Expert Opinion
Joe Supan: The Rise and Inevitable Downfall of 7,000 Starlink Satellites
Elon Musk's internet satellites have been a game changer for Rural America, but scientists are alarmed by plans to launch thousands more.
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.
Donald Trump
Former GOP FCC Members, Policy Experts Endorse Arielle Roth
Michael O’Rielly and Harold Furchtgott-Roth sign letter in support of Roth.
BEAD
Lawmakers Renew Bill to Address Permitting Delays on Federal Lands
The bill comes as state officials push for reforms to environmental and historic preservation permitting rules under BEAD.
BEAD Data
In Washington State’s First BEAD Round, 77% of Locations Receive Bids
Washington State has a $1.2 billion slice of federal broadband funding. The state's application funding window closed Jan. 31.
BEAD Data
Arkansas’ First BEAD Round Covers 9% of Locations With Just 2% of Funds
Arkansas' first BEAD funds go to 18 providers to cover 7,000+ locations
Wireless
Competitive Carriers Challenge 5G Fund Order
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a commissioner at the time, dissented from the order when it was adopted last year.
IIJA
Senators Revive Bill to Prevent BEAD Supply Chain Bottlenecks
The NET Act would address supply chain delays ahead of the government dolling out $42.5 billion for broadband.
BEAD
Former FCC Commissioner Predicts Court Battle Over BEAD’s Fiber Preference
But Kathryn de Wit of Pew said the structure of BEAD was carefully crafted to address systemic flaws in federal broadband policy.
Expert Opinion
Michael Santorelli: Freeing BEAD from Its Bureaucratic Shackles
For the Trump administration, BEAD presents an immediate opportunity to show how cutting bureaucracy can lead to tangible results.
Expert Opinion
Greg Davis: Federal Funding Freeze Puts BEAD Broadband Rollout at Risk
A federal funding freeze risks eroding trust in national broadband initiatives. Here’s how to keep moving forward.
Fiber
Fiber Is a Good Long-Term Bet, Says Former FCC Chairman Pai
Some Republican lawmakers have said they're concerned about high per-location costs.
Charter
West Virginia Utilities Win Concessions in Broadband Pole Dispute
State task force weakens utility reporting requirements, despite calls for more oversight.
Expert Opinion
Ellis Scherer: State Satellite Programs Offer Lessons for U.S. Broadband Deployment
LEO satellite technology is proving to be a cost-effective, high-quality solution for broadband deployment, the author writes.
BEAD Data
Some Red States Don’t Want Too Much Satellite for BEAD
'We’re hoping the administration's change is not just ‘Let’s give it all to satellite, and then the problem’s over,' said Montana's broadband officer.
BEAD Data
Texas Pushes to Eliminate BEAD Low-Cost Broadband Requirement
Texas broadband official urged senators to remove affordability mandates, and labor requirements.
Alabama
New ISP Halo Fiber Leveraging ARPA Grants to Help Bridge Alabama’s Digital Divide
Company hopes to use $188 million in middle mile broadband grants to connect unserved Alabama households.
