Tribal
NTIA Extends Tribal Broadband Grant Deadlines Following Chickasaw Nation Visit
The agency announced a 60-day extension to align with BEAD and other funding.
BEAD
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is a $42.45 billion initiative administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, BEAD aims to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
Rural
Rural Carriers Appeal FCC for Deadline Relief
Rural providers participating in a federal program say ‘unforeseen circumstances’ are making a 2028 deadline unworkable.
BEAD
Colorado Eyes $31.5 Million Middle Mile Build
The state’s interconnected backhaul vision depends on uncertain federal funding and expanded legal authority.
BEAD
Questions Remain After NTIA’s Review of Billions in Broadband Grants, GAO Says
Watchdog says NTIA did not provide updated data or outcomes for awards flagged during Trump administration review.
Congress
House Republicans Question Future of Federal Broadband Programs
GAO tells lawmakers fewer broadband programs may be needed after BEAD
BEAD
Texas Broadband Office Pushes Back Against SpaceX Favoritism Accusations
The department says claims have been driven by misinformation.
Expert Opinion
Samantha Schartman: AI Will Widen the Digital Divide — Cross-Sector Co-Investment Could Provide a Bridge
We need new ways to fund programs, and the Alt Funding Field Guide makes the case that digital inclusion creates economic value
Wireless
AT&T Fixed Wireless Back in New York
The carrier had pulled the service over the state’s Affordable Broadband Act
BEAD
State Broadband Chiefs Await Guidance on $21 Billion of Remaining BEAD Funds
Four state broadband directors, still awaiting federal guidance on billions in remaining BEAD funds, speak at Broadband Breakfast Live Online event.
BEAD
Senate Commerce Clears Bill Requiring BEAD Project Dashboard
NTIA would have to publish states’ semiannual reports
BEAD
California BEAD Plan Approved
The state’s LEO locations decreased by nearly half compared to its draft plan. Fiber and fixed wireless didn’t significantly change.
BEAD
Wisconsin Continues to Report $60 Million Gap in BEAD Funding
State officials say they will have to use state funds to connect the remaining 31,000 locations.
BEAD
BEAD Satellite Locations Could Drop 35-42%, Analysts Say
NTIA is asking states to remove locations based on new broadband mapping data
Expert Opinion
Michelle Yin: America is Fighting About the Wrong End of the Wire
The real broadband fight isn't over data centers but over whether $21 billion in leftover BEAD savings goes toward helping people actually use the networks being built.
BEAD
Broad Coalition Urges NTIA to Make BEAD Network Performance Data Public
Labor and public interest groups concerned over LEO providers' ability to carry out their commitments.
Funding
Broadband Trade Groups Not Fans of Proposed Federal Grant Update
OMB is proposing making it easier for agencies to cancel awards and eliminating milestone-based payments
