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
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
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.
Expert Opinion
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.
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.
Expert Opinion
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.
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.
FCC
Texas Opens Broadband Program, Montana Fiber Build, Affordable Connectivity Program Must Be Extended
Blackfoot will start fiber construction this spring.
Funding
ACP Reaches 17 Million, Anchor Association’s Policy Roadmap, New Mexico’s $17M in Broadband Funding
Last month, the Affordable Connectivity Program was announced to have 16 million Americans signed up.
CFR
Treasury Announces New Compliance Obligations for Broadband Grants
The Treasury announced a proposal to revise broadband grant compliance obligations Tuesday.
ARPA
Treasury Department and Local Officials Tout American Rescue Plan Funds
Federal funding program prepares communities for economic turmoil.
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.
