Infrastructure
Appalachian Regional Commission Prepares Communities for Federal Broadband Money
The commission said it is helping communities prepare to apply for some of the $42.5B NTIA BEAD program.
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.
Infrastructure
Utility Pole Owners Should Test Structures Before Delivery of Federal Funds: Consulting Firm
Poles should be assessed for integrity to carry additional equipment, says director at engineering consulting firm.
FCC
FCC Fees Jurisdiction Challenge, Rip and Replace Shortfall, Report on Broadband Investment High
TechFreedom cites Supreme Court’s EPA decision as limit on FCC authority to broaden agency fees.
IIJA
All 50 States, Territories and D.C. Join Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
The next big deadline: Planning fund applications for the BEAD program are due August 15, 2022.
Funding
Federal Subsidies Will Help Maine Connect All Residents, Says Broadband Director
The state is optimistic that multiple sources of funding from federal programs will close the digital divide.
FBA
Local Governments Urged to Use Broadband Playbook for Federal Funds
‘The playbook [is] really a starting point to have these conversations with your state broadband offices.’
Expert Opinion
Kate Forscey: Biden’s Broadband Plan Begs the Question, If We Build it, Will Consumers Really Come?
One of the biggest problems with getting broadband access to all Americans is not just deployment but adoption.
IIJA
Data Export Bill, Chamber of Commerce’s BEAD Issues, Wisconsin Putting $125M for Broadband
A bill would have the Commerce Secretary identify categories of personal data that could harm national security if exported.
Benton
BEAD Program Initiative Should Utilize Analysis of Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment
Analyzing ACP enrollment can help the BEAD program solve the ‘persisting gap between deployment and subscription.’
Biden-Harris Administration
States Interested in Infrastructure Money, Dish 5G Available to 20% of Americans, Big Tech Contribution to USF
39 states and territories have submitted letters of intent to participate in the NTIA’s Internet for All initiative.
FBA
NTIA Official Acknowledges Clear Preference for Fiber in Infrastructure Deployment Program
Attendance at the fiber show jumped from 2,041 attendees last June to 2,854 registrants as of Friday.
Infrastructure
NTIA’s Effort to Dispense Broadband Funds to Municipalities Is Not Without Obstacles
The NTIA’s notice of funding opportunity stops short of explicitly endorsing municipal broadband as the preferred model.
ISP
Partnerships Likely to Be Deciding Factor in State Distribution of BEAD Funds, Say Experts
State and federal broadband policy experts agreed that partnerships would be instrumental to spending $42.5 billion in broadband funds.
IIJA
Demanding Requirements on NTIA’s BEAD Program May Depress Broadband Participation
What are the downsides of having too many grant requirements?
TPI
Observers Concerned Infrastructure Bill’s Other Objectives Could Distract from Broadband Goals
Billions in funding from the infrastructure bill could go toward states for other objectives like cybersecurity.
BEAD
US Ignite on Infrastructure Funds, Crypto at World Economic Forum, Great Plains Fiber Run
US Ignite is pushing member organizations to apply for NTIA funding under the infrastructure bill.
