD Grant Application Window for Internet Expansion
With $451.7 million from BEAD, the state expects to reach all unserved and underserved areas.
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Would Trump Put BEAD on Hold? Unlikely, Experts Say
Some states are already fielding grant applications under the current rules.
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NTIA Says It's Delivering on Broadband Pledges
Since 2021, more than 2.4 million additional homes and businesses have been connected, NTIA says
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Harris’ Proposed Corporate Tax Hike Could Alter ISPs’ BEAD Plans
Under current law, BEAD grants are taxable income at federal level.
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Address the 'Torpedoes in the Water' Against USF, Says Carr
The FCC's senior Republican said he worried SCOTUS would find arguments against the fund appealing.
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Illinois to Launch Next Phases of Connect Illinois, Waits on NTIA
Illinois says that the Connect Illinois program is the largest state broadband funding program in the U.S.
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Vermont Seeking Feedback on BEAD Draft Plan
The state has requested responses by Oct. 8
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NTIA Approves Initial BEAD Proposals for Four More States
BEAD has $42.45 billion to fund broadband deployment projects.
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BEAD Success Hinges on New Fixes to an Old Problem
Now is the time for good-faith, business-to-business negotiations between internet providers and pole owners.
FCC Lawyer Defends Digital Discrimination Rules Before Eighth Circuit
ISP Lawyer Says ‘Disparate Impact’ Standard Never Authorized by Congress
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Sen. Thune Berates BEAD Program Progress
White House connects Biden with rural family to show deployment progress
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Cox Sues to Block Rhode Island's BEAD Map
The company said it wasn't able to contest the state's claim that some of its subscribers were underserved.
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In Remarks, Biden Promotes Broadband Agenda
The president presses ahead on goal to provide affordable broadband for all Americans.
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BEAD Proposals Approved for North Dakota, Idaho, and American Samoa
The BEAD has $42.45 billion to advance broadband in the U.S.
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Local Leaders Oppose Broadband Permitting Bill
The bill's opposers argue it threatens the work of local governments and ISPs in preparation for BEAD.
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NTIA Approves Nebraska’s Access to BEAD Funds
Cornhusker state slated to receive about $400 million for broadband
Government Broadband Funds Should go to Open Networks: Panel
More than 15 states say they will prioritize open access networks with BEAD funding.
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Improving Network Resiliency in the Face of Extreme Weather
The threats of wind, fire and ice storms are downing poles and cutting off service to communities.
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Industry Officials Say More Middle Mile Funding is Needed
The $1 billion federal middle mile program received $7.5 billion in applications.
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Exclusive Series: AT&T, T-Mobile Bet Big on Open Access
Once staunch opponents of open access, Tier 1 ISPs are now entering a space traditionally dominated by municipalities.
North Carolina Launches Program to Prequalify BEAD Awards
Pre-qualification is strongly encouraged, and is designed to streamline the application process for BEAD.
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FCC Kicks Off Annual State of Broadband Report
The inquiry hopes to identify and address how broadband policy can improve.
NTIA Urged to Consider Tech-Neutral Approach for $42.5B BEAD Expansion
Groups say alternative technologies are essential to meet BEAD’s universal broadband goals.
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Charter CEO Warming up to BEAD
He said the company is 'excited about BEAD in the right circumstances.'
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Dems, Levin Defend BEAD in House Hearing
Republicans have criticized the program for moving too slowly
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Debate Cheat Sheet on the Parties on Telecom and Tech
The world is watching America’s presidential election November 5, and tonight’s debate may be the only face-off.
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Wisconsin GOP Cuts $750 Million from State Broadband Budget
Joint Finance Committee Republicans proposed delaying state broadband funding until after BEAD.
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AT&T Announces Wholesale Agreements with 4 Open Access Fiber Providers
Big telecom carriers are racing to expand their fiber footprints.
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Montana’s Chief Operating Officer Blasts NTIA’s BEAD Implementation
Navigating BEAD has left some state officials feeling lost.
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NTIA Responds to GAO Report: ‘Alignment Can Be Challenging’
NTIA outlined several recommendations in its response to the government watchdog agency.
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House Panel Announces BEAD Hearing Witness List
No one from the Biden administration is scheduled to testify.
Benton: Local Governments Crucial in Preventing BEAD Bottlenecks
Across local, state, and federal levels efforts to streamline broadband permitting are intensifying.
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FCC to Vote on Opening up 17 GHZ for Satellite Broadband
The agency is set to vote on September 26.
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Wyoming Fourth State Heading Towards BEAD Project Funding
The state’s BEAD application process is expected to become available by late October.
GOP-Controlled House Panel to Examine BEAD Program
'Congress must closely monitor NTIA’s implementation of the program,' Chairs Rodgers and Latta said.
In Auction Default, Indiana ISP Hands Back Broadband Locations to FCC
RTC is handing back nearly half of the locations won in the RDOF auction.
Expedited Federal Review Boosts Rollout of Broadband Initiatives
Permitting changes are accelerating the expansion of semiconductor fabs and solar developments.
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Alpine County Open Access Fiber Among Big Winners In Latest California FFA Grants
On August 30, CPUC officials formally approved both a third and fourth round of FFA broadband funding.
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FCC Moves Forward with 5G Fund for Rural America
Carr argued against moving forward with fund changes before BEAD deployments.
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Michigan BEAD Volume Two Approved As NTIA Head Promotes Digital Equity Grant Program
The agency is accepting applications for digital equity grants until September 23.
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Doug Dawson: When Will We See BEAD Construction?
I don’t want to burst bubbles, but there will not be substantial BEAD spending in 2025.
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SpaceX Leads as BEAD Opens Doors for LEO Satellite Technology
As SpaceX leads in orbital launches, the $42.5B BEAD program could further bolster its role in global broadband expansion.
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NTIA Offers Guidance on Funding Starlink, Other Technologies with BEAD Money
Comments are due at the agency before September 11.
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West Virginia Opens BEAD Grant Application Window
The state will accept applications for 60 days.
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Wireless Carriers Press FCC to Expand Access to Light Poles
ISPs want the FCC to ensure access to light poles to speed infrastructure deployment.
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The NTIA Must Not Allow BEAD to Fall Victim to Past Mistakes
The government has a terrible habit of repeating mistakes.
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No Set Timeline for Large Pole Orders: Utilities
Electric companies told the FCC unnecessarily large requests compound a labor shortage.
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Union Leaders Applaud Harris for Historic Broadband Investment and Job Creation
Union leaders lauded the BEAD program's pro-union and workforce protection provisions.
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NTCA CEO: 'Give BEAD a Chance'
The group has told the federal government some rules might keep its members from participating.
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Louisiana Accepting Applications for BEAD Grants
The first application round will close August 29, with a final second round to follow.
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Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
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GCI Calls for Reform of FCC's Alaska Broadband Fund
GCI suggested adjusting support to account for a rise in inflation
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Montana Says It Has Launched First BEAD Grant Application Portal
Montana claimed to be the first state to launch its BEAD grant application portal.
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Brightspeed Secures Multi-Billion Fiber Network Financing
It received approximately $3.7 billion for fiber builds.
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Sen. Cruz: NTIA's Wasting Money on Broadband ‘Slush Fund’
Cruz demanded a detailed accounting of BEAD program expenditures.
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New York Granted BEAD Initial Proposal Approval
New York was allocated $664 million from BEAD.
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Texas Requests BEAD Project Area Units Comment
The state is looking for information on how BEAD predefined project areas should be implemented.
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From Plans to Progress: Using BEAD to Bridge the Digital Divide
The lack of a skilled workforce needed to build, maintain and operate the networks is a major challenge that could lead to delays.
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SpaceX: FCC Should Revise Spectrum Sharing Between Satellite Types
Existing rules unnecessarily restrict the operation of non-geostationary satellite systems, company says.
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Fiber Versus Wireless Debate is Back at Mountain Connect
Do consumers need fiber to their door? Or would wireless or satellite service suffice?
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NTIA Approves Colorado BEAD-Eligible Locations
The approval is a step in the process to bring $826 million to Colorado residents.
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Nokia Self-Certifies Buy America Compliance for BEAD
The NTIA recently announced self-certification process for domestic manufacturing requirement on federally funded projects.
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Advice from Midwest State Broadband Heads on BEAD
Directors talk provider default prevention and fixed wireless technology.
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Missouri, Wyoming Receive Initial Proposal Approval
Missouri was allocated more than $1.7 billion.
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State Broadband Directors Share Advice on Speeding up BEAD
‘I would encourage everyone… to really advocate to the NTIA for an expedited approval process,’ former broadband director said.
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Former FCC Chairman Urges County-Level BEAD Project Areas
‘Searchlight urged [states] to think about an entire county as the relevant project area,' said former FCC chairman.
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Final BEAD Proposals Will Be Quicker, NTIA Deputy Says
NTIA deputy says the agency has 'learned a lot' when it comes to approving state proposals.
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Advice from Southwest State Broadband Heads on BEAD
Applications from WISPs would help inform extremely high-cost thresholds, they said.
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SpaceX in Talks with NTIA to Deploy Starlink for BEAD
‘For me to participate in BEAD, I don’t want BEAD to say, “if something happens, I get your network,”’ SpaceX President says.
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Groups Push FCC to Reform Utility Pole Replacement Policies
The coalition wants utility pole replacement costs split between pole owners and attachers.
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Arizona Gets BEAD Volume Two Approval
It brings the total to 28 states, plus D.C. and three U.S. territories.
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Green Energy and the Democrats
Just as crypto has emerged as a tech and infrastructure issue with a heavily Republican tilt, advanced energy may serve a similar role for Democrats.
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Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont BEAD Initial Proposals Approved
Three states will receive a combined $1.6 billion in BEAD money.
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The Fight Over Virginia’s BEAD Low-Cost Option Appears Over
The state ultimately did set a price cap for low-cost plans. But at $75, it's higher than rates seen in other states.
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California is Closing its BEAD Challenge Process
California urges submissions for challenges.
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Need a Broadband Deployment Permit? Here Are Some Tips
The NTIA is set to publish presentations on permit applications from twelve federal agencies.
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To the BEAD-Cautious, State Broadband Heads Say They’re Here to Help
"We're on your side."
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NTIA Releases Guidance for BEAD Buy America Compliance
Providers will need certifications from manufacturers and an internal tracker for non-waived equipment.
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Altafiber Not Sold on BEAD
The company hasn't yet found an area it's excited about, an altafiber executive said.
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Georgia Broadband Head Relates Behind-the-Scenes BEAD Prep
So far, 26 states and territories have received full NTIA approval since submitting drafts late last year.
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NTIA Chief: BEAD Guidance on Non-Fiber Alternative Networks Coming Soon
The guidance will be up for public comment in 'a couple of weeks.'
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Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As AI technology adoption increases, legislators are looking at cracking down on copyright concerns.
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Communication Key for Public-Private Partnerships, ISPs Say
Providers should flag permitting struggles and other roadblocks early.
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NTIA Approves BEAD Initial Proposals Virginia, New Mexico
The agency allocated over $1.4 billion to Virginia and $675 million to New Mexico.
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ACA Connect Releases BEAD Regulatory Analysis
The report criticizes certain BEAD program rules.
Communications Labor Union Ranks Broadband Projects
The report evaluated projects on transparency, labor standards and digital equity.
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Massachusetts Initial Proposal Approved
The state was allocated $147 million through BEAD.
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Utilities Seek Greater Cooperation From Broadband Providers
“Pole replacements are not a barrier to broadband deployment… the FCC should encourage negotiations between utilities and attaching entities,” utilities say
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Trade Associations Recommend BEAD Low Cost Reforms
A letter to the NTIA suggested steps to decrease low-cost service option burden on ISPs.
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FCC Launches New Mobile Speed Test App
The app will enable users to obtain information about their mobile network performance.
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Utah, Marina Islands, Virgin Islands BEAD Initial Proposal Approved
The regions will receive a combined $425 million in BEAD money.
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NTIA Approves Connecticut BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 2
The state was allocated $144 million through the BEAD program.
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NTIA Grants Rhode Island BEAD Initial Proposal Approval
The state was allocated $108 million BEAD funds.
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Hawaii Receives BEAD Initial Proposal Approval
The state was allocated $194 million through BEAD.
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Maine Releases BEAD Prequalification Requirements
Prequalification phase will evaluate financial, technical, operational and managerial capacity.
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Colorado Opens BEAD Public Comment Window
The public can review draft project area maps and program guidelines.
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Idaho Opens BEAD Rebuttal Phase
Idaho Office of Broadband will provide 28 days for rebuttals to coverage challenges.
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Louisiana Provider Supports Local Business Digital Development
The provider will award grants to ensure small businesses can connect to digital resources.
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Associations Release Surety Bond Information Kit
The kit includes contractor bond forms for Internet Service Providers.
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NTIA Releases Best Practices to Streamline Broadband Permitting
NTIA encouraged federal, state and local coordination.
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Federal Municipal Network Support Declining, Warns Experts
Despite initial federal support, funding programs are not supportive of municipal broadband.
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USTelecom Wants Big Tech to Fund Low-Income Broadband Plans
'A permanent, fully funded solution to the ACP is essential for a competitive marketplace,' USTelecom says.
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Maryland Announces BEAD Challenge Process
The challenge phase will begin on July 16.
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California Opens BEAD Map Challenge Process
The state's challenge phase will last 30 days.
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Maryland Receives BEAD Initial Proposal Approval
The state was allocated over $267 million through the BEAD program.
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House Commerce Leaders Ask NTIA for BEAD Communications with States
Committee Republicans have taken issue with the program's affordability requirements.
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Garland McCoy: State Broadband Officials Must Be Prepared to Defend Deployment
Will you be prepared to defend your BEAD deployment at a future state or federal hearing?
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FCC’s Carr Blasts White House on BEAD Management
“It is a program that is going off the rails,” Carr says
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NTIA Approves Indiana's BEAD Plan, Opening Door for Spending $868 Million
NTIA approved the Hoosier state's Initial Proposal, Volume 2.
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Oregon Encourages BEAD Pre-Qualification
Oregon broadband office raised concerns about BEAD funding gaps.
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Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape
During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
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Massachusetts Coalition Requests Residents Conduct Speed Tests
The state is currently in the BEAD challenge phase.
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Missouri Opens BEAD Prequalification Process
The process will determine ISP capability to complete the proposed projects.
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FCC Denies Requests for RDOF Amnesty
The agency said its rules are flexible enough to make blanket amnesty unnecessary.
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South Carolina Completes $400M ARPA Allocations
The money will fund infrastructure projects that will connect over 112,300 addresses in the state.
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Illinois Program Establishes County Broadband Plans
The program helps rural communities develop a broadband plan for universal coverage.
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Massachusetts Awards $45M CPF Grants
The money will connect 2,000 locations in 40 underserved communities by 2026.
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Construction Costs Cause Latest RDOF Defaults
Missouri and Texas providers are the latest to default on RDOF locations
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State Official: Virginia ‘Agnostic’ On Broadband Technology
‘I think it will take multiple types of solutions to close the digital divide,’ state broadband director says
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Maine Adopts Fiber Installer Certification Program
A Maine Community College is adopting the FBA's certification program to address expanding need following federal grants.
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Maine Awards Community Anchor Institutions $12M
The money will fund digital improvements to 12 community organizations across Maine.
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$53.3M Grant For Alabama's Middle Mile Network
The money comes from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.
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NTIA Official Says Agency is Using Maps to Provide Faster Permitting
NTIA official reveals ongoing efforts behind the scenes to expedite BEAD permitting processes.
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Massachusetts Launches Internet Feedback Initiative
The state will compare on-the-ground data with FCC broadband map.
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Nevada the First State Awarded Digital Equity State Capacity Grant Money
Nevada is the first state to receive Digital Equity State Capacity Grant funds.
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Arkansas Calls for Increased Broadband Investment
The state cited $500 million in broadband investments, low tax rates, and proactive connectivity enhancements as reasons for Arkansas.
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Experts Give Guidance on ISP BEAD Plans
ISPs should use state broadband coverage maps and financial forecasting to create BEAD plans.
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Heartland Forward Launches Broadband Careers Site with Arkansas and Louisiana
Jobs board funded by Pew and supported by employers also aims to elevate training of broadband workers.
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Arkansas Broadband Office on Lessons Learned Ahead of BEAD
The office has found a 'Goldilocks' solution for project areas and reimbursements, its deputy director said Tuesday.
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NTCA CEO Dings Cable for RDOF Defaults
Charter and Altice have been handing locations back to the FCC.
DOJ and FCC Defend Digital Discrimination Rules to Eighth Circuit
Industry groups sued to block the rules in February. Oral arguments are set for late September.
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Arkansas Hosts BEAD Digital Opportunity Conference
The event will address various components of Arkansas's BEAD funding and vision for non-deployment opportunities.
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Understanding 'Junk Fees' in Broadband
President Joe Biden has made attacking 'junk fees' a key focus of his administration.
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Louisiana State Watchdog Wants More RDOF Oversight
It's "unclear whether all RDOF providers will meet the service milestones set by the FCC," the state's legislative auditor wrote.
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Mississippi Announces $70.9M CPF Awards
The money will connect 27,000 households across 19 counties to high-speed internet.
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Musk, Carr Zing White House Over BEAD Delays, Costs
'This government program is an outrageous waste of taxpayer money and is utterly failing to serve people in need,' Musk says to his 187.7 million followers on X.
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GOP Senator Alleges NTIA Official Gave Misleading Testimony
A GOP Senator from Missouri says NTIA is pushing BEAD rate regulation on states while denying that to Congress
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NTIA Approves Maine, Kentucky BEAD Initial Proposals
The approval opens access to more than $1.2 billion BEAD funds.
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Iowa Opens BEAD Rebuttal Window
Rebuttal submissions began June 14, initiating a 45-day window for ISPs to support or dispute challenges.
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Affordability Mapping Essential for BEAD Deployments, Experts Say
Neglecting to map regions where both affordability and accessibility limit high-speed internet subscriptions could impair effectiveness.
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The United States of BEAD
State-by-state broadband pages for every U.S. state and territory.
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ITIF Report Ranks BEAD Proposals
NTIA approval process is a critical juncture for state initial proposals.
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Shentel Concerned About Rate Regulation by BEAD
'The potential for having to set certain prices for low-income customers' is a concern to Shentel.
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Ohio is Accepting BEAD Map Challenges
The challenge process will be open for 21 days.
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Delaware Enters BEAD Prequalification Phase
Delaware will review applications for capacity in the prequalification phase.
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NTIA Approves Four State BEAD Volume Two
NTIA approved BEAD initial proposal volume two for Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico.
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NTIA Deputy Urges Broadband Providers, Pole Owners to Cooperate
‘There are equities on both sides of this and we got to recognize that,’ NTIA deputy says
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Vernonburg Group Calls for Urgent Universal Service Overhaul
Trade groups join a push to use USF to fund affordable connectivity efforts.
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Michigan Completes BEAD Challenge Initial Review
Final determinations of map challenges are set to be released by July 22.
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Commnet Wireless Looking to Transfer More RDOF Locations
The company has asked the FCC to offload a total of more than 4,000 locations to local providers.
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NTIA Fully Approves BEAD Plans from Colorado and New Hampshire
The states will have one year to award grants under the program.
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Massachusetts Releases Broadband Map
The state's challenge process will open June 20.
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New York Releases BEAD Prequalification Requirements
The prequalification application process will open on June 21.
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Maine Enters BEAD Rebuttal Phase
The rebuttal phase allows ISPs to address challenges to service claims.
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Charter Looking to Surrender More Than 1,400 Additional RDOF Locations
Tribal governments opted for their own networks or local providers.
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Nebraska Announces Capital Projects Fund Round Two
The awards will bring internet access to over 3,000 underserved and unserved addresses in the state.
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Legislators, Providers Concerned about California Broadband Grant Timelines
The state is 'poised to begin' awarding stalled grants.
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Louisiana Begins BEAD Pre-Qualifications
The preliminary pre-qualification will allow subgrantees to prepare qualification materials.
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Gigapower CEO Sees BEAD Flowing to Open Access
“We've spoken with a lot of broadband directors and they like the open access model."
Idaho Opens BEAD Challenge Process
The state was awarded $583 million from BEAD.
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Utah Enters BEAD Rebuttal Phase
Rebuttals are due by July 9 for evaluation by Utah Broadband Center.
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Why Broadband Matters in California... and Everywhere
Broadband is a utility that's a little bit like plumbing – just sexier.
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Charter Hands Back More RDOF Census Block Groups to FCC
The company surrenedered more locations in April
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Challenges of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Rights of way, pole attachments, environmental permitting and other hurdles to broadband infrastructure deployment.
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At California Department of Technology, Scott Adams Seeks Broadband for All
The team at California Department of Technology leads strategic planning and coordination of broadband deployments in the state.
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Rob Osborn Leads the Division of CPUC Responsible for Broadband Grants
Osborn is responsible for implementation of California broadband funding programs.
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FCC’s Gomez Says ACP’s Demise ‘Penny Wise, Pound Foolish’
'The end of the ACP will undo the significant progress we have made toward closing the divide.'
Nevada Allocates $250 Million To Middle Mile
The network will consist of 2,500 miles of open access fiber.
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Rhode Island Releases Broadband Map
The state was awarded $108.7 million through BEAD funds.
Broadband Industry Groups Nearing Agreement Not to Challenge Second Circuit Decision
The court upheld a New York law mandating cheaper plans for low-income subscribers.
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Congress Pushes for National Broadband Strategy With NTIA Reauthorization Act
The Act requires the NTIA to harmonize more than 100 federal initiatives to expand high-speed internet. It also increases reporting and oversight requirements.
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Rural Providers Blanch at Artificially Low-Cost BEAD Options
A letter to the NTIA outlines how small providers can compete with large providers for BEAD grants
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Manchin Announces $32.2 Million in ARC Funding
The Appalachian Regional Commission funds will provide high-speed internet to 300,000 underserved West Virginia households.
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Colorado to Increase Locality Outreach in Summer Roadshow
State broadband officers will discuss broadband topics with local leaders in a state tour.
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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.
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BEAD Director Warns There is Not Enough Capacity
Feinman warns that BEAD is already stressing the telecom sector with construction constraints and permitting requirements
Bank Groups Continue to Battle FCC Ratings Rule
'Inexplicably, there are currently 108 out of 179 Wisconsin banks with a Weiss safety rating lower than [B minus].'
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Charter CFO Warns About BEAD Regulations
Some states have BEAD 'rules that are not conducive to private investment or to our investment,' said chief financial officer.
AT&T Official Concerned Over Disparate BEAD Rules
AT&T's Chris Sambar calls out 'odd' BEAD rules coming from state broadband offices.
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AT&T CEO Bullish on Open Access Networks
The company's CEO said he expects states to set BEAD terms favorable to open access builds.
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Navigating the Landscape of U.S. Data Privacy Regulations
There is a renewed focus on how best to protect personal information in an increasingly digital world.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pennsylvania Gets BEAD Volume 2 Approval
This brings the total number of approvals to seven states, plus the District of Columbia
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House Republicans Again Take Issue with BEAD Affordability Regs
The NTIA head defended its policy of ensuring a low-cost option.
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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.
Senate Commerce Committee Set to Vote on Short-Term ACP Funding
The Spectrum and National Security Act would infuse the program with $7 billion.
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Minnesota Broadband Organizations Call for Changes to State Broadband Legislation
The organization says that Article 10 will raise costs, increase bureaucracy, and decrease investments in broadband
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Commerce Department is Aiming to Approve All BEAD Plans by Fall
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said there will be more approvals handed down in the coming weeks.
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Senators Propose FAA Reauthorization Amendment to Fund ACP
The last of the low-income internet subsidy's cash is set to run out this month.
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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.
Broadband People: New Director for Illiniois Office of Broadband
Devon Braunstein, the current assistant director, will be heading the office.
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GOP Leaders Remain Skeptical Amid Push for ACP Funding
Sen. Ben Ray Luján signaled his USF working group is looking to fold ACP into the fund.
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Fetterman Introduces Long-Term Universal Service Funding Bill
As full funding for Affordable Connectivity Program expires, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel issues letter to lawmakers.
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BEAD Roundup: Seven More Challenge Portals Open
That makes 10 open challenge windows, plus 18 states finished with the first phase of the process.
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The Smart City Blueprint for Urban Innovation
At play in Smart Cities: Data collection, smart infrastructure, IoT, communications technologies, regulations and more.
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Kansas and West Virginia Receive BEAD Volume 2 Approval
The states will have one year to award subgrants with their allocations.
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Cantwell Ups ACP Money in Updated Draft Spectrum Auction Bill
The proposal would provide $7 billion for the ACP, an increase from the discussion draft.
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To BEAD or Not to BEAD? For Rural Providers, the Time to Decide is Now
Are you prepared to watch a competitor bring fiber optic infrastructure into your service area?
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AT&T FWA Subscribers Surpass Expectations
The company also reported low mobile churn despite network outages and a data breach.
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Nevada Receives Approval for BEAD, Volume 2
The state increased its low-cost option from the draft circulated in September.
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Major Providers Take Home More Than Two Thirds of Pennsylvania CPF Grants
The state awarded $204 million for expanding broadband infrastructure.
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Unraveling the Complexities of Net Neutrality
Top controversies include 5G network slicing, paid prioritizing and exempting broadband providers from Universal Service Fund contributions.
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FCC Denies ISPs Request to Waive Penalties for Withdrawing from RDOF
In the same notice, the FCC announced it will waive noncompliance penalties for an ISP unable to meet its obligations in the CAF II auction.
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TIA Launches Labor Shortage Initiative Ahead of BEAD Rollout
The new initiative aims to boost broadband workers by at least 200,000
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Three Broadband Bills Face Defeat in Wisconsin Senate
The state senate thwarted bills aiming to enhance local autonomy and mandate ISP accountability for advertised speeds.
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BEAD Roundup: South Carolina and Washington State Open Challenge Portals
Idaho awarded $500,000 in grants to bolster community involvement in the state's BEAD implementation.
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Ookla Claims Obstacles in Submitting Third-Party Speedtest Data for 5G Fund
Only the FCC's own speed test mobile application is currently functioning to submit mapping challenges for the 5G Fund.
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Mississippi Addresses Allegations of Inequitable Outreach in BEAD
A local watchdog organization has accused the Mississippi broadband office of failing to comply with BEAD program guidelines.
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FCC Hits Pause On Bank Ratings Firm After Hearing Concerns, Complaints
For one year, FCC won't use Weiss ratings for banks' letters of credit of RDOF, CAF II winners.
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NTIA Approves Digital Equity Plans from all 50 States, D.C., Puerto Rico
States are now free to apply for funding to address barriers to broadband adoption.
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What to Do About RDOF Defaulters? Some Ideas from New Mexico, and Others
Some advocate for directing unused RDOF funds to state broadband offices instead.
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New Broadband Transparency Labels Roll Out Nationwide
Government officials express optimism that the introduction of labels will signal a new era of transparency and competition.
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Association Urges FCC to Wait for BEAD Allocation Before 5G Fund Auction
Stakeholders are pushing for the 5G Fund auction to be postponed until after all BEAD subgrantee awards are finalized.
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Alabama's Approved BEAD Plan Excludes RDOF Waiver
The state had considered asking for a waiver to open up RDOF areas to BEAD funds.
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Some Wireless Services Deemed ‘Underserved’ in 4 States, Expanding BEAD Locations
States advocating for some wireless services to be classified as 'underserved' were rewarded with a new modification by NTIA.
The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing
At the center of the battle over the airwaves in the United States is the question of spectrum sharing.
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NDIA Releases Digital Equity Implementation Manual
The document is intended to help states and territories carry out their IIJA digital equity plans.
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NTIA Adopts Environmental Exemptions for BEAD Projects
It's the latest in the agency's effort to streamline permitting for the program.
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Broadband Pioneer Shares Insights on Expanding to MDUs in Rural Areas
The coop has served more than 5,000 multiple dwelling units in Rural America.
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BEAD Roundup: Michigan and Missouri Begin Accepting Challenges
Vermont, Georgia, and Indiana are set to wrap up their challenge phase and process ISP rebuttals.
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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.
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House Democrats Urge NTIA to Prioritize Affordability for BEAD
Their Republican counterparts and conservative groups have opposed the agency's low-cost policies.
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RDOF Winners Seek Amnesty Amidst Rising Costs
The RDOF winners point to unexpected surges in broadband construction costs occurring after the auction.
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NTIA Releases Permitting and Environmental Data Tool
The agency said it will be announcing additional permitting initiatives ahead of BEAD.
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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.
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The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.
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House Passes Bill to Fund Broadband in Economically Distressed Areas
The bill is aimed at making Economic Development Administration grants more accessible for broadband projects.
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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.
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Western States Face Uphill Battle in Broadband Deployment Despite BEAD
CTC Technology and Energy's Joanne Hovis also said broadband truly is a non-partisan issue.
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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.
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FCC Increases Broadband Benchmark
The agency went through with its proposed 100 * 20 Mbps definition.
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Vermont to Start BEAD Challenge Process
Four other states are accepting challenges and three more are planning to begin the process soon.
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Minnesota, Oregon Make Moves on State Broadband Programs
Minnesota began accepting applications for its $50 million program. Oregon finalized guidelines for awarding $149 million from CPF.
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Conservative Groups Oppose BEAD Low-Cost Rules
More than 20 think tanks asked Republican lawmakers to push the NTIA to approve lighter touch state plans.
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The FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules
The controversies and details surrounding the FCC's rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination.
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States Broadband Offices Detail Broadband Locations, Seek NTIA Flexibility
State broadband officers shared numbers of unserved and underserved locations within their respective states.
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NTIA Greenlights Speedtest Data Integration in State BEAD Maps, Experts Say
The pre-challenge modification permits the inclusion of speed test data gathered from phones and devices equipped with GPS chips.
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Fixed Wireless Providers Warn About Higher Costs of Fiber Deployment
Broadband experts discussed how fiber costs could harm states' ability to build out their broadband networks
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FCC Seeks Public Input on RDOF Amnesty Proposal
Nearly 70 broadband associations have asked the FCC to permit recipients of RDOF and CAF II to relinquish their commitments.
Kristian Stout: Internet for All Won’t Happen Without Real Pole Access Reform
The FCC should encourage solutions that help facilitate make-ready work when utilities are dragging their feet.
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Flush With BEAD Cash, at Least 13 States Make Plans For ‘Nondeployment’ Funds
Several state offices expect to utilize nondeployment funds in conjunction with infrastructure deployment funds for BEAD.
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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.
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Make Sure that BEAD Funding Builds Deep Fiber: Metro Connect
Windstream CEO analogized a fiber network to arteries and capillaries in the human body.
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Kerry Haughan: Why State Leaders Need to Keep BEAD Funding Local
In the case of rural communities, monopolies are a particularly bad fit.
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New FCC Broadband Standards Should Consider Latency
The FCC sought public input in November on including latency metrics in reporting requirements.
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NTIA Finalizes BEAD ‘Buy America’ Waivers
The waiver exempts specific BEAD-funded equipment from the domestic manufacturing requirement outlined in the IIJA.
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Martinsville, Virginia, Will Take Full Advantage Of Decades-Old Fiber Network
The core network consisted of 48 strands and 20 miles of fiber connecting city schools, municipal buildings and key anchor institutions
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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.
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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.
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Maine Receives First Digital Equity Grant
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson announced the first recipient of the digital equity grant program
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Gina Raimondo Addresses Broadband Supply Chain Issues Ahead Of BEAD Rollout
Gina Raimondo responds to concerns that Build America requirements negatively impact the broadband supply chain.
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Georgia House Votes to Exempt BEAD, ARPA Grants from State Taxes
The measure now heads to the Georgia Senate, passing the House by a vote of 162-1.
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States and ISPs Strategize to Meet BEAD-Driven Workforce Gaps
The experts expressed doubts about addressing workforce shortages that could potentially stall BEAD build-outs.
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Broadband Industry Groups Push for Tax-Exempt Grants
Seven trade groups urged lawmakers to pass the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act.
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President Biden Touts Broadband Expansion Efforts in Wisconsin Visit
Broadband was part of the reelection campaign's emphasis on infrastructure.
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Virginia and NTIA at Odds on BEAD Low-Cost Option
The state wants to avoid setting out a price or formula for what BEAD-funded providers can charge low-income households.
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Brant Carter: For Faster Fiber Buildout, Combine GIS, Deployment and Operations
Tightening connections between network operators, asset owners, and contractors catches surprises earlier.
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Labor Extends Tower Safety Deal, White House AI Session, Digital Inclusion Initiative
The 5-year deal hopes to limit accidents on tower builds.
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Ed Lopez: Internet for All Won’t Happen Without Real Pole Access Reform from the FCC
As states rush to outline their BEAD spending plans, time is of the essence.
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Last Mile BEAD Builds Need More Exchange Points to be Effective: Experts
The high cost of data transport and high latency could hinder fiber builds in rural areas.
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Nvidia Navigates Export Rules, FCC on High-Cost, Kansas Awards Fiber Grants
Department of Commerce continues to combat the export of U.S. semiconductors to adversarial nations
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Massachusetts BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes One and Two
The state expects “few or no” underserved households will remain by the time subgrantee selection begins.
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Robocalls, Rip and Replace, Pole Attachments: More Notes From the FCC Oversight Hearing
Commissioners and House lawmakers discussed key topics at a contentious hearing.
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Experts Still Disagree on FCC’s New Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC rules have drawn strong pushback from industry groups and praise from Democratic leadership.
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Verizon Suing Milwaukee to Allow New Telecom Poles Ahead of Republican National Convention
Existing infrastructure is insufficient to handle extra traffic from the 2024 Republican National Convention: Verizon.
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FCC to Consider ‘Rapid Response Team’ for Pole Attachment Disputes at December Meeting
Proposed rules would also put more limits on when utilities can pass full replacement costs to telecom companies.
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Alabama’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes One and Two
The state is asking for a waiver to open up RDOF areas to BEAD applications.
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Arkansas’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume Two
The state is planning to expand its fiber technician training program after funding infrastructure projects.
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New Hampshire’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes One and Two
The state expects to get broadband to all its unserved and underserved locations.
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All States and Territories Have Released BEAD Proposals for Public Comment
The proposals detail plans for the $42.5 billion broadband expansion program.
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Florida Releases Volume One of BEAD Plans
The state will mark all DSL customers as ‘underserved’ in its Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment plan.
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Alaska Releases BEAD Proposal, Volume Two
The state is looking to set locations outside its mapped community boundaries as extremely high-cost.
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FCC to Vote on Pole Attachments at December Meeting
Telecom and utility companies have been clashing on replacement costs.
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Utah Releases BEAD Proposal, Volume Two
Varied geography might result in multiple high-cost thresholds, the state said.
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Iowa BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes One and Two
The state is opting into speed tests, area and MDU challenges, and new financing guidelines.
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New Mexico Releases BEAD Proposal Volume Two
The state plans to get fiber to up to 90 percent of its unserved locations.
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NTIA Confirms Licensed-by-Rule May Apply for BEAD Funding
The move is a win for wireless providers, who have been pushing the NTIA on the issue.
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Connect20 Summit: Partnerships are Key for Digital Equity Efforts
State broadband offices should look to local organizations for digital equity efforts, panelists said.
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Connect20 Summit: Building Trust with Communities is Key to Adoption
Digital navigators spoke about their work at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
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FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program, YouTube AI Regulations, Infrastructure Act Anniversary
The FCC has proposed a pilot program to help schools and libraries protect against cyberattacks.
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FCC Approves Strong Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC also approved support for domestic abuse victims, inquiry on AI and robocalls and preventing cell phone scams.
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House Subcommittee Witnesses Disagree on AI for Broadband Maps
The Communications and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing Tuesday on using AI to enhance communication networks.
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Federal Officials Agree: Infrastructure Alone Will Not Close the Digital Divide
Officials from broadband funding programs emphasized the important of non-deployment projects at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
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North Carolina Launches Digital Equity Grant Program
The program sets aside $14 million in ARPA funds for digital literacy and affordability efforts.
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Hawaii and Oregon Release Draft BEAD Proposals
Comments are due to Oregon’s broadband office on December 10, and to the University of Hawaii by December 9.
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After BEAD Letter of Credit Changes, Work Still Remains, Advocates Say
Group who pushed for LOC changes are looking to ensure state contracts work well with performance bonds.
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‘It Was Graft’: How the FCC’s CAF II Program Became a Money Sink
Of $10 billion spent through 2021, 93 percent of households received only 10 * 1 Mbps service.
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South Carolina and Georgia Release Volume Two of BEAD Initial Proposals
Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.
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Need for Federal Privacy Law, North Carolina BEAD Proposal, Lumen Partners with DOD
Frank Pallone wants national privacy legislation in light of military data broker reports.
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FCC is Looking to Update its Definition of Broadband
The commission would increase its standard to 100 * 20 Mbps.
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Cybersecurity Requirements in BEAD Could Shape Internet Security Regulation More Widely
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program requires ISPs and states to submit comprehensive cybersecurity plans.
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NTIA OKs Virginia’s Broadband Plan, Commonwealth Launches BEAD Challenge Process
It is the second state to start ground-truthing broadband data as part of the $42.5 billion program under IIJA.
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NTIA Will Allow Alternatives to Letter of Credit for BEAD Funding in New Guidance
The new guidance allows performance bonds and takes other measures to include smaller providers.
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Domestic Abuse Order, Alternatives to BEAD Letter of Credit Requirement, Power Grid Funding
FCC to vote on order aimed at helping domestic abuse survivors maintain phone line.
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Cable Companies Looking to Stay Competitive Amid Public Grant Programs
Cable companies can leverage low upgrade costs and network operating experience to win grants, executives said.
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Charter CEO Says Company is Optimistic About Rural Expansion
A rural build required as part of the company’s Time Warner Cable purchase was surprisingly profitable, Chris Winfrey said.
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WISPA Policy Heads Optimistic on More Spectrum
But they worry a change in FCC data collection could jeopardize BEAD funds for wireless providers.
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Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 – Cybersecurity and BEAD
Network operators must submit a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to qualify for BEAD funding
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Broadband Providers Should Prepare Now for BEAD Applications
The WISPAPALOOZA panel outlined key BEAD rules for small providers and WISPs to be familiar with.
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WISPA Urges Members to Engage State Broadband Offices Ahead of BEAD
Advocacy on high-cost thresholds could help fixed wireless providers get BEAD funds.
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WISPA Looking to Change Reliable Broadband Definition Under BEAD
The group’s policy heads said they are advocating to include unlicensed wireless.
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Louisiana the First State to Launch BEAD Challenge Process
ConnectLA is the first state agency under BEAD to kick off an evidence-based procedure ground-truthing local broadband data.
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Industry Groups Continue to Disagree on Pole Attachments Ahead of BEAD
Telecoms and utility companies want each other to pay for pole replacements.
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A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
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Federal Broadband Subsidies Essential for Long-Term BEAD Success: Experts
It’s not just about building networks, but providing affordability through programs like the ACP.
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BEAD Could Spur Private Investment in Network Expansion: Experts
BEAD efforts to stimulate private investment may hinge upon the availability of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
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Middle Mile Infrastructure Will be Key to Support BEAD Builds: Experts
Experts cited a lack of middle mile as the biggest obstacle to reaching many unserved areas.
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State Broadband Officers Outline BEAD Implementation Efforts
Broadband heads from 5 states listed community outreach, mapping, and program deadlines as top priorities for BEAD.
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Michigan Island Asks FCC to Require Fiber for Some Carriers
Missing out on BEAD-funded fiber could ‘materially impair’ the Beaver Island’s ability to compete, a local committee argued.
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BEAD Director Says NTIA is Working on Changes to Letter of Credit
Evan Feinman, speaking at the BEAD Implementation Summit, said the agency will also issue guidance on project auditing.
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State Broadband Heads Address BEAD Implementation Focuses
Broadband leaders touched on letter of credit requirements, subgrant timelines, and speed test data.
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Some States Confused about Changes to NTIA Model Challenge Process
The new guidelines specify that only subscribers of 100 * 20 Mbps service will have speed tests accepted.
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Evan Feinman’s Journey from Regional Tobacco Revitalization to Director of BEAD
Feinman is also architect of the BEAD matching funds program: He will keynote BEAD Implementation Summit on September 21.
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Sen. Ted Cruz Warns of Potential Waste in BEAD Allocations
The conservative critic of the broadband program highlighted inaccurate FCC mapping data in a report.
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STL Opens South Carolina Fiber Cable Plant
The $100 million plant was announced in June 2023 as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America.
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Gigapower Exec Pitches Value of Open Access Networks to Maximize BEAD Money Efficiency
The open access model allows multiple ISPs to use the same infrastructure. That could benefit Gigapower.
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Treasury Approves $167 Million for Oklahoma Broadband Expansion
The state plans to serve 20,000 locations with 100 * 100 Mbps broadband.
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Area Challenges Could be Key for State Mapping Efforts: Experts
The next phase of broadband mapping is going to be very much state-driven, said panelists.
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BEAD Letter of Credit Concern, Viasat joins Space Force, $7 Million FCC Connectivity Funding
Broadband experts express concern about letter of credit requirements for BEAD.
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A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?
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Proposed Buy America Waiver Makes BEAD Projects Feasible, Say Fiber Manufacturers
Experts said the waiver will make it more practical for BEAD projects to comply with Buy America rules.
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Evan Feinman Tapped as Keynote Speaker for BEAD Implementation Summit
Panel discussions will explore precursors to BEAD, private match funding, state broadband planning and more
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FCC and HUD Partner to Promote Internet Subsidies for Housing Assistance Recipients
The effort is aimed at raising awareness about federal internet subsidies among housing assistance recipients.
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Craig Settles: Believe in the Healing Power of Telehealth
Healthcare organizations are seeing telehealth as an opportunity to enhance connectivity with patients and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Do Not Overlook Other Broadband Programs, say Experts
Other programs can fund BEAD matching requirements.
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Virginia and Louisiana Each Release BEAD Implementation Plans, Volume Two
Outlines subgrant processes and application scoring criteria.
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Fiber and Wireless Companies Agree States Should Incentivize Local Permitting Reform
State can offer grant application points and recognition for adhering to permitting guidance.
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Iowa and Missouri Representatives Speak to Legislative Importance of Broadband
Representatives asked industry leaders to communicate their deployment concerns.
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Don’t Neglect Community Development Block Grants for Broadband, Says HUD
The program can function as a gap filler for other federal funding.
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State Broadband Leaders Ask for Provider Cooperation on BEAD
Leaders asked that providers share fiber routes for cost modeling.
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Proposed ‘Buy America’ Waiver Will Give Industry Ability to Build By BEAD Deadline: Experts
Buy America provisions are seeping into state and provider policies.
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Coalitions To Play Large Role in BEAD Projects, Say Fiber Builders
Coalitions can give small players more influence in the telecom space, said panelists at Fiber Connect.
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Broadband Builds Will Continue to Ramp Up, Predict Experts
More broadband investment will result in overbuilding of networks.
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NTIA Releases Waiver of Buy America Rules; Still Requires Fiber Electronics Made in USA
Manufacturer Nokia claimed its fiber-optic electronics equipment will meet Build America, Buy America rules.
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Fiber Industry Can Build Interest in Broadband Workforce By Catering to Student Interests: Experts
The BEAD program allows providers to use funds to deploy workforce development strategies.
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Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – What’s New in Broadband Mapping
Demand for an accurate and reliable map has now reached a pivotal juncture.
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Fiber Helps Co-ops to Save on Electric Grid Usage, Saving Money
Fiber can connect city systems to make them more efficient.
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BEAD Letter of Credit Concerns, $4.3M in ACP Outreach Grants, FCC Waives Rules for Hawaii Wildfires
The letter follows calls to drop the credit rule that it said could shut out smaller ISPs from funding.
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Fiber Broadband Association Announces High Cost Area Planning Tool for BEAD Projects
The model allows states to test various inputs and visualize the implication of different cost thresholds.
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Permitting Council Asks for Broadband Industry Coordination
The permitting council is working to streamline more broadband projects.
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Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 – Permitting Reforms and Pole Attachments
While policymakers work to lift barriers such as permitting reform, others remain sidelined, such as pole access.
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Maine Submitted its BEAD 5-Year Action Plan to the NTIA
Maine is one of the first states to submit its plan to the NTIA, following Delaware.
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Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
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Co-Ops Can Look to Counties for BEAD Match Requirement
Counties can alleviate match requirement through ARPA funds.
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White House Releases ‘Buy America’ Guidance, Does Not Budge on Fiber as ‘Construction Material’
Possible BEAD waivers are expected to be announced by end of summer, an official told Broadband Breakfast.
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Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – Build America, Buy America
A new wave of activity in the domestic manufacturing market for fiber and electronic materials is happening
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Future-Focused Network Design Key to Boost Approval Chance for BEAD Grants: Experts
Infrastructure should be built to accommodate future scalability and not merely current demands.
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BEAD Implementation Summit on September 21 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place in Washington
Tickets for the day-long BEAD Implementation Summit are available for $145 until August 21.
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State BEAD Challenge Process Requires Outreach Coordination
ISPs can’t be expected to understand all program rules and processes, event hears.
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Electric Co-Ops Could Face Legal Challenges for Broadband Builds
Communication technology may go beyond the scope of easements, lawyer warns.
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Texas Working with NTIA to Address Legislation that Limits Municipal Broadband, as States Tout P3s
Public-private partnerships have seen success in several states, officials said.
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States Should Use BEAD Funds to Finance Internet Exchange Points
Internet traffic points will create a ‘better ecosystem for interconnection.’
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Experts Suggest Immediate Action on Permitting in Preparation for BEAD Spending
Experts suggested hiring consultancies and engaging in practice applications for projects.
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Colorado Broadband Officer Lays out BEAD Hurdles
In keynote luncheon fireside chat, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., raised concerns about some BEAD requirements.
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State Leaders Set Sights on Long-term Digital Equity Planning
Digital Equity projects will be an ongoing effort for many states.
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Experts Tout Data-Driven Approach for State Broadband Offices
‘A data-driven approach will encourage states to be more transparent, open and honest.’
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Sascha Meinrath: 12 GigaHertz Band is Key to Bridging the Digital Divide
We may miss a major opportunity to finally connect all areas of the country if we don’t leverage 5G FWA technology.
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Commenters Say BEAD Rules that Restrict Program Revenue and Letter of Credit Should Be Changed
Proposed changes to regulations would lift program revenue restrictions for recipients of BEAD funds.
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Nokia Fiber Electronics Facility Likely to Alleviate ‘Buy America’ Concerns, Industry Says
Nokia will continue to invest in American manufacturing in the coming years, said CEO.
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Nokia Announced Domestic Manufacturing of Electronics Equipment for Fiber
The manufacturing of the company’s fiber-optic broadband electronics products will start in 2024.
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NYC Broadband Expansion, China Limits Kids’ Screentime, US Cellular Hits Milestone
New York City expands its broadband housing development program
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Carl Guardino: 100% Broadband Access in the U.S. — The Time is Now
A strong fiber bias in broadband funding means that underserved communities remain at risk of being left behind.
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Letter of Credit Coalition, FCC Proposes Higher Speed Threshold, Domestic Semiconductor Bill
The NTIA’s BEAD program requires grant recipients to provide a letter of credit.
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Defining Community Anchor Institutions to Be Focal Point for BEAD Deployment: Observers
States can customize the definition to fit specific needs.
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AT&T Expects Fixed-Wireless, Itself To Be Competitive in BEAD Applications
AT&T expects fixed-wireless to be key player in BEAD funding.
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FCC Announces Updates to A-CAM Program
Updates increase speed requirements and facilitate coordination with BEAD and ACP programs.
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AT&T to Halt Removal of Lead-Clad Cables in Lake Tahoe, Denies Contamination Claims in WSJ Report
The Wall Street Journal report alleging the toxicity of the cables is inaccurate, claims AT&T.
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After BEAD Allocation, Gigi Sohn Advocates Municipal Broadband to Close Coverage Gaps
It’s unclear how BEAD funds will interact with state laws restricting municipal broadband projects.
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Vermont’s Unique Communications Union Districts Support BEAD Outlays
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2023 – Communications Union Districts, organizations of two or more towns that join as a municipal entity to build broadband networks, cover over 90 percent of Vermont, said Christine Hallquist, executive director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board at an Ask Me Anything event Friday.
These unique organizations
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Funding Affordable Connectivity Program, 5th Circuit Social Media Stay, OpenAI and FTC, Tribal Ready Hires NTIA Coordinator
Congress should discontinue High-Cost, Lifeline, and ReConnect.
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Connect Humanity, Appalachian Community Capital Partner to Raise Funds for Broadband Access
The groups are raising $25 million for connectivity in underserved areas along Appalachia.
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Report on Free Apartment Wi-Fi, $14M from Connectivity Fund, DZS Appoints Chief Customer Officer
BEAD can help close the broadband affordability gap in apartments, organization says.
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EU Privacy Framework on US Data Flow, FCC Pauses Voice-Only Phase-Out, STL Partners with Windstream
The new framework resolves earlier issues about US intelligence services’ access to EU individuals’ private data.
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Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – Observers Reacting to the BEAD Funding Decisions
U.S. states and territories will receive more than $41 billion. Do these sums adequately address their needs?
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Analysts Reiterate Belief BEAD Will Connect All Locations in U.S.
Bead will connect over 90 percent of all locations, both unserved and underserved, to high-speed internet.
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Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 – How Did NTIA’s Allocation of BEAD Funding Compare?
A number of organizations tracked allocations under the IIJA prior to the announcement of state BEAD allocations
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A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?
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How Did NTIA’s Allocation of BEAD Funding Compare with Prior Predictions?
Cartesian predictions follow closely with BEAD allocation announcements on Monday.
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Industry Associations Urge NTIA Action on Buy America Guidelines for BEAD Projects
A crucial step would be for the NTIA to provide Buy America waivers for BEAD-funded projects, panelists said.
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As the BEAD Money Awards are Announced, Commerce Department Updates State Challenge Process
Challenge processes include timeline, transparency and mapping requirements, with changes impacting community anchors and individuals.
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E-Rate for Wi-Fi on School Buses, $200M for Washington Broadband, Tribal Ready Partners with Nokia
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel on Monday introduced the ‘Learn Without Limits’ initiative to update the E-Rate program
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BEAD Funding Allocation Announcement Gets High Praise to Begin New Broadband Chapter
Texas is the highest awarded state, as 19 states set to receive more than $1 billion from BEAD.
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Made In America Summit, Democrat Senators Ask for Review of AI, Mayors Permitting Bill
Tuesday’s Made-in-America Summit will be headlined by reactions to BEAD allocations.
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White House to Announce State Broadband Deployment Allocations Monday Morning
State broadband officers are prepared to leverage BEAD money to connect all Americans to the internet.
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President Biden Plans to Announce BEAD Program Allocations at White House on Monday
Prior announcement date of BEAD allocation funds now set for White House ceremony on Monday, June 26.
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Many Data Points Required for Broadband Planning, Event Hears
An assortment of data will be useful in all phases of the broadband planning process.
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Amina Fazlullah: How Successful Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP has connected millions of families and communities to high-speed internet, and it needs to be extended.
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Impressive Match for Middle Mile Projects Not a Likely Harbinger for BEAD Awards
BEAD program awards are expected to have a smaller matching funds total than the middle mile awards.
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Lack of Affordable Connectivity Fund Money Could Hobble Broadband Deployment: Experts
Providers are using revenues from the ACP to bankroll broadband buildouts.
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ACAM Speed Proposal, AI Commission Bill, 123Net Nets $65M for Michigan Builds
The FCC is close to authorizing a higher speed requirement for funding to certain high-cost areas.
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What Happens to the Estimated $2.8 Billion in RDOF Defaults?
The remaining RDOF budget of approximately $14 billion may never be awarded.
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Utah Releases Its State Broadband Plan for BEAD Funds, With Middle Mile Prioritization
The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.
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State Officials Highlight Discrepancies Between Updated FCC Map and Ground Truth
There are ‘locations where we know it is not possible to receive that level of service,’ said Maine’s broadband authority.
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Uncertainty Regarding Affordable Connectivity Fund is Affecting Private Investment
Lack of assurance regarding the ACP funding discourages local governments and providers from investing into the program.
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Next Generation PONs Important for Future Capacity Needs on Fiber Networks: Nokia Official
25G PONs are ideal to connect customers to 10G or higher speeds, a Nokia rep said.
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Rhode Island Seeks Community Input in Broadband Planning Ahead of Federal Funding
The state is focused on community partnerships as it waits for federal broadband funds later this month.
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National League of Cities Announces Bootcamps to Support Applicants to Federal Infrastructure Programs
The program instructs applicants on best practices to write winning grant applications.
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Tom Reid: Accountability in Broadband Maps Necessary for BEAD to Achieve Mission
The sheer magnitude of the overstatements in the FCC’s map makes the challenge process untenable.
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Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.
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Tribes Must Be Ready to Challenge State Broadband Maps: Tribal Ready
Tribes needs to be prepared to approach states on what coverage data is not included in state maps.
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FCC Commissioner Carr Criticizes BEAD Fiber Priority Ahead of Funding Allocation
The NTIA has acknowledged a clear preference for fiber in its bipartisan infrastructure deployment effort.
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Johnny Kampis: Broadband Industry Hopeful to Get Waivers from Biden Administration Protectionist Policies
The Buy America mandate could seriously hamper the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
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‘Urgent’ Social Media Advisory, Tribal Broadband Awards, Permitting Reform Progress, BroadbandNow Podcast
The Surgeon General called on Congress to take action against the harms social media poses to youth.
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Representatives Focus in on Fiber Prioritization and Spectrum Management at NTIA
House Committee members said they wanted to ensure that the NTIA is appropriately managing funds to support rural areas.
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Industry Optimistic About Calls for a Targeted ‘Buy America’ Waiver Ahead of Broadband Awards
Strict domestic manufacturing requirements may hinder the success of the $42.5 billion BEAD Program.
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Craig Settles: And a Little Child Shall Lead Them — Digitally
How many communities are leveraging their teen populations in the pursuit of broadband and digital equity?
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NTIA Should Remove Letter of Credit Requirement in BEAD Program, Event Hears
Expanding available alternatives to letters of credit will increase the availability of BEAD for small and minority-owned businesses.
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Scott Wallsten: A $10 Billion Broadband Black Hole?
We know little about how California and other states plan to distribute the money under the opaque arrangement.
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Debra Berlyn: Creating a Path to Close the Digital Divide for Older Adults
Programs like the ACP and technologies like fixed wireless can play a key role in connecting older adults.
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Early Registration Offer for Made in America Summit at the Samsung Executive Briefing Center
Register by June 9 to purchase a day-long pass for just $199; Breakfast Club members pay just $49.
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Fiber Technology Will Dominate BEAD Deployment, Agree Panelists at Wireless Conference
The BEAD program will prioritize fiber deployments, agree experts.
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NTIA Workforce Development Requirements May Prove Too Restrictive
Some industry leaders are concerned that NTIA BEAD requirements make workforce hiring harder.
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On Broadband Maps, Data Management Over Time Even More Important Than Accuracy
Broadband leaders have ‘unrealistic expectations’ for mapping accuracy, panel hears.
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NTIA Is Using Federal Program Officers as Safety Net for State Broadband Leaders
The NTIA’s resources for funding applications help state broadband officers manage their their BEAD programs.
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NTIA Axes Fiber Cables, Keeps Transport Equipment in Buy America Waiver for Middle Mile
The middle mile waiver comes ahead of the awarding of grants from the $1B program.
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Bonds Should be Considered for Broadband Project Financing, say Finance Experts
States should consider issuing bonds to fund broadband projects, panel hears.
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Louisiana Works on Map Challenge Process as it Prepares Digital Equity Plan for Next Week
State broadband offices are tasked with outlining their challenge processes amid other concerns.
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Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.
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Brooke Coleman: Importance of Compliance in Broadband Grant Programs
Financial requirements for broadband grant applications include audited financials and letter of credit requirements.
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Senators Question BEAD Rules, Apple Wins Antitrust Case, Florida Fights Targeted Advertising
Senators are concerned about BEAD’s fiber preference and Buy America rules.
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Mike Conlow: There Really Is Enough Money to Reach Most of the Unserved and Underserved
Estimating how far the money will go does not require advanced math.
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Telecom Leaders Ask Congress to Streamline Permitting Ahead of BEAD Project Deployment
Lawmakers considered more than 30 legislative drafts targeting potential regulatory obstacles.
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States Must Be the Truth Arbiters of Broadband Coverage, Say Experts
In a Fiber Broadband Association webinar, consultants, mappers and ISPs said states must verify broadband coverage.
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Broadband Breakfast Announces Made in America Summit on June 22
The event will examine how domestic procurement requirements will impact a historic wave of federal funding for infrastructure.
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Kelly Wert: States Seek to Fund Broadband Upgrades in Affordable Rental Housing
Efforts in multiple states aim to address connectivity challenges for low-income residents.
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Digital Equity Planning Process Should Include Local Communities, Says NTIA Official
Engaging local communities can build trust, which is an important factor in increasing adoption.
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$92 Million For Broadband Through Connect Maryland’s State Funding
The funding is through Connect Maryland, part of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development.
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Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.
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Tribal Nations Face Challenges in Accessing and Maximizing Funding: Connected America Conference
The lengthy grant application process can be a barrier for Tribes with limited resources.
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Treasury Announces New Compliance Obligations for Broadband Grants
The Treasury announced a proposal to revise broadband grant compliance obligations Tuesday.
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Altice Disputing Locations New York Claims is Underserved in FCC Broadband Map
New York filed 31,000 location challenges against the FCC’s mapping data.
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State Broadband Leaders Emphasize Planning, Community Involvement: Connected America Conference
While waiting for grant funding, state broadband leaders should work to engage and educate local communities.
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Fiber Deployment Should Consider Equity and Sustainability: Connected America Conference
Industry leaders agreed that fiber deployment should be prioritized, with other technologies supplementing as needed.
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Amid Flawed Federal Maps and Programs, Local Action is Key: Connected America Conference
Communities should take initiative in building out networks without waiting for federal funding, panelists said.
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Order on Spyware, WISPA Adds VP of Government Affairs, Michael Baker Hosts Webinars
An executive order bans the federal government from using spyware deployed for human rights abuses.
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CHIPS Act Rules Against China, Idaho State Broadband Funds, FCC Combats Hidden Fees
Commerce Department’s new proposal would limit CHIPS Act recipients from investing in other countries
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FCC Added Just Over 1 Million Net New Locations in Broadband Map Fabric Slated For Spring Release: Chairwoman
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the second version of map fabric ‘largely completed.’
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David Strauss: How Will State Broadband Offices Score BEAD Applications?
Fiber, coax and fixed wireless network plans dependent on BEAD funding demand scrutiny.
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BEAD Build Timelines in Jeopardy if ‘Buy America’ Waivers Not Granted, White House Budget Office Told
Broadband Breakfast evaluated 14 submissions to the White House’s proposal on Build America, Buy America rules.
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Raul Katz: Can Investments in Robust Broadband Help States Limit the Downside of Recession?
If managed effectively, the BEAD program could play a key role in allowing our economy to weather the storms ahead.
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‘Buy America’ Waivers Possible, But Very Difficult to Obtain, Says NTIA Chief
The bar ‘is not impossibly high, but it is high,’ Alan Davidson said.
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Stakeholders Urge Higher Speed Standard, NTIA’s Spectrum Strategy, ACP Outreach Funding, Yellowstone Awarded $65 Million
Industry groups urged Congress to codify 100 Mbps.
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Broadband Progress Report, Reps Want More FCC Map Challenge Time, Ting’s Free Gigabit for ACP
ARPA has helped drive billions to broadband in the two years since it’s passing.
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Broadband Breakfast on March 29, 2023 – Cost-Sharing and Other Compliance Requirements for Broadband Deployment
How should state broadband offices approach cost-sharing and other BEAD compliance requirements?
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App and Semiconductor Bills to Be Studied, Think Tank Wants Republicans on FTC, WISPAMERICA Opens
Legislation to be considered include revealing Chinese backers of apps and getting investment for semiconductor manufacturers.
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Third-Party Consultants Can Coordinate Broadband Deployment, Say Panelists
Awardees of NTIA’s BIP recommend hiring third-party technical consultants.
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Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.
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FCC Auction Authority, Calls for Tax-Free Broadband Grants, TikTok Ban Details
A bill that would extend the auction authority of the FCC passed the House.
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Tribal Ready Wants Better Broadband Data to Benefit Indian Country
Tribal leaders and citizens must gather data ‘on a scale large enough to ensure that Tribal nations receive’ funding.
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Community Engagement is Key to BEAD Grant Planning Process, Experts Say
The current surge of broadband funding presents opportunities as well as challenges.
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FCC Investigating Map Reporting, Google Launches 5 Gigabit, FCC Targets Another Robocaller
There are ‘multiple’ investigations involving ‘several’ providers related to map data reporting.
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Not Enough Attention on Locations Not in Need of Broadband in FCC Map, Conference Hears
More focus needs to be one removing unserviceable locations, says an observer.
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WISPA Says BEAD Fiber Prioritization to Increase Cost and Deployment
Prioritizing fiber builds will increase cost and deployment time, says WISPA report.
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New Congress Faces Key Decisions About Broadband Funding, Infrastructure Priorities and Privacy Law
Broadband access and privacy policies present opportunities for bipartisan collaboration, Broadband Breakfast panelists agreed.
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In State of the Union Address, Joe Biden Underlines Importance of ‘Buy America’ Rules for Broadband
President links longstanding provision of federal law, strengthened in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to ‘fiber optic cables’
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What to Know About Build America, Buy America Provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?
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NTIA Officials Urge Use of Agency Resources for Digital Equity Planning
Agency officials outlined helpful material for states looking to develop digital equity plans.
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Broadband Breakfast Interview With Michael Baker’s Teraira Snerling and Samantha Garfinkel
Digital Equity provisions are central to state broadband offices’ plans to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law.
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Historically Underrepresented Communities Urged to Take Advantage of BEAD Planning
BEAD requirements a unique opportunity for underrepresented communities to be involved in broadband builds.
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NTIA Maintains June 30 BEAD Target, T-Mobile Breach, FCC Allocates $40M from ECF
FCC received over 1 million challenges to mapping data and added 1 million locations.
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NTIA Working on State Guidance for Further Map Challenges After BEAD Allocation: Official
An agency official said states have asked for guidance on how to handle local challenges.
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Efficacy and Timeline of FCC’s Challenge Process Questioned by State Officials, Industry Experts
The challenge process is important because mapping is a “zero-sum game,” panelists said.
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Doug Dawson: Will the FCC Maps Get Better?
The amount of funding to each state is based upon the FCC maps — which are clearly flawed.
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What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.
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CES 2023: Congressional Oversight, Digital Equity Priorities for New Mexico Senator
Sen. Lujan once again voiced concern that the FCC’s national broadband map contains major inaccuracies.
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As States Struggle to Challenge FCC Map, Local Communities Can Help Maximize BEAD Funding
Panelists compared the FCC’s process to flying a plane while it’s being built.
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CES 2023: Tech Retail Revenues Will Drop in 2023, Says Consumer Technology Association
Inflation and ‘looming recession’ blamed for drop to $485 billion in 2023, down $12 billion from 2022 and $27 billion from 2021.
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Broadband Breakfast on February 8, 2023 – The Build America, Buy America Law’s Impact on Infrastructure
Experts have warned that the BABA mandate raises the cost of broadband deployment.
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Circulating Open Letter Urges BEAD Delays Due to Inaccurate Maps and Lack of Challenge Resources
The letter says the current version of the FCC’s map is highly inaccurate.
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Map Challenge Concerns, Satellite Players Ask for Spectrum, Multi-Gig in Huber Heights
The CRS report references a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event held in October.
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Municipal Networks and Incumbent Providers Will Compete for Grant Funding in 2023
The cost of remote fiber deployment can be a deterrent, necessitating creative community solutions.
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FCC Finally Releases Federal Broadband Map, But State Officials Have Doubts
Some fear that state offices will lack the necessary resources to fully participate in the fabric challenge process.
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Richard Brandon: We’re Ready for Broadband Funding to be Invested in Modern Infrastructure
Government funding should be invested in new, modern infrastructure that provides reliable broadband at a lower cost to more people.
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State Broadband Offices Should Emphasize Adoption and Sustainability
Without efforts to drive adoption, federal investment in connectivity will fall short, agreed Brookings panelists.
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Wireless Association Claims NTIA Chief Avoids Senators on Tech Neutrality
Alan Davidson’s response to Daines, dated Tuesday, says the NTIA will combat overbuilding, but does not mention unlicensed spectrum.
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Georgia Congressional Delegation Urges FCC, NTIA to Delay BEAD Dates
Georgia will submit 167K location challenges within days and plans to submit tens of thousands more in early January 2023.
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More Planning Grants, Variance in Updated Broadband Connectivity, Elon Musk Stepping Down as Twitter CEO
New planning grants were awarded to twelve states and two tribal entities.
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Workforce Training Gap Next Great Challenge for Broadband, Conference Hears
There is a widespread concern that there is a lack of skills training provided for broadband deployment and maintenance.
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Senators and Witnesses Criticize Accuracy of FCC’s New Map
According to the Subcommittee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., up to 37,000 locations in New Mexico are unaccounted for.
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Regulatory Barriers Could Hinder Broadband Deployment, Senate Hearing Panelists Say
Panelists sought streamlined permitting processes on federal lands and in local communities, and reasonably priced pole access.
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NTIA Recommends Partnerships and Engagement to Address Workforce Obligations
NTIA recommends states develop relationships with labor organizations.
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Patrick Halley: States Must Be Smart When Defining ‘Extremely High-Cost Locations’
Sleeper issue could derail a state’s ability to spend its broadband infrastructure allocation effectively
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BEAD Funding Aims to Bolster Skilled, Diverse Broadband Workforce
One of the biggest challenges in creating training programs is finding experienced trainers to lead them.
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House Bill to Make Broadband Grants Non-Taxable Introduced
Sen. Mark Warner said last month he is working to pass a companion bill by year’s end.
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Sen. John Thune Launches Broadband Oversight Effort
Thune distributed a letter dated Tuesday seeking stakeholder input.
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The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.
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States Face Roadblocks in Challenge Processes, FCC Tries to Facilitate
The BEAD timeline looms large for many who worry that two months is insufficient time to correct the map.
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Florida, Mississippi, S.D. and Utah Awarded Broadband Planning Grants
‘This award will provide access to those communities who have for too long went without affordable internet connectivity.’
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FCC Maps Have ‘Misleading’ Satellite Claims, Need Clarity on Challenge Process: Advocacy Group
The commission published the initial draft of its map Friday, unleashing a storm of controversy in the industry circles.
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GOP Senators Want NTIA to Revisit View That Unlicensed Spectrum Networks Are Not ‘Reliable’
The coalition sent a letter to NTIA head Alan Davidson urging the agency to reconsider the policies outlined in the BEAD NOFO.
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Broadband is Affordable for Middle Class, NCTA Claims
According to analysis, the middle class spends on average $69 per month on internet service.
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Commercial Mapping Products Positioned to Compliment, Challenge FCC Map
Commercial mapping products are emerging as complementary resources for both industry and government players.
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States and Municipalities Should Move Quickly on Infrastructure Funding, BEAD or Not
Beginning financial planning early and allow time to tweak statutes that may stand in the way of certain funding options.
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Industry and Other Internet-Focused Observers React to Release of National Broadband Map
Critics said that no one knows how thoroughly the map’s inaccuracies can be corrected before BEAD allocations must be made.
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FCC Releases National Broadband Map Amid Controversy
To correct for inevitable errors, the FCC is soliciting challenges to the map’s provider-submitted data.
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Local Leadership and Coordination Key to Proper Federal Fund Allocation, Conference Hears
Local communities understand their own needs, said Arkansas’s Glen Howie.
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Senators Push Bill to Make Broadband Grants Non-Taxable By Year-End
Sen. Mark Warner said he is in discussions to push the bill to law this year.
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Rural Broadband Author Touts Local Ownership of Networks
Christopher Ali wrote a book about the failures of rural broadband policies and leadership last year.
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Anniversary of Infrastructure Act, Gigi Sohn Has a Real Shot at FCC, West Haven Approves Utopia
It is exactly one year since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act became law.
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Perfect Timing to Attend Digital Infrastructure Investment in Washington on Nov. 17
One day before the release of the broadband map, Digital Infrastructure Investment could not come on a more appropriate date.
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After FCC Map Release Date, NTIA Says Infrastructure Money to Be Allocated by June 2023
The NTIA urged eligible entities to submit challenges to the FCC’s broadband map by January 13, 2023.
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Draft National Broadband Map To Be Released November 18, FCC Says
The FCC said individuals will also be able to challenge its broadband fabric once the draft map is released.
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FCC Advisory Committee Approves Strategies to Advance Digital Equity
In 2021, the FCC charged the council in its mission to prevent digital discrimination.
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New Broadband Workers Can Be Enticed By High Wages, Career Advancement: Experts
‘There are just an incredible amount of even management positions that would be well-suited to develop through an apprentice program.’
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Premium Reports
The Breakfast Club produces exclusive, Premium Reports on actionable topics of broadband policy and internet technology.
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Massachusetts Seeks Support Services In Preparation for Federal Infrastructure Funds
Applications are due mid-November, state officials said, and awards will likely be announced by early December.
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Musk Now Owns Twitter, Cox Dodges AT&T Challenge, Workforce Development Alliance
Upon assuming control of Twitter, Elon Musk reportedly fired Twitter’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and others
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States Could Face Legal Jeopardy From Challenging the Fabric: Chief Data Officer of Montana
‘If…you’re leasing that data from a private entity, you can’t just hand it over to another private entity.’
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NTIA Plans to Award $50 Million Contract to CostQuest, but Considers Competitive Procurement
Earlier this month, the NTIA publicized its intention to negotiate a sole source contract with CostQuest Associates.
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AT&T Seeks Fiber Expansion, States Still Have Muni Network Barriers, Ziply Buy Comments
AT&T is seeking a joint venture partner to plow billions into a fiber expansion project.
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Broadband ‘Funding is Sufficient to Achieve the Program’s Availability Goal,’ Says Cable Industry Study
Study says California and Texas will be the biggest BEAD winners, with grants of more than $3 billion each.
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Charter Wants Decision on Pole Replacement, NTIA Workforce Guide, C-Band Transition Payments
Charter said it needs to pay to replace a majority of poles to connect for some projects.
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FCC Urged to Guide Consumers on Map Challenge, Emergency Connectivity Fund Round, OneWeb LEO Service on Planes
‘It is unclear how consumers can actively participate in this facet of the challenge process.’
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COVID Funds Ensuring NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Funding Adequate: Conexon Executive
‘The way you close the digital divide is you build fiber to every single rural home,’ Jonathan Chambers said.
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Speaking at AnchorNets, NTIA’s Alan Davidson Touts Role of Anchor Institutions
‘Community-anchor institutions have been and are the connective tissue that make delivering high-speed internet access possible,’ he said.
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Adoption Programs an Important Component of Broadband Equity, Access and Adoption Grants
To deploy the infrastructure itself, states must focus on user buy-in as well as network deployment.
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Community Engagement Key to Louisiana’s Broadband Strategy
Louisiana enjoys ‘absolute alignment’ between the governor, legislature, and local officials on closing the digital divide.
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Kansas Official Says Capital Projects Fund Better Suited Than BEAD for Some High-Cost Rural Areas
The CPF allows the state to contribute more money toward builds, the state official said.
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Wireless Internet Service Providers Facing Challenges Meeting BEAD Program Requirements: Experts
Hurdles WISPs face include defining reliable service, regulatory burdens, and financial requirements, experts say.
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State Broadband Maps Show Significantly Fewer Served Locations than Does FCC’s Map
There is a ‘massive difference’ between federal Form 477 data and state maps in Georgia and North Carolina
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Public–Private Partnership Model ‘Most Effective Way’ to Address Digital Divide: AT&T Rep
The company’s president of broadband access and adoption initiatives lauded AT&T’s public-private partnerships.
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FCC Broadband Data Task Force Emphasizes Need for Precision in Mapping Challenges
Officials on the panel said there was significant confusion among challengers regarding categories of challenges.
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NTIA Updates Website, New Head of FCC’s Native Affairs Office, Study Criticizes FTC Regulatory Reach
Updates to the Commerce agency’s website includes access to information about other federal broadband programs.
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Reason 5 to Attend Broadband Mapping Masterclass: Understanding Public Challenges
The 5th of 5 reasons to attend the Broadband Mapping Masterclass with Drew Clark on 9/27 at 12 Noon ET
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Kirsten Compitello: The Need for a Digital Equity Focus on Broadband Mapping
Incorporating equitable processes and outcomes from the start is crucial to avoid perpetuating continued inequalities.
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Reason 4 to Attend Broadband Mapping Masterclass: Measuring Actual Speeds
The 4th of 5 reasons to attend the Broadband Mapping Masterclass with Drew Clark on 9/27 at 12 Noon ET
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Reason 3 to Attend Broadband Mapping Masterclass: State Maps vs. Federal Maps
The 3rd of 5 reasons to attend the Broadband Mapping Masterclass with Drew Clark on 9/27 at 12 Noon ET
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Panelists at Broadband Breakfast Event Urge the FCC Mapping Fabric Be Made Public
They objected to being required to help build CostQuest’s database, but are unable to utilize database for their own benefit.
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Federal Court Denies Challenge to FCC Selection of CostQuest as Mapping Contractor
A federal judge ruled that CostQuest made no misrepresentations in its bid for the FCC mapping contract.
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FCC Challenge Process Important for Getting Accurate Maps, Says Technology Policy Institute
Better and more up-to-date information can come from harmonizing existing data sets, updated whenever a given map has new information.
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North Carolina Officials Tout Recent Investments in Rural Fiber
North Carolina hopes to achieve 80 percent subscription to broadband services among its citizens.
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Broadband Breakfast on September 14, 2022 – How Can Cities Take Advantage of Federal Broadband Funding?
There is an increasing worry that cities may be left out of the wealth of resources for broadband infrastructure spending.
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GOP Senators Criticize NTIA For Favoring Fiber and Bureaucratic Minutiae
Issues in contention include choice of technology for broadband deployment, labor rules, and interconnection agreements.
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NTIA Head Raises Affordable Connectivity Outreach Program in Speech
The FCC and the NTIA have been working to get more Americans connected faster via the ACP.
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Broadband Breakfast on August 24, 2022 – Summer of Broadband: Illinois
On August 24, Broadband Breakfast Editor and Publisher Drew Clark will return to the Land of Lincoln.
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Bryan Darr: An Order of Fiber, Please, with Wireless on the Side
Wireless is essential because for truly remote properties, a physical connection may never be practical.
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Anticipating Launch, Yellowstone Fiber to Seek Federal Funds for Rural Broadband
With service beginning in late September, non-profit fiber ISP aims to serve rural Gallatin County
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Appalachian Regional Commission Prepares Communities for Federal Broadband Money
The commission said it is helping communities prepare to apply for some of the $42.5B NTIA BEAD program.
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Utility Pole Owners Should Test Structures Before Delivery of Federal Funds: Consulting Firm
Poles should be assessed for integrity to carry additional equipment, says director at engineering consulting firm.
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FCC Fees Jurisdiction Challenge, Rip and Replace Shortfall, Report on Broadband Investment High
TechFreedom cites Supreme Court’s EPA decision as limit on FCC authority to broaden agency fees.
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All 50 States, Territories and D.C. Join Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
The next big deadline: Planning fund applications for the BEAD program are due August 15, 2022.
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Federal Subsidies Will Help Maine Connect All Residents, Says Broadband Director
The state is optimistic that multiple sources of funding from federal programs will close the digital divide.
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Local Governments Urged to Use Broadband Playbook for Federal Funds
‘The playbook [is] really a starting point to have these conversations with your state broadband offices.’
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Kate Forscey: Biden’s Broadband Plan Begs the Question, If We Build it, Will Consumers Really Come?
One of the biggest problems with getting broadband access to all Americans is not just deployment but adoption.
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Data Export Bill, Chamber of Commerce’s BEAD Issues, Wisconsin Putting $125M for Broadband
A bill would have the Commerce Secretary identify categories of personal data that could harm national security if exported.
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BEAD Program Initiative Should Utilize Analysis of Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment
Analyzing ACP enrollment can help the BEAD program solve the ‘persisting gap between deployment and subscription.’
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States Interested in Infrastructure Money, Dish 5G Available to 20% of Americans, Big Tech Contribution to USF
39 states and territories have submitted letters of intent to participate in the NTIA’s Internet for All initiative.
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NTIA Official Acknowledges Clear Preference for Fiber in Infrastructure Deployment Program
Attendance at the fiber show jumped from 2,041 attendees last June to 2,854 registrants as of Friday.
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NTIA’s Effort to Dispense Broadband Funds to Municipalities Is Not Without Obstacles
The NTIA’s notice of funding opportunity stops short of explicitly endorsing municipal broadband as the preferred model.
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Partnerships Likely to Be Deciding Factor in State Distribution of BEAD Funds, Say Experts
State and federal broadband policy experts agreed that partnerships would be instrumental to spending $42.5 billion in broadband funds.
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Demanding Requirements on NTIA’s BEAD Program May Depress Broadband Participation
What are the downsides of having too many grant requirements?
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Observers Concerned Infrastructure Bill’s Other Objectives Could Distract from Broadband Goals
Billions in funding from the infrastructure bill could go toward states for other objectives like cybersecurity.
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US Ignite on Infrastructure Funds, Crypto at World Economic Forum, Great Plains Fiber Run
US Ignite is pushing member organizations to apply for NTIA funding under the infrastructure bill.
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Community Crowdsourcing Efforts Essential to Accessing Federal Broadband Funding
In the absence of reliable federal broadband mapping data, communities are taking matters into their own hands.
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Broadband Breakfast on June 29, 2022 — Broadband Mapping and Data
Broadband Breakfast returns to one of the subjects that it knows best: Broadband mapping and data.
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Broadband Notice of Funding Availability Seeks to Balance Requirements with Flexibility
Alan Davidson says NOFO requires that grant recipients offer both low-cost service options and middle-class affordability plans.
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Sean Gonsalves: NTIA Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson Dishes on BEAD at Mountain Connect 2022
The NTIA will press states to not lock out publicly-owned broadband project. If they do, they must disclose why.
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NTIA Doing All it Can to ‘Pressure’ States to Allow Municipal Broadband for Infrastructure Builds
Agency head Alan Davidson says communities “play a huge role” in build deployment.
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State Broadband Offices Need to Increase Their Capacity, Improve Data, and Communicate Well
NTIA’s Evan Feinman spoke about what states need to keep in mind as they prepare for BEAD funds.
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Members of Congress, Industry and Non-Profit Stakeholders React to NTIA Funding Rules
Though most groups issued their support, others voiced reservations.
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Roundup of News Surrounding NTIA’s Notice of Funding for Broadband Infrastructure
Fund disbursement procedures for three new federal broadband programs are now publicly available.
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NTIA Says Primary Awards For Middle Mile Grants to Fall Between $5 Million and $100 Million
The long awaited notice of funding opportunity laid out the system for how each applicant program will be scored.
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Commerce Department’s NTIA Releases Details for Funds Distributed Under IIJA
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) details parameters of Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
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NTIA Head Reiterates Need for States to Step Up for Broadband Infrastructure Funds
Alan Davidson urges the importance of state activity in deploying broadband funds.
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Digital Literacy, Outreach as Important as Physical Infrastructure, Panel Hears
Digital literacy gap and lack of outreach are part of the digital divide.
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Steve Truebner: Middle Mile Investment Essential to True Broadband Expansion
Increased focus on middle mile is necessary for access to effective connectivity.
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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Will Close Digital Divide if States Are Prepared, Says Alan Davidson
Money coming from the IIJA must be flexible and include extensive private contributions, Davidson said at Broadband Breakfast event.
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Apple CEO Against App Legislation, Russian Cyberattack Thwarted, European Telecoms Exit Russia
Apple CEO is not a fan of the legislation that would allow third-parties to bypass Apple store payments.
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Fiber Broadband and Rural Broadband Associations Call on NTIA to Prioritize Fiber in Funding Grants
Gary Bolton and Shirley Bloomfield called on NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson to prioritize applicant investing in “future-proof” fiber.
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Sean Gonsalves: Illinois and Possibly New York Are Poised to Fumble Federal Broadband Funds
Some state laws, as written, may run counter to IIJA language and constrain the use of federal funds.
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Infrastructure Playbook Recommends Focus on Projects that Endure
The playbook was discussed in a webinar Friday afternoon.
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Applicants for Infrastructure Bill Money Should Get to Know State Broadband Offices
Those interested in federal money should engage in outreach, build solid teams, Broadband.Money head Jase Wilson said.
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Stakeholders Argue Over Whether Middle-Mile Should Receive Infrastructure Bill Funding
Debate at an NTIA event over whether or not funding should go to the middle-mile.
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Digital Equity the Focus at NTIA’s Listening Session on Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act
Attendees questioned how digital equity progress can be measured and how underserved populations are educated on technology use.
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Feds Likely to Maintain Oversight of Infrastructure Bill Fund Disbursement
NTIA is likely to continue to oversee the $42.5 billion for broadband from the IIJA.
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Infrastructure Bill Supports Digital Inclusion, Says Advocacy Group
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes billions for states to expand digital inclusion efforts.
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BEAD
The BEAD program is implemented by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.
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