ARPA
Treasury Department and Local Officials Tout American Rescue Plan Funds
Federal funding program prepares communities for economic turmoil.
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.
ARPA
Lewis County Public Utility District Pushes Forward with Open Access Fiber Plan
‘Getting broadband out to all rural areas and all residents of Lewis County,’ Washington.
FCC
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.
Infrastructure
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.
ARPA
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.
ARPA
Midterm Control of Congress Remains Uncertain, But States Got Answers to Broadband Votes
Alabama, Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Kansas and Pennsylvania had broadband-related measures on the ballot.
Infrastructure
Alabama, New Mexico Voters Eye Constitutional Amendments for Broadband Funding
Two states will allow midterm voters to chime in on state funds for broadband deployment.
Infrastructure
Congress Working to Enact Permitting Reforms for Broadband
‘Red tape really does have the possibility to kill project,’ argued a House subcommittee chief counsel.
ARPA
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.
ARPA
Tech Against Texas Social Media, Alabama Middle Mile Grant, IP3 Awards Bestowed
Two information technology industry groups are trying to stall implementation of Texas’ social media law.
Expert Opinion
Bryan Darr: Federal Broadband Funding is Available for Local Governments
Ookla can help your community get the funding you need to provide access for all to the digital economy.
ARPA
Treasury Department Expects Majority of Capital Projects Funds Will Be Spent on Fiber
“We have put our thumb on the scale for fiber,” said Joseph Wender, director the Treasury Department’s broadband fund.
ARPA
Montana Mapping Official: Treasury Deadline for ARPA Fund Disbursement Probably Too Soon
Montana’s chief data officer believes 2026 is too early for state mapping to be completed and funding requests submitted.
Infrastructure
Charter Wants $35M for Builds, Louisiana Getting $29.9M for Broadband, Indiana County Approves $1M Grant
Charter is applying for millions in broadband money to build in Tennessee.
Infrastructure
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.
FCC
Clearwave to Buy RG Fiber, Washington Broadband Survey, Michigan Approves $250M for Broadband
Clearwave said the acquisition of RG will allow the combined entity to deliver increased bandwidth to Kansans.
