Robocall
USDA Announces Rural Funding, Public Knowledge Testimony, Robotext Numbers Up
The USDA announced $1.2 billion in rural development funding.
FCC
‘It Was Graft’: How the FCC’s CAF II Program Became a Money Sink
Of $10 billion spent through 2021, 93 percent of households received only 10 * 1 Mbps service.
Funding
South Carolina and Georgia Release Volume Two of BEAD Initial Proposals
Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.
NTCA
Coalition Wants Funds for Rip and Replace, Advertising Universal Service, Washington State Broadband
A coalition of telecom associations are urging Congress to appropriate money to fund the Rip and Replace program.
FCC
Industry Pushes Back on FCC Digital Discrimination Rules as ‘Rate Regulation’
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AT&T, Verizon, and industry trade groups met last week with commission staff to voice concerns.
precision agriculture
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.
Ziply Fiber 50 Gig Plan, New Cox Enterprise Leadership, Vero Fiber in Colorado
Ziply Fiber is offering a new 50 Gig plan in several states including Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington.
Fiber
In New York City, Sharing Broadband Infrastructure Takes on a New Dimension
Panelists from Stealth Communications and Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners addressed operational and financial broadband
FCC
FCC is Looking to Update its Definition of Broadband
The commission would increase its standard to 100 * 20 Mbps.
Senators Pitch New Agency for Tech Regulation to Address FTC Shortcomings
Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado and Peter Welch of Vermont urging the creation of a new tech regulatory agency.
FCC
Emergency Connectivity Funding, Comcast in Connecticut, Glo Fiber in Pennsylvania
The Federal Communications Commission announced over $5 million in additional Emergency Connectivity Funding.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Requirements in BEAD Could Shape Internet Security Regulation More Widely
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program requires ISPs and states to submit comprehensive cybersecurity plans.
FCC
NTIA OKs Virginia’s Broadband Plan, Commonwealth Launches BEAD Challenge Process
It is the second state to start ground-truthing broadband data as part of the $42.5 billion program under IIJA.
Funding
NTIA Will Allow Alternatives to Letter of Credit for BEAD Funding in New Guidance
The new guidance allows performance bonds and takes other measures to include smaller providers.
FCC
FCC $18 Billion in Cost Model Funds, FTC Refunds Vonage Customers, Iowa Broadband
FCC approves $18 billion for rural broadband expansion under the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model.
Joe Biden
Rip and Replace, Biden AI Order, Telesat Seeks Permission to Launch
The FCC grants two providers rip and replace extensions.
