Digital Equity Act
North Carolina Launches Digital Equity Grant Program
The program sets aside $14 million in ARPA funds for digital literacy and affordability efforts.
ARPA
American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It included significant funding for broadband infrastructure to expand high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas. States have until December 31, 2026 to distribute these funds.
FCC
FCC $18 Billion in Cost Model Funds, FTC Refunds Vonage Customers, Iowa Broadband
FCC approves $18 billion for rural broadband expansion under the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model.
Rural
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.
FCC
Broadband Providers Should Prepare Now for BEAD Applications
The WISPAPALOOZA panel outlined key BEAD rules for small providers and WISPs to be familiar with.
Biden-Harris Administration
U.S. in Global Telecom Coalition, Free Broadband in Syracuse, More Changes on Twitter (X)
The new U.S.-led group aims to develop broader international consensus on critical areas of telecommunications policy.
FCC
FCC Announces $37 Million to Address the Homework Gap
The FCC has now allocated almost all of the Emergency Connectivity Fund.
BEAD 2026
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.
BEAD 2026
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.
FCC
Treasury Approves $167 Million for Oklahoma Broadband Expansion
The state plans to serve 20,000 locations with 100 * 100 Mbps broadband.
FCC
Treasury Department Announces $158 Million for Puerto Rican Broadband
The Capital Projects Fund money will go to infrastructure and community centers.
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
FCC’s $68M for Schools and Libraries, NTIA’s $3.5M for Tribes, Broadband Breakfast on CBS
The ECF funds will go to 184 schools and 13 libraries serving over 100,000 students.
ARPA
Dish and EchoStar to Combine, Over Half of Rural Telcos Grants in 2022, FEC Considering New Rules for AI in Campaigns
The deal is expected to “amplify” 5G private networks.
FCC
Tribal Spectrum Licensing, Call for More ACP Funding, $32 Million for West Virginia Broadband
FCC seeking comments to facilitate better broadband connectivity in tribal communities.
Expert Opinion
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.
ARPA
Biden Meets AI Experts, Iowa Broadband Funding, Render and VETRO Form Partnership
Meeting comes as lawmakers zero-in on regulation of artificial intelligence.
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.
