USF
USF Should Extend Digital Equity Efforts Beyond Current Federal Investments
The USF needs to first be reformed for its own sustainability.
ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a $14.2 billion program that provided subsidized broadband connections of $30/month, and $75/month for Tribal households. However, the program ended in June 2024 after Congress stopped its funding.
BBLO
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.
FCC
Former FCC Commissioner Says FCC Not Best Suited to Distribute Affordable Connectivity Program Funds
The FCC’s expertise does not translate to a social distribution mechanism.
BBLO
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.
FCC
Senators Set Up Universal Service Fund Working Group, As Cruz Mounts Criticism of Broadband Program
A new Senate working group is set to consider reforms to the USF.
Ask me anything
South Carolina’s Innovative Broadband Maps Verifies ISPs’ Internet Speeds
South Carolina performs mapping audits to hold ISPs accountable for coverage claims.
Cox Communications
TikTok Fights Montana Ban, FCC Investigates ACP Qualification, Starry Digital Equity Work
A TikTok spokesperson argued that the ban violates the First Amendment.
Expert Opinion
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?
Digital Inclusion
Learn How to Speak About Broadband, Say State Directors and Advocates at Connect (X)
Speaking simply will improve community engagement in digital inclusion efforts.
Funding
Lawmakers and GAO Call for National Strategy to Address ‘Fragmented’ Broadband Programs
The GAO report identified 25 different broadband-focused funding programs, but some lawmakers argued that all are important.
FCC
Starlink Likes FCC Direction on 12 GHz, Verizon & Comcast Urge ACP Funding, FCC Head on ACP Tour
The sharing of the 12 GHz band between satellite and mobile services has been the subject of contention for years.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on June 7, 2023 – Affordable Connectivity Fund (Special Town Hall Edition)
This special “town hall” will address the strong desire from many in the broadband world to see the Affordable Connectivity Fund renewed.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on May 10, 2023 – GUMBO and Louisiana’s Broadband Progress
Louisiana was first awarded a planning grant from IIJA, first to receive ARP funding ARP and is first in per capita broadband adoption.
MDU
Problematic ACP Qualification Standard, Macquarie Invests in Pavlov, Cogent Closes T-Mobile Wireline Deal
Horry alleges service providers are signing up customers to the ACP that don’t actually qualify.
Expert Opinion
Joel Thayer and Diane Holland: We Need the Affordable Connectivity Program!
Keeping American families and veterans connected is too important to allow the ACP to lapse.
FCC
Rosenworcel in Boston, Viasat’s New President, Omni Fiber’s Ohio Investment
The FCC continues its push to get more Americans on the Affordable Connectivity Program.
