Funding
Coalitions To Play Large Role in BEAD Projects, Say Fiber Builders
Coalitions can give small players more influence in the telecom space, said panelists at Fiber Connect.
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.
Infrastructure
Broadband Builds Will Continue to Ramp Up, Predict Experts
More broadband investment will result in overbuilding of networks.
Infrastructure
NTIA Releases Waiver of Buy America Rules; Still Requires Fiber Electronics Made in USA
Manufacturer Nokia claimed its fiber-optic electronics equipment will meet Build America, Buy America rules.
BEAD
Fiber Industry Can Build Interest in Broadband Workforce By Catering to Student Interests: Experts
The BEAD program allows providers to use funds to deploy workforce development strategies.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – What’s New in Broadband Mapping
Demand for an accurate and reliable map has now reached a pivotal juncture.
Fiber
Fiber Helps Co-ops to Save on Electric Grid Usage, Saving Money
Fiber can connect city systems to make them more efficient.
ACP
BEAD Letter of Credit Concerns, $4.3M in ACP Outreach Grants, FCC Waives Rules for Hawaii Wildfires
The letter follows calls to drop the credit rule that it said could shut out smaller ISPs from funding.
FBA
Fiber Broadband Association Announces High Cost Area Planning Tool for BEAD Projects
The model allows states to test various inputs and visualize the implication of different cost thresholds.
Infrastructure
Permitting Council Asks for Broadband Industry Coordination
The permitting council is working to streamline more broadband projects.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 – Permitting Reforms and Pole Attachments
While policymakers work to lift barriers such as permitting reform, others remain sidelined, such as pole access.
Funding
Maine Submitted its BEAD 5-Year Action Plan to the NTIA
Maine is one of the first states to submit its plan to the NTIA, following Delaware.
Expert Opinion
Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
Funding
Co-Ops Can Look to Counties for BEAD Match Requirement
Counties can alleviate match requirement through ARPA funds.
Infrastructure
White House Releases ‘Buy America’ Guidance, Does Not Budge on Fiber as ‘Construction Material’
Possible BEAD waivers are expected to be announced by end of summer, an official told Broadband Breakfast.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – Build America, Buy America
A new wave of activity in the domestic manufacturing market for fiber and electronic materials is happening
Funding
Future-Focused Network Design Key to Boost Approval Chance for BEAD Grants: Experts
Infrastructure should be built to accommodate future scalability and not merely current demands.
