Fabric
Efficacy and Timeline of FCC’s Challenge Process Questioned by State Officials, Industry Experts
The challenge process is important because mapping is a “zero-sum game,” panelists said.
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.
Expert Opinion
Doug Dawson: Will the FCC Maps Get Better?
The amount of funding to each state is based upon the FCC maps — which are clearly flawed.
Congress
CES 2023: Congressional Oversight, Digital Equity Priorities for New Mexico Senator
Sen. Lujan once again voiced concern that the FCC’s national broadband map contains major inaccuracies.
FCC
As States Struggle to Challenge FCC Map, Local Communities Can Help Maximize BEAD Funding
Panelists compared the FCC’s process to flying a plane while it’s being built.
CTA
CES 2023: Tech Retail Revenues Will Drop in 2023, Says Consumer Technology Association
Inflation and ‘looming recession’ blamed for drop to $485 billion in 2023, down $12 billion from 2022 and $27 billion from 2021.
Infrastructure
Broadband Breakfast on February 8, 2023 – The Build America, Buy America Law’s Impact on Infrastructure
Experts have warned that the BABA mandate raises the cost of broadband deployment.
FCC
Circulating Open Letter Urges BEAD Delays Due to Inaccurate Maps and Lack of Challenge Resources
The letter says the current version of the FCC’s map is highly inaccurate.
BBLO
Map Challenge Concerns, Satellite Players Ask for Spectrum, Multi-Gig in Huber Heights
The CRS report references a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event held in October.
Broadband Live
Municipal Networks and Incumbent Providers Will Compete for Grant Funding in 2023
The cost of remote fiber deployment can be a deterrent, necessitating creative community solutions.
Fabric
FCC Finally Releases Federal Broadband Map, But State Officials Have Doubts
Some fear that state offices will lack the necessary resources to fully participate in the fabric challenge process.
Infrastructure
Richard Brandon: We’re Ready for Broadband Funding to be Invested in Modern Infrastructure
Government funding should be invested in new, modern infrastructure that provides reliable broadband at a lower cost to more people.
IIJA
State Broadband Offices Should Emphasize Adoption and Sustainability
Without efforts to drive adoption, federal investment in connectivity will fall short, agreed Brookings panelists.
NOFO
Wireless Association Claims NTIA Chief Avoids Senators on Tech Neutrality
Alan Davidson’s response to Daines, dated Tuesday, says the NTIA will combat overbuilding, but does not mention unlicensed spectrum.
Fabric
Georgia Congressional Delegation Urges FCC, NTIA to Delay BEAD Dates
Georgia will submit 167K location challenges within days and plans to submit tens of thousands more in early January 2023.
FCC
More Planning Grants, Variance in Updated Broadband Connectivity, Elon Musk Stepping Down as Twitter CEO
New planning grants were awarded to twelve states and two tribal entities.
Education
Workforce Training Gap Next Great Challenge for Broadband, Conference Hears
There is a widespread concern that there is a lack of skills training provided for broadband deployment and maintenance.
