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.
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.
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.
Infrastructure
Last Mile BEAD Builds Need More Exchange Points to be Effective: Experts
The high cost of data transport and high latency could hinder fiber builds in rural areas.
FCC
Nvidia Navigates Export Rules, FCC on High-Cost, Kansas Awards Fiber Grants
Department of Commerce continues to combat the export of U.S. semiconductors to adversarial nations
BEAD
Massachusetts BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes One and Two
The state expects “few or no” underserved households will remain by the time subgrantee selection begins.
FCC
Robocalls, Rip and Replace, Pole Attachments: More Notes From the FCC Oversight Hearing
Commissioners and House lawmakers discussed key topics at a contentious hearing.
FCC
Experts Still Disagree on FCC’s New Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC rules have drawn strong pushback from industry groups and praise from Democratic leadership.
Infrastructure
Verizon Suing Milwaukee to Allow New Telecom Poles Ahead of Republican National Convention
Existing infrastructure is insufficient to handle extra traffic from the 2024 Republican National Convention: Verizon.
Infrastructure
FCC to Consider ‘Rapid Response Team’ for Pole Attachment Disputes at December Meeting
Proposed rules would also put more limits on when utilities can pass full replacement costs to telecom companies.
FCC
Alabama’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes One and Two
The state is asking for a waiver to open up RDOF areas to BEAD applications.
BEAD
Arkansas’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume Two
The state is planning to expand its fiber technician training program after funding infrastructure projects.
