Expert Opinion
Kerry Haughan: Why State Leaders Need to Keep BEAD Funding Local
In the case of rural communities, monopolies are a particularly bad fit.
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.
FCC
New FCC Broadband Standards Should Consider Latency
The FCC sought public input in November on including latency metrics in reporting requirements.
IIJA
NTIA Finalizes BEAD ‘Buy America’ Waivers
The waiver exempts specific BEAD-funded equipment from the domestic manufacturing requirement outlined in the IIJA.
Community Broadband
Martinsville, Virginia, Will Take Full Advantage Of Decades-Old Fiber Network
The core network consisted of 48 strands and 20 miles of fiber connecting city schools, municipal buildings and key anchor institutions
Nebraska
Pennsylvania, Nevada, Nebraska and Puerto Rico Clear NTIA Volume 1 Approval
Proposed modifications to the NTIA's model challenge process include classifying DSL and licensed fixed wireless to be underserved.
BDC
Burden of Proof in Challenge Process Should Be on ISPs: Local Government
Only a single public institution provided feedback on ways the FCC’s broadband data collection initiative could be improved.
State Digital Equity Planning Grant
Maine Receives First Digital Equity Grant
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson announced the first recipient of the digital equity grant program
BEAD
Gina Raimondo Addresses Broadband Supply Chain Issues Ahead Of BEAD Rollout
Gina Raimondo responds to concerns that Build America requirements negatively impact the broadband supply chain.
Jerry Moran
Georgia House Votes to Exempt BEAD, ARPA Grants from State Taxes
The measure now heads to the Georgia Senate, passing the House by a vote of 162-1.
USTelecom
States and ISPs Strategize to Meet BEAD-Driven Workforce Gaps
The experts expressed doubts about addressing workforce shortages that could potentially stall BEAD build-outs.
NTCA
Broadband Industry Groups Push for Tax-Exempt Grants
Seven trade groups urged lawmakers to pass the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act.
IIJA
President Biden Touts Broadband Expansion Efforts in Wisconsin Visit
Broadband was part of the reelection campaign's emphasis on infrastructure.
Funding
Virginia and NTIA at Odds on BEAD Low-Cost Option
The state wants to avoid setting out a price or formula for what BEAD-funded providers can charge low-income households.
Expert Opinion
Brant Carter: For Faster Fiber Buildout, Combine GIS, Deployment and Operations
Tightening connections between network operators, asset owners, and contractors catches surprises earlier.
Labor Department
Labor Extends Tower Safety Deal, White House AI Session, Digital Inclusion Initiative
The 5-year deal hopes to limit accidents on tower builds.
Infrastructure
Ed Lopez: Internet for All Won’t Happen Without Real Pole Access Reform from the FCC
As states rush to outline their BEAD spending plans, time is of the essence.
