Rural
Rural-Focused $42 Billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program Becomes Operational
Early signs of a massive federal broadband expansion effort are beginning to reach local communities.
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.
Mike Romano
USF Reform Draft Expected By End Of May, Lawmaker Says
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson calls current funding model unsustainable as reform talks advance.
ReConnect
RUS Signals Launch of Next ReConnect Funding Round
Elmshaeuser says program remains central as federal broadband funding expands
BEAD
NTIA To Set Guidance For $21B In BEAD Funds Within ‘a Few Months’
Agency says it is on track to deliver universal broadband as billions remain unspent
BEAD
Federal Approval Clears $319M for North Carolina Broadband Projects
State unlocks $319 million to connect more than 93,000 locations.
Expert Opinion
Abe Salander and Zeb Zankel: Real Estate and Commercial Strategies for Monetizing Dark Fiber
Electric utilities have a rare opportunity to monetize their existing fiber infrastructure amid surging demand from AI data centers and federal broadband programs.
BEAD
Little Talk of BEAD at Lutnick’s House Hearing
He did not repeat his goal of non-deployment guidance ‘over the next two months,’ which he told senators Wednesday.
Briefs
Render Networks Announces $14.3 Million Funding Raise From Black Kite Partners
Company hopes to join utility infrastructure buildout through the acquisition.
BEAD
Lutnick Aiming for Non-Deployment Guidance ‘Over the Next Two Months’
NTIA also approved Oklahoma’s final BEAD proposal, leaving only California and Illinois awaiting clearance.
BEAD
Poverty Advocacy Group Raises BEAD Funding Concerns
Advocacy group fears minority communities will miss out on BEAD funds.
BEAD
On Permitting, Delaware's Democratic Governor Gets Praise from Conservative Analyst
Governor is trying to reduce state's permitting backlog.
BEAD
Cyber Nominee Warns U.S. Could ‘Cede Strategic Ground’ on Digital Infrastructure
Cassady called for coalitions of trusted partners to support secure U.S. digital ecosystems.
universal service
Analysts Call for Public Broadband as Thousands Remain Offline in NYC
New York City’s reliance on companies like Spectrum and Verizon has not delivered affordable or universal service, analysts say.
Briefs
Nokia and VarData Selected for Nevada BEAD Rollout
SkyFiber was awarded $180.6 million in BEAD funds last year after a stalled permitting process.
BEAD
New Mexico Broadband Office Likely to Downsize After BEAD
Colorado and Texas officials said their broadband offices would focus on other programs with current staff.
BEAD
States Working on Finalizing BEAD Contracts, Beginning NEPA Reviews
Most states now have approval to sign grant agreements with ISPs under the program.
