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.
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.
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
Fifth Circuit
Funding Affordable Connectivity Program, 5th Circuit Social Media Stay, OpenAI and FTC, Tribal Ready Hires NTIA Coordinator
Congress should discontinue High-Cost, Lifeline, and ReConnect.
Funding
Connect Humanity, Appalachian Community Capital Partner to Raise Funds for Broadband Access
The groups are raising $25 million for connectivity in underserved areas along Appalachia.
ECF
Report on Free Apartment Wi-Fi, $14M from Connectivity Fund, DZS Appoints Chief Customer Officer
BEAD can help close the broadband affordability gap in apartments, organization says.
ACP
EU Privacy Framework on US Data Flow, FCC Pauses Voice-Only Phase-Out, STL Partners with Windstream
The new framework resolves earlier issues about US intelligence services’ access to EU individuals’ private data.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – Observers Reacting to the BEAD Funding Decisions
U.S. states and territories will receive more than $41 billion. Do these sums adequately address their needs?
BBLO
Analysts Reiterate Belief BEAD Will Connect All Locations in U.S.
Bead will connect over 90 percent of all locations, both unserved and underserved, to high-speed internet.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 – How Did NTIA’s Allocation of BEAD Funding Compare?
A number of organizations tracked allocations under the IIJA prior to the announcement of state BEAD allocations
