Digital Equity Act
State Leaders Set Sights on Long-term Digital Equity Planning
Digital Equity projects will be an ongoing effort for many states.
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.
Funding
Experts Tout Data-Driven Approach for State Broadband Offices
‘A data-driven approach will encourage states to be more transparent, open and honest.’
Expert Opinion
Sascha Meinrath: 12 GigaHertz Band is Key to Bridging the Digital Divide
We may miss a major opportunity to finally connect all areas of the country if we don’t leverage 5G FWA technology.
Funding
Commenters Say BEAD Rules that Restrict Program Revenue and Letter of Credit Should Be Changed
Proposed changes to regulations would lift program revenue restrictions for recipients of BEAD funds.
Chips
Nokia Fiber Electronics Facility Likely to Alleviate ‘Buy America’ Concerns, Industry Says
Nokia will continue to invest in American manufacturing in the coming years, said CEO.
IRA
Nokia Announced Domestic Manufacturing of Electronics Equipment for Fiber
The manufacturing of the company’s fiber-optic broadband electronics products will start in 2024.
China
NYC Broadband Expansion, China Limits Kids’ Screentime, US Cellular Hits Milestone
New York City expands its broadband housing development program
Expert Opinion
Carl Guardino: 100% Broadband Access in the U.S. — The Time is Now
A strong fiber bias in broadband funding means that underserved communities remain at risk of being left behind.
Exclusive Reports
Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?
FCC
Letter of Credit Coalition, FCC Proposes Higher Speed Threshold, Domestic Semiconductor Bill
The NTIA’s BEAD program requires grant recipients to provide a letter of credit.
Funding
Defining Community Anchor Institutions to Be Focal Point for BEAD Deployment: Observers
States can customize the definition to fit specific needs.
Funding
AT&T Expects Fixed-Wireless, Itself To Be Competitive in BEAD Applications
AT&T expects fixed-wireless to be key player in BEAD funding.
FCC
FCC Announces Updates to A-CAM Program
Updates increase speed requirements and facilitate coordination with BEAD and ACP programs.
BEAD
AT&T to Halt Removal of Lead-Clad Cables in Lake Tahoe, Denies Contamination Claims in WSJ Report
The Wall Street Journal report alleging the toxicity of the cables is inaccurate, claims AT&T.
Community Broadband
After BEAD Allocation, Gigi Sohn Advocates Municipal Broadband to Close Coverage Gaps
It’s unclear how BEAD funds will interact with state laws restricting municipal broadband projects.
Ask me anything
Vermont’s Unique Communications Union Districts Support BEAD Outlays
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2023 – Communications Union Districts, organizations of two or more towns that join as a municipal entity to build broadband networks, cover over 90 percent of Vermont, said Christine Hallquist, executive director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board at an Ask Me Anything event Friday. These unique organizations
