Senate Appropriations
Commerce Secretary Defends BEAD Low-Cost Plans Amid Senate Scrutiny
Senators raised concerns about authority to require BEAD ISPs to offer low-cost internet plans.
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.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gets BEAD Volume 2 Approval
This brings the total number of approvals to seven states, plus the District of Columbia
Affordability
House Republicans Again Take Issue with BEAD Affordability Regs
The NTIA head defended its policy of ensuring a low-cost option.
BEAD
States Gear Up for Subgrantee Selection in $42.5 Billion Federal Broadband Expansion
Arkansas and Tennessee now expect to service thousands fewer locations than originally anticipated through the BEAD program.
USF
Senate Commerce Committee Set to Vote on Short-Term ACP Funding
The Spectrum and National Security Act would infuse the program with $7 billion.
BEAD
Minnesota Broadband Organizations Call for Changes to State Broadband Legislation
The organization says that Article 10 will raise costs, increase bureaucracy, and decrease investments in broadband
BEAD
FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Come With a Few Tweaks
A decision to forbear from applying Title II’s rate regulation provisions would preempt New York’s law, argues one scholar.
Commerce
Commerce Department is Aiming to Approve All BEAD Plans by Fall
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said there will be more approvals handed down in the coming weeks.
JD Vance
Senators Propose FAA Reauthorization Amendment to Fund ACP
The last of the low-income internet subsidy's cash is set to run out this month.
Broadband Communities
NTIA to Release Guidelines for Alternative Broadband Technologies Under BEAD
The NTIA aims to influence the use of alternative technologies to fiber optics and streamline permitting processes with new guidelines.
People
Broadband People: New Director for Illiniois Office of Broadband
Devon Braunstein, the current assistant director, will be heading the office.
JD Vance
GOP Leaders Remain Skeptical Amid Push for ACP Funding
Sen. Ben Ray Luján signaled his USF working group is looking to fold ACP into the fund.
FCC
Fetterman Introduces Long-Term Universal Service Funding Bill
As full funding for Affordable Connectivity Program expires, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel issues letter to lawmakers.
Broadband Updates
BEAD Roundup: Seven More Challenge Portals Open
That makes 10 open challenge windows, plus 18 states finished with the first phase of the process.
Broadband Updates
Kansas and West Virginia Receive BEAD Volume 2 Approval
The states will have one year to award subgrants with their allocations.
FCC
Cantwell Ups ACP Money in Updated Draft Spectrum Auction Bill
The proposal would provide $7 billion for the ACP, an increase from the discussion draft.
