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.
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.
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.
Expert Opinion
To BEAD or Not to BEAD? For Rural Providers, the Time to Decide is Now
Are you prepared to watch a competitor bring fiber optic infrastructure into your service area?
AT&T
AT&T FWA Subscribers Surpass Expectations
The company also reported low mobile churn despite network outages and a data breach.
Nevada
Nevada Receives Approval for BEAD, Volume 2
The state increased its low-cost option from the draft circulated in September.
FCC
Major Providers Take Home More Than Two Thirds of Pennsylvania CPF Grants
The state awarded $204 million for expanding broadband infrastructure.
FCC
FCC Denies ISPs Request to Waive Penalties for Withdrawing from RDOF
In the same notice, the FCC announced it will waive noncompliance penalties for an ISP unable to meet its obligations in the CAF II auction.
Infrastructure
TIA Launches Labor Shortage Initiative Ahead of BEAD Rollout
The new initiative aims to boost broadband workers by at least 200,000
Infrastructure
Three Broadband Bills Face Defeat in Wisconsin Senate
The state senate thwarted bills aiming to enhance local autonomy and mandate ISP accountability for advertised speeds.
FCC
BEAD Roundup: South Carolina and Washington State Open Challenge Portals
Idaho awarded $500,000 in grants to bolster community involvement in the state's BEAD implementation.
5G Wireless
Ookla Claims Obstacles in Submitting Third-Party Speedtest Data for 5G Fund
Only the FCC's own speed test mobile application is currently functioning to submit mapping challenges for the 5G Fund.
SpaceX
Mississippi Addresses Allegations of Inequitable Outreach in BEAD
A local watchdog organization has accused the Mississippi broadband office of failing to comply with BEAD program guidelines.
Texas
FCC Hits Pause On Bank Ratings Firm After Hearing Concerns, Complaints
For one year, FCC won't use Weiss ratings for banks' letters of credit of RDOF, CAF II winners.
Broadband's Impact
NTIA Approves Digital Equity Plans from all 50 States, D.C., Puerto Rico
States are now free to apply for funding to address barriers to broadband adoption.
NTCA
What to Do About RDOF Defaulters? Some Ideas from New Mexico, and Others
Some advocate for directing unused RDOF funds to state broadband offices instead.
