Rural
Precision Agriculture Task Force Seeks Better Broadband Mapping, Rural Priority
The task force, mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, pushed both the FCC and USDA on mapping and subsidies.
Push for More ACP Funding, Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force, Great Plains Communications’ Indiana Expansion
Some are projecting that ACP funding will run out early next year.
Farm Connectivity Bill, FCC’s $20M Fine Proposal, UTOPIA Fiber’s New Government Affairs Director
A new bill would create another grant program under the USDA for connecting farm devices.
Broadband Mapping & Data
Expert Argues over Definition of Sufficient Internet Speed in Broadband Programs
The 100 Megabits per second download * 20 Mbps upload does not satisfy needs in rural areas, said panelists.
$700M for Rural Internet, New CEO at Starry, Semiconductor Manufacturing Partnership
ReConnect funding will go toward 142 projects expected to benefit 314,000 Americans.
Broadband Mapping and Data
FCC Releases Broadband Funding Map, ‘Most’ Map Data Issues Resolved, More Midband Spectrum
The new map allows users to track projects subsidized by the federal government.
Community Broadband Bill, USDA Technical Assistance Funding, Brian Vo on Public Knowledge Board
Bill by Rep. Anna Eshoo and Sen. Cory Booker would preempt state laws prohibiting municipal broadband projects using public funds.
Congress
Sen. John Thune Launches Broadband Oversight Effort
Thune distributed a letter dated Tuesday seeking stakeholder input.
Funding
States and Municipalities Should Move Quickly on Infrastructure Funding, BEAD or Not
Beginning financial planning early and allow time to tweak statutes that may stand in the way of certain funding options.
Infrastructure
Rural Broadband Author Touts Local Ownership of Networks
Christopher Ali wrote a book about the failures of rural broadband policies and leadership last year.
FTC Sues Meta, USDA Awards $401M for Broadband, Ookla Acquires CellRebel
‘Meta in recent years has set its sights on building, and ultimately controlling, a VR ‘metaverse.’
Rural
USDA Announces $120 Million in Broadband Infrastructure Loans and Grants
Money comes from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Community Connect programs.
Broadband Data
Health Care, Wireless Can Drive Broadband Adoption, Experts Tell FCC
WASHINGTON, August 20, 2009 – One of the largest challenges in developing a national broadband plan will be to find out who has it, who doesn’t and what it is used for, said Consumer Research Director John Horrigan in his opening remarks at an FCC staff workshop.
States
New Mexico Infrastructure Report Fails to Incorporate Broadband Access
August 29 – As with other states seeking to promote the availability of high-speed internet access in a broadband-centered world, New Mexico is struggling just to keep up.
Press Releases
Comments of BroadbandCensus.com in FCC Rulemaking on Broadband Data
Regulatory Filing WASHINGTON, July 18 – Because the importance of conducting a national Broadband Census that includes consumer-focused information about broadband competition, broadband speeds and broadband prices, BroadbandCensus.com this week urged the Federal Communications Commission to disclos
