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.
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.
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.
Housing
Final ACP Outreach Partners, Pennsylvania’s Broadband Program,10 Gigabit Internet In Northwest
The FCC has been trying to get as many eligible Americans on the ACP as possible through outreach.
Space Bureau
Launch of New FCC Bureau, ACP Signups on Tribal Lands, Breezeline’s Fiber Expansion
The FCC will launch the bureau on Tuesday.
Commerce
Senate Bill on Broadband Map, Pew on MDU Internet, $90M for New Hampshire
The bipartisan bill would apparently require that the FCC fix errors before the NTIA issues broadband funds.
Broadband Live
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.
