Broadband Live
Impressive Match for Middle Mile Projects Not a Likely Harbinger for BEAD Awards
BEAD program awards are expected to have a smaller matching funds total than the middle mile awards.
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's Impact
Lack of Affordable Connectivity Fund Money Could Hobble Broadband Deployment: Experts
Providers are using revenues from the ACP to bankroll broadband buildouts.
AI
ACAM Speed Proposal, AI Commission Bill, 123Net Nets $65M for Michigan Builds
The FCC is close to authorizing a higher speed requirement for funding to certain high-cost areas.
SpaceX
What Happens to the Estimated $2.8 Billion in RDOF Defaults?
The remaining RDOF budget of approximately $14 billion may never be awarded.
Fiber
Utah Releases Its State Broadband Plan for BEAD Funds, With Middle Mile Prioritization
The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.
FCC
State Officials Highlight Discrepancies Between Updated FCC Map and Ground Truth
There are ‘locations where we know it is not possible to receive that level of service,’ said Maine’s broadband authority.
BBLO
Uncertainty Regarding Affordable Connectivity Fund is Affecting Private Investment
Lack of assurance regarding the ACP funding discourages local governments and providers from investing into the program.
FBA
Next Generation PONs Important for Future Capacity Needs on Fiber Networks: Nokia Official
25G PONs are ideal to connect customers to 10G or higher speeds, a Nokia rep said.
FCC
Rhode Island Seeks Community Input in Broadband Planning Ahead of Federal Funding
The state is focused on community partnerships as it waits for federal broadband funds later this month.
IRA
National League of Cities Announces Bootcamps to Support Applicants to Federal Infrastructure Programs
The program instructs applicants on best practices to write winning grant applications.
Expert Opinion
Tom Reid: Accountability in Broadband Maps Necessary for BEAD to Achieve Mission
The sheer magnitude of the overstatements in the FCC’s map makes the challenge process untenable.
BBLO
Tribes Must Be Ready to Challenge State Broadband Maps: Tribal Ready
Tribes needs to be prepared to approach states on what coverage data is not included in state maps.
FCC
FCC Commissioner Carr Criticizes BEAD Fiber Priority Ahead of Funding Allocation
The NTIA has acknowledged a clear preference for fiber in its bipartisan infrastructure deployment effort.
Expert Opinion
Johnny Kampis: Broadband Industry Hopeful to Get Waivers from Biden Administration Protectionist Policies
The Buy America mandate could seriously hamper the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
FCC
‘Urgent’ Social Media Advisory, Tribal Broadband Awards, Permitting Reform Progress, BroadbandNow Podcast
The Surgeon General called on Congress to take action against the harms social media poses to youth.
Energy and Commerce
Representatives Focus in on Fiber Prioritization and Spectrum Management at NTIA
House Committee members said they wanted to ensure that the NTIA is appropriately managing funds to support rural areas.
