Rural
Mississippi Addresses Allegations of Inequitable Outreach in BEAD
A local watchdog organization has accused the Mississippi broadband office of failing to comply with BEAD program guidelines.
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
FCC Hits Pause On Bank Ratings Firm After Hearing Concerns, Complaints
For one year, FCC won't use Weiss ratings for banks' letters of credit of RDOF, CAF II winners.
Broadband's Impact
NTIA Approves Digital Equity Plans from all 50 States, D.C., Puerto Rico
States are now free to apply for funding to address barriers to broadband adoption.
Rural
What to Do About RDOF Defaulters? Some Ideas from New Mexico, and Others
Some advocate for directing unused RDOF funds to state broadband offices instead.
IIJA
New Broadband Transparency Labels Roll Out Nationwide
Government officials express optimism that the introduction of labels will signal a new era of transparency and competition.
BDC
Association Urges FCC to Wait for BEAD Allocation Before 5G Fund Auction
Stakeholders are pushing for the 5G Fund auction to be postponed until after all BEAD subgrantee awards are finalized.
Kenneth Boswell.
Alabama's Approved BEAD Plan Excludes RDOF Waiver
The state had considered asking for a waiver to open up RDOF areas to BEAD funds.
Fixed Wireless
Some Wireless Services Deemed ‘Underserved’ in 4 States, Expanding BEAD Locations
States advocating for some wireless services to be classified as 'underserved' were rewarded with a new modification by NTIA.
Digital Equity Act
NDIA Releases Digital Equity Implementation Manual
The document is intended to help states and territories carry out their IIJA digital equity plans.
FCC
NTIA Adopts Environmental Exemptions for BEAD Projects
It's the latest in the agency's effort to streamline permitting for the program.
Funding
Broadband Pioneer Shares Insights on Expanding to MDUs in Rural Areas
The coop has served more than 5,000 multiple dwelling units in Rural America.
FCC
BEAD Roundup: Michigan and Missouri Begin Accepting Challenges
Vermont, Georgia, and Indiana are set to wrap up their challenge phase and process ISP rebuttals.
IRA
Washington State Initiative: Helping Communities Access Federal Funding
The Washington Department of Commerce said the grants will help communities secure fund for infrastructure, innovation, research, and jobs.
Digital Inclusion
House Democrats Urge NTIA to Prioritize Affordability for BEAD
Their Republican counterparts and conservative groups have opposed the agency's low-cost policies.
Rural
RDOF Winners Seek Amnesty Amidst Rising Costs
The RDOF winners point to unexpected surges in broadband construction costs occurring after the auction.
NEPA
NTIA Releases Permitting and Environmental Data Tool
The agency said it will be announcing additional permitting initiatives ahead of BEAD.
