Biden-Harris Administration
Federal Officials Agree: Infrastructure Alone Will Not Close the Digital Divide
Officials from broadband funding programs emphasized the important of non-deployment projects at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
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.
Digital Equity Act
North Carolina Launches Digital Equity Grant Program
The program sets aside $14 million in ARPA funds for digital literacy and affordability efforts.
Broadband's Impact
Hawaii and Oregon Release Draft BEAD Proposals
Comments are due to Oregon’s broadband office on December 10, and to the University of Hawaii by December 9.
Broadband's Impact
After BEAD Letter of Credit Changes, Work Still Remains, Advocates Say
Group who pushed for LOC changes are looking to ensure state contracts work well with performance bonds.
FCC
‘It Was Graft’: How the FCC’s CAF II Program Became a Money Sink
Of $10 billion spent through 2021, 93 percent of households received only 10 * 1 Mbps service.
Funding
South Carolina and Georgia Release Volume Two of BEAD Initial Proposals
Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.
Defense
Need for Federal Privacy Law, North Carolina BEAD Proposal, Lumen Partners with DOD
Frank Pallone wants national privacy legislation in light of military data broker reports.
BDC
FCC is Looking to Update its Definition of Broadband
The commission would increase its standard to 100 * 20 Mbps.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Requirements in BEAD Could Shape Internet Security Regulation More Widely
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program requires ISPs and states to submit comprehensive cybersecurity plans.
NTIA
NTIA OKs Virginia’s Broadband Plan, Commonwealth Launches BEAD Challenge Process
It is the second state to start ground-truthing broadband data as part of the $42.5 billion program under IIJA.
Funding
NTIA Will Allow Alternatives to Letter of Credit for BEAD Funding in New Guidance
The new guidance allows performance bonds and takes other measures to include smaller providers.
FCC
Domestic Abuse Order, Alternatives to BEAD Letter of Credit Requirement, Power Grid Funding
FCC to vote on order aimed at helping domestic abuse survivors maintain phone line.
Cox Communications
Cable Companies Looking to Stay Competitive Amid Public Grant Programs
Cable companies can leverage low upgrade costs and network operating experience to win grants, executives said.
Rural
Charter CEO Says Company is Optimistic About Rural Expansion
A rural build required as part of the company’s Time Warner Cable purchase was surprisingly profitable, Chris Winfrey said.
FCC
WISPA Policy Heads Optimistic on More Spectrum
But they worry a change in FCC data collection could jeopardize BEAD funds for wireless providers.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 – Cybersecurity and BEAD
Network operators must submit a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to qualify for BEAD funding
