Digital Equity Act
NTIA Officials Urge Use of Agency Resources for Digital Equity Planning
Agency officials outlined helpful material for states looking to develop digital equity plans.
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.
Digital Equity Act
Agency officials outlined helpful material for states looking to develop digital equity plans.
Digital Equity Act
Digital Equity provisions are central to state broadband offices’ plans to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law.
IIJA
BEAD requirements a unique opportunity for underrepresented communities to be involved in broadband builds.
FCC
FCC received over 1 million challenges to mapping data and added 1 million locations.
FCC
An agency official said states have asked for guidance on how to handle local challenges.
Fabric
The challenge process is important because mapping is a “zero-sum game,” panelists said.
Expert Opinion
The amount of funding to each state is based upon the FCC maps — which are clearly flawed.
Congress
Sen. Lujan once again voiced concern that the FCC’s national broadband map contains major inaccuracies.
FCC
Panelists compared the FCC’s process to flying a plane while it’s being built.
CTA
Inflation and ‘looming recession’ blamed for drop to $485 billion in 2023, down $12 billion from 2022 and $27 billion from 2021.
Infrastructure
Experts have warned that the BABA mandate raises the cost of broadband deployment.
FCC
The letter says the current version of the FCC’s map is highly inaccurate.
BBLO
The CRS report references a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event held in October.
Broadband Live
The cost of remote fiber deployment can be a deterrent, necessitating creative community solutions.
Fabric
Some fear that state offices will lack the necessary resources to fully participate in the fabric challenge process.
Infrastructure
Government funding should be invested in new, modern infrastructure that provides reliable broadband at a lower cost to more people.