Fabric
NTIA Plans to Award $50 Million Contract to CostQuest, but Considers Competitive Procurement
Earlier this month, the NTIA publicized its intention to negotiate a sole source contract with CostQuest Associates.
Broadband DATA Act
A federal law signed in March 2020 that requires the FCC to collect and publish accurate broadband service availability data from providers. It improves broadband mapping by requiring internet providers to submit precise coverage maps and establishes a public challenge process to verify the data.
BBLO
Nation’s Most Accurate Broadband Map Will Come from FCC Challenge Process: NTCA
‘Using the right information at the right time, we’re going to get to a better place.’
FCC
States are Making Their Own Broadband Maps to Challenge the FCC’s Data
With FCC maps promised soon, some states are preparing to possibly challenge them by making their own.
Infrastructure
FCC Should Not Increase Rural Program Obligations in Light of New Federal Funding: Meeting Notes
Opponents say increasing coverage and speed obligations of the ACAM program may be unnecessary with new federal broadband money.
Commerce
Commerce Department’s NTIA Releases Details for Funds Distributed Under IIJA
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) details parameters of Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
FAA
Rosenworcel Proposes Funding Infrastructure and 911 Transition with Spectrum Auction Money
The FCC’s chairwoman spoke on the future of spectrum during a Tuesday CTIA event on 5G’s climate impacts.
BDC
FCC Sets June Date to Begin Collecting ISP Data for Improved Broadband Map
Service providers must submit their data by early autumn to be included in the agency’s upcoming national broadband map.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Bill Moves Forward, FCC’s New Coverage Map, Altice Allegedly Eyeing Mint
Senate votes to finish infrastructure bill debate, FCC releases new 4G map, report says Altice could buy Mint Mobile.
Infrastructure
Accurate Maps Required To Estimate Cost Of Connecting Rural America, Experts Say
Experts say it’s difficult to get an understanding of cost for connecting rural regions without quality maps.
Infrastructure
Closing Digital Divide Starts With Accurate Maps, Says Gigi Sohn
March 15, 2021 – Gigi Sohn, former president of advocacy group Public Knowledge, said authorities at the Federal Communications Commission and the states need to start with good broadband maps to see where connectivity gaps exist. “Start at square one, and that is with good data and good maps,” said
Broadband Mapping and Data
GOP Grills FCC on Improving Broadband Mapping Now, as Agency Spells Out New Rules
March 11, 2021 – Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has changed her stance on the timeline for updating the FCC’s broadband mapping data, and several House and Senate Republicans are wondering why. “On March 10, 2020, you testified before the Senate Appropriation
Benton
Broadband Maps are Flawed, and So is Mobile Apps Data; WISPA Calls for Patience, and FCC Swears in Simington
It’s no secret that the Federal Communications Commission’s current broadband maps are flawed, many observers believe. The existing maps rely on industry-reported data that overstates broadband availability and prevents underserved communities from obtaining broadband funding. Consequently, many rur
E-Rate
At US Telecom Event, Broadband Leaders Call For Changes in Universal Service Funding Mechanism
December 4, 2020 — Broadband industry leaders on Thursday called for the Federal Communications Commission to modernize Universal Service Fund programs, and highlighted other steps critical to making broadband affordable and available to all Americans, speaking during a US Telecom forum. “Affordabil
Energy and Commerce
Policymakers Urge Better Broadband Maps, Seek Funding for ‘Rip and Replace,’ and Tout Open Radio Networks
October 23, 2020 — Policymakers called for more accurate broadband maps, continued progress against robocalls, and the use of an open radio access network for advanced wireless communications at the Competitive Carriers Association’s policy forum on Wednesday. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roge
AT&T
Government Support Necessary to Bridge the Digital Divide, Say AT&T and Others
September 4, 2020 – Government support will be needed to bridge the digital divide, said US Telecom CEO Jonathan Spalter and Amy Hinojosa, CEO of the national Latina organization MANA speaking on Tuesday at an AT&T policy forum. Ed Gillespie, senior executive vice president of AT&T, further request
Expert Opinion
Dana Floberg: Broadband Maps Are Just One Step Toward Closing the Digital Divide
Before you solve a problem, you’ve got to be able to understand it. The Federal Communications Commission recently voted to deepen its understanding of the digital divide by making several improvements to its broadband maps, as required by the Broadband DATA Act. The agency’s goal is to ensure that
