Briefs
Render Networks Announces $14.3 Million Funding Raise From Black Kite Partners
Company hopes to join utility infrastructure buildout through the acquisition.
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.
BEAD
Lutnick Aiming for Non-Deployment Guidance ‘Over the Next Two Months’
NTIA also approved Oklahoma’s final BEAD proposal, leaving only California and Illinois awaiting clearance.
BEAD
Poverty Advocacy Group Raises BEAD Funding Concerns
Advocacy group fears minority communities will miss out on BEAD funds.
BEAD
On Permitting, Delaware's Democratic Governor Gets Praise from Conservative Analyst
Governor is trying to reduce state's permitting backlog.
BEAD
Cyber Nominee Warns U.S. Could ‘Cede Strategic Ground’ on Digital Infrastructure
Cassady called for coalitions of trusted partners to support secure U.S. digital ecosystems.
USF
Analysts Call for Public Broadband as Thousands Remain Offline in NYC
New York City’s reliance on companies like Spectrum and Verizon has not delivered affordable or universal service, analysts say.
Briefs
Nokia and VarData Selected for Nevada BEAD Rollout
SkyFiber was awarded $180.6 million in BEAD funds last year after a stalled permitting process.
BEAD
New Mexico Broadband Office Likely to Downsize After BEAD
Colorado and Texas officials said their broadband offices would focus on other programs with current staff.
BEAD
States Working on Finalizing BEAD Contracts, Beginning NEPA Reviews
Most states now have approval to sign grant agreements with ISPs under the program.
Labor Department
New Mexico To Close Digital Divide With $382 Million From BEAD
The state broadband office hopes to use BEAD non-deployment dollars to expand infrastructure, 5G, and workforce programs.
permitting
USTelecom Pushed for White House Environmental Review Guidance
The White House released new guidance on streamlining federal environmental reviews.
BEAD
BEAD Program Drives $100M+ Broadband Expansion in Spokane County
Four providers to deploy mix of fiber, wireless and satellite service.
BEAD
Broadband Coalition Pushes for Passage of Permitting Reform Bill
The letter applauded BEAD, but argued that permitting reform stands in the way of successful implementation.
Nebraska
Nebraska Broadband Director Patrick Haggerty to Depart May 1
DOT Director Vicki Kramer will take over the role on an interim basis.
Rural
Ookla: U.S. Digital Divide Narrows in 43 States
Aggressive broadband expansion in late 2025 extended fiber access to 60 percent of U.S. homes.
Pole Attachments
Bill Maguire: The FCC Secures a (Bipartisan!) Win for Rural Broadband
The FCC's unanimous pole attachment ruling is a promising sign of bipartisan pragmatism in broadband policy, the author writes.
