Commerce
Paul Dabbar Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Commerce
'It is absolutely ridiculous that the secretary can just decide I like this or don’t like that,' said Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. 'He has no right to rescind our money.'
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.
Expert Opinion
Tom Stroup: Under New BEAD Reforms, Satellite Connectivity Deserves Equal Consideration
Misleading characterization of satellite broadband as inferior threaten to waste taxpayer dollars and delay universal connectivity
BEAD
More Than 40 Lawmakers Urge Lutnick to Reverse New BEAD Guidance
'We fear this opportunity would be squandered by the restructuring notice,' the lawmakers wrote.
Oklahoma Broadband Office
Texas Asks Feds for More Time to Meet BEAD Deadline
The state hopes to push its BEAD deadline back by more than two months to November 21.
Howard Lutnick
States Could Still Use Statute to Favor Fiber for BEAD: Experts
The 2021 infrastructure law defines priority projects as those able to easily scale speeds over time.
Briefs
Jeffrey Lopez Appointed as New Mexico Broadband Director
Former senior policy advisor to Sen. Ben Ray Luján steps into state role at critical time
Commerce
Advocates: Fine Print in New BEAD Notice Favors Satellite Providers
Officials say LEO providers could skirt performance benchmarks others must meet in half the time.
BEAD
Non-Deployment BEAD Funds In Jeopardy, State Officials Say
BEAD’s recent policy notice narrowed qualifications for funding opportunities.
Satellite
Starlink Imposes $750 Surcharge on New Customers in Major Northwestern U.S. Cities
Residents in some parts of at least seven states hit with additional sign-up fees
BEAD
WISPA Urges NTIA to Stop States’ Unfair BEAD Requirements
Trade association accuses some states of 'unreasonable and unnecessary obstacles'
West Virginia
West Va. Gov. Announces $34.6 Million Grants for Fiber Expansion
Morrisey awards broadband funding to ISPs serving 10 counties
AI
Senate Parliamentarian Rules in Favor of AI Moratorium
State ban now faces political test
Maine
Driving Towards Better Broadband, Maine Buckles Up For Difficult Road Ahead
Andrew Butcher's five-day 'Driving Connections' tour will highlight broadband infrastructure investments by Maine.
BEAD
Expert: Some States Could See Decrease in BEAD Locations Because of Unlicensed Wireless
Broadband mapping expert found that in 11 states, more than 25 percent of likely BEAD-eligible locations could be taken off the map.
BEAD
Texas Senator Resigns to Lead Comptroller’s Office, Citing Broadband as Key Priority
Kelly Hancock to replace Glenn Hegar, who clashed with NTIA and floated returning $1B in broadband funds
BEAD
Alabama Updates Companies on BEAD Pre-Qualification Rules
State Broadband teams emphasized 90-day limit for the BEAD process.
