An annual series of the year's top 12 stories in broadband.

About $500 million for tech hubs faces uncertain future in Republican-controlled House.

Halfway through its decade-long timeline, the $20 billion rural broadband subsidy program grapples with unresolved issues.

RiverStreet aims to sidestep RDOF penalties after Cox deployment overlaps in Virginia.

Projects are set to serve more than 60,000 homes and businesses.

The agency denied the company more than $1 billion in subsidies.

Braodband Breakfast is tracking each state's BEAD grant application window.

Braodband Breakfast is tracking fixed wireless access subscriptions.

Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscriptions.

Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscribers by technology.

An upstate New York facility is one of three national technology centers that will receive up to $825 million in funding.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Placerville 'strikes gold' with $20 million broadband project.

Competition aimed at boosting semiconductor industry

Funds will come from the NTIA's State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program

The state's planning a second, $12 million round of CPF awards.

Navigating BEAD has left some state officials feeling lost.

The initiative would deliver last-mile connections for low-income households.

RTC is handing back nearly half of the locations won in the RDOF auction.

The FCC found the transfer in the public interest, provided South Central Connect submitted the necessary financial and legal documents.

California approved $237 million in grants; Ohio greenlit $94 million.

Some commenters wanted a lower minimum Weiss rating, but many have pushed for a different standard entirely.

Weiss Ratings has been rating banks for 53 years, according to founder Martin Weiss.

GCI suggested adjusting support to account for a rise in inflation

It received approximately $3.7 billion for fiber builds.

The company will deploy 10 Gbps fiber speeds to almost 220 schools.

The lack of a skilled workforce needed to build, maintain and operate the networks is a major challenge that could lead to delays.

The bill would ensure that states have the money to connect unserved addresses.

The agency received 277 applications for the second round of the initiative.

The report includes spending data from 12 agencies across 70 programs as mandated by Congress.

RiverStreet handed about 3,700 Virginia locations over to EMPOWER Broadband.

The report criticizes certain BEAD program rules.

The report evaluated projects on transparency, labor standards and digital equity.

The agreement was signed in May and creates uniform formats across agencies for broadband grant programs.

The program will make $1.25 billion available to implement state Digital Equity plans.

The program's fourth round of funding will connect 170,000 locations.

A letter to the NTIA suggested steps to decrease low-cost service option burden on ISPs.

ISPs create low cost plans post-ACP.

The money for fiber networks comes from French financial services company.

The company will invest in new silicon wafer manufacturing.

The call joins industry-wide support for greater funding.

The kit includes contractor bond forms for Internet Service Providers.

NTIA encouraged federal, state and local coordination.

While not a violation of FCC rules, a former deputy bureau chief said she was surprised to see such a drop off.

The investment will enable the full production of semiconductors by 2025.

The provider failed to provide evidence that it did not violate ACP rules, said the FCC.

Despite initial federal support, funding programs are not supportive of municipal broadband.

The money will fund infrastructure projects that will connect over 112,300 addresses in the state.

The ISP can now provide high-speed internet access to 6,684 Texans.

ARC aims to serve the 206,000-square-mile Appalachian region, encompassing 26 million people across 13 states.

The money will help communities build technical assistance and training to improve broadband adoption in rural America.

The money will go to ten cities to enhance digital skills trainings.

NTIA official reveals ongoing efforts behind the scenes to expedite BEAD permitting processes.

NTIA approved plans from American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ISPs should use state broadband coverage maps and financial forecasting to create BEAD plans.

NTIA approved BEAD initial proposal volume two for Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico.

Objective is to support high-speed internet packages priced at $30 per month.

Many budget priorities hinge on Congress reinstating the commission's spectrum auction authority.

Are you prepared to watch a competitor bring fiber optic infrastructure into your service area?

The state awarded $204 million for expanding broadband infrastructure.

The funding proposals are for a program with $980 million in funds available.

The state senate thwarted bills aiming to enhance local autonomy and mandate ISP accountability for advertised speeds.

A Pennsylvania bill seeks to emulate the federal Affordable Connectivity Program by providing a $30 per month subsidy for internet costs.

Stakeholders are pushing for the 5G Fund auction to be postponed until after all BEAD subgrantee awards are finalized.

The coop has served more than 5,000 multiple dwelling units in Rural America.

ICANN's $10 million grant program targets global internet accessibility, citing that barriers remain in accessing the web's full economic benefits.

Commerce unveiled plans to allocate an additional $1.25 billion in digital equity grants, alongside the capacity grant program.

The fifth round of funding makes $700 million available for rural broadband.

The Washington Department of Commerce said the grants will help communities secure fund for infrastructure, innovation, research, and jobs.

The RDOF winners point to unexpected surges in broadband construction costs occurring after the auction.

Oregon to accept applications for their $156.8 million allocation of ARPA Capital Projects Fund to deploy broadband initiatives

The bill’s sponsor had hoped the ‘Rip-and-Replace’ reimbursement funding would be included in the FY2024 minibus spending bill passed Friday.

The House of Representatives passed a $1.1 trillion spending package Friday morning which omits funding for key broadband initiatives.

Stakeholders are pushing for adjustments to the 5G Fund as the FCC proposes a $9 billion revival.

Most Democratic senators support Affordable Connectivity Program extension, plus 'Rip and Replace' funding.

The fiscal year 2025 budget has funds for broadband expansion, tech innovation and digital equity.

If providers opt to provide ACP benefits in May they may need to absorb some unexpected costs themselves.

The bill is aimed at making Economic Development Administration grants more accessible for broadband projects.

Altice USA joins the growing list of near 100 companies that have failed to fulfill commitments made under RDOF.

CTC Technology and Energy's Joanne Hovis also said broadband truly is a non-partisan issue.

Two experts discussed the roadblocks standing in the way of an ACP extension

The application window for the Loan Loss Reserve Program will be open from Tuesday, March 12, through Tuesday, April 9.

The grant funds can be used for acquiring equipment, improving broadband infrastructure, developing instructional programming, and more.

Key revisions to this new round of ReConnect include awarding priority points to applications from states with the highest concentrations of unserved locations.

Windstream CEO analogized a fiber network to arteries and capillaries in the human body.

The $150 million will be used to create the state’s Capital Projects Fund grants program.

If fully utilized, the fifth round ReConnect funding will amount to $700 million.

Pallone was instrumental in securing funding to establish the COVID-era broadband subsidy initiative, commonly known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced the launch of the fifth round of the ReConnect Program.

In its petition to the court, LTD asserts that the FCC's denial of RDOF funds is unlawful and should be set aside.

NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson announced the first recipient of the digital equity grant program

Rural Michiganders face life obstacles as a result of lack of broadband access, study finds.

Alabama announces initiative to expand middle mile broadband for rural areas.

The four states are now free to start ground-truthing government broadband data.

The FCC has approved reimbursements for more than 6,300 project sites across the country.

The broadband programs were selected from a list curated by the Oklahoma Broadband Office.

Broadband was part of the reelection campaign's emphasis on infrastructure.

The state is still waiting on a green light from the NTIA, but expects approval 'very soon.'

The state also announced a call for applications for the funds.

Illinois aims to kick off the challenge process on Monday, January 29, and Indiana plans a March 4 start

The $288 million program was a component of the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Consolidated Appropriations Act.

The money will fund the Broadband Stop Gap Solutions Program.

Over $9 billion of the program's $10 billion budget for the CPF has been allocated, director says.

The money will fund a testing facility for open RAN equipment.

The bill would extend funding at least through 2024.

Despite efforts to secure additional funding, the FCC is initiating steps to cease new enrollments and establish an official end-date.

There are concerns about RDOF's possible lack of impact in areas of their states.

The NTIA approved the state's plan on Wednesday, the state said.

The state will begin accepting challenges to government broadband data 'within the next few weeks.'

All but one of the awardees are Colorado-based internet service providers.

The money will allow community centers to loan devices like laptops and routers.

Ohio's move was blocked by the NTIA, but Vermont's and Georgia's survived edits from the agency.

The low-income internet subsidy could run out of funding as early as April 2024.

The agency is adjusting the federal government’s grant rules for the program.

The NTIA confirmed it received all plans for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program by the December 27 deadline.

The 17 projects are slated to get broadband to more than 16,000 homes and businesses.

Approving state BEAD plans that mandate affordable prices violates the law, they said.

The state is processing claims of incorrect broadband data ahead of funding infrastructure with its $451 million allocation.

Louisiana is taking a major step’ forward on internet access, said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

The money will go to upgrading broadband equipment in community centers and apartment buildings.

The state wants to avoid setting out a price or formula for what BEAD-funded providers can charge low-income households.

The company was one of the biggest to default on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction.

The Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center will be able to serve an extra 10,000 residents with telehealth.

The Technology in the Parks Act would also put parks in line for used computers and equipment from federal agencies.

Providers may receive up to $10,000 for each utility pole they replace in unserved areas.

The Affordable Connectivity Program and the Rip-and-Replace program are both central funding needs for the industry.

The move is a win for wireless providers, who have been pushing the NTIA on the issue.

Comments are due to Oregon’s broadband office on December 10, and to the University of Hawaii by December 9.

Of $10 billion spent through 2021, 93 percent of households received only 10 * 1 Mbps service.

Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.

The new guidance allows performance bonds and takes other measures to include smaller providers.

The $3 billion shortfall was first flagged by the FCC in July 2022.

The internet subsidy dubbed the Affordable Connectivity Program is set to dry up as early as April 2024.

Cable companies can leverage low upgrade costs and network operating experience to win grants, executives said.

The WISPAPALOOZA panel outlined key BEAD rules for small providers and WISPs to be familiar with.

ConnectLA is the first state agency under BEAD to kick off an evidence-based procedure ground-truthing local broadband data.

The FCC has now allocated almost all of the Emergency Connectivity Fund.

BEAD efforts to stimulate private investment may hinge upon the availability of the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Broadband heads from 5 states listed community outreach, mapping, and program deadlines as top priorities for BEAD.

Missing out on BEAD-funded fiber could ‘materially impair’ the Beaver Island’s ability to compete, a local committee argued.

Evan Feinman, speaking at the BEAD Implementation Summit, said the agency will also issue guidance on project auditing.

The state became the first in the nation to receive approval from the NTIA on part one of its BEAD proposal.

The conservative critic of the broadband program highlighted inaccurate FCC mapping data in a report.

Space is extremely limited for the in-person event; Zoom in instead with the Broadband Breakfast community.

The state plans to serve 20,000 locations with 100 * 100 Mbps broadband.

The Capital Projects Fund money will go to infrastructure and community centers.

Experts said the waiver will make it more practical for BEAD projects to comply with Buy America rules.

Other programs can fund BEAD matching requirements.

Outlines subgrant processes and application scoring criteria.

The program can function as a gap filler for other federal funding.

Leaders asked that providers share fiber routes for cost modeling.

Buy America provisions are seeping into state and provider policies.

Coalitions can give small players more influence in the telecom space, said panelists at Fiber Connect.

The model allows states to test various inputs and visualize the implication of different cost thresholds.

Maine is one of the first states to submit its plan to the NTIA, following Delaware.

States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.

Counties can alleviate match requirement through ARPA funds.

Infrastructure should be built to accommodate future scalability and not merely current demands.

Companies have announced over $166 billion in semiconductor investments since the CHIPS Act was passed.

ISPs can’t be expected to understand all program rules and processes, event hears.

Internet traffic points will create a ‘better ecosystem for interconnection.’

In keynote luncheon fireside chat, Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., raised concerns about some BEAD requirements.

Concerns include minimum cost per location thresholds and Build America requirements.

‘A data-driven approach will encourage states to be more transparent, open and honest.’

Proposed changes to regulations would lift program revenue restrictions for recipients of BEAD funds.

The group attributes surging costs to unforeseen post-COVID challenges

The benefit would go beyond tribes to other high cost locations.

A strong fiber bias in broadband funding means that underserved communities remain at risk of being left behind.

Legislation to help close the rip and replace funding gap still awaits votes in Congress.

Preference will be given to applications that are cost effective.

States can customize the definition to fit specific needs.

AT&T expects fixed-wireless to be key player in BEAD funding.

Updates increase speed requirements and facilitate coordination with BEAD and ACP programs.

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2023 – Communications Union Districts, organizations of two or more towns that join as a municipal entity to build broadband networks, cover over 90 percent of Vermont, said Christine Hallquist, executive director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board at an Ask Me Anything event Friday. These unique organizations

The groups are raising $25 million for connectivity in underserved areas along Appalachia.

Virginia is waiting for data on the number of unserved and underserved locations in the state.

Bead will connect over 90 percent of all locations, both unserved and underserved, to high-speed internet.

Cartesian predictions follow closely with BEAD allocation announcements on Monday.

Challenge processes include timeline, transparency and mapping requirements, with changes impacting community anchors and individuals.

The Digital Equity and Opportunity Initiative will support state coalitions that work to support digital equity projects.

Prior announcement date of BEAD allocation funds now set for White House ceremony on Monday, June 26.

Now available for material and manufacturing equipment facility projects.

BEAD program awards are expected to have a smaller matching funds total than the middle mile awards.

$930 million in federal funding will leverage a total of nearly $1.8 billion in middle mile broadband infrastructure.

The remaining RDOF budget of approximately $14 billion may never be awarded.

The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.

Lack of assurance regarding the ACP funding discourages local governments and providers from investing into the program.

The state is focused on community partnerships as it waits for federal broadband funds later this month.

The program instructs applicants on best practices to write winning grant applications.

The NTIA has acknowledged a clear preference for fiber in its bipartisan infrastructure deployment effort.

Reverse auctions would stretch funding further.

House Committee members said they wanted to ensure that the NTIA is appropriately managing funds to support rural areas.

We know little about how California and other states plan to distribute the money under the opaque arrangement.

The GAO report identified 25 different broadband-focused funding programs, but some lawmakers argued that all are important.

The BEAD program will prioritize fiber deployments, agree experts.

Rosenworcel said the FCC has the authority to extend removal deadline by six months.

Some industry leaders are concerned that NTIA BEAD requirements make workforce hiring harder.

The NTIA’s resources for funding applications help state broadband officers manage their their BEAD programs.

States should consider issuing bonds to fund broadband projects, panel hears.

Director of RUS called for more flexibility in how it administers federal funds.

Financial requirements for broadband grant applications include audited financials and letter of credit requirements.

‘We aren’t doing the blanket waivers of the past,’ said Kevin Gallagher, a top Commerce Department Official.

In a Fiber Broadband Association webinar, consultants, mappers and ISPs said states must verify broadband coverage.

The company said it has received just $360,000 out of the $16 million requested.

The funding is through Connect Maryland, part of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

Last month, the Affordable Connectivity Program was announced to have 16 million Americans signed up.

The Treasury announced a proposal to revise broadband grant compliance obligations Tuesday.

As providers attempt to expand their fiber footprints, some are turning to open access networks.

While waiting for grant funding, state broadband leaders should work to engage and educate local communities.

Federal funding program prepares communities for economic turmoil.

Fiber, coax and fixed wireless network plans dependent on BEAD funding demand scrutiny.

Department of Treasury is working to provide guidance for providers on how to grow their business.

The bar ‘is not impossibly high, but it is high,’ Alan Davidson said.

The Affordable Connectivity Program running out of money could potentially put smaller providers in a difficult spot.

Awardees of NTIA’s BIP recommend hiring third-party technical consultants.

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema praised the program for ‘delivering real solutions to Arizonans.’

The FCC is proposing to include in E-Rate tribal colleges that separately function as public libraries.

Prioritizing fiber builds will increase cost and deployment time, says WISPA report.

The NTIA’s comments came after President Biden said fiber optics should be made in America.

President links longstanding provision of federal law, strengthened in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to ‘fiber optic cables’

Agency officials outlined helpful material for states looking to develop digital equity plans.

The summit, live in Washington, will address Biden’s recent challenges to Big Tech: Section 230, privacy and competition.

Time is running out to have cities’ voices heard at state broadband roundtables.

Several documents will improve application competitiveness, said Paul Garnett of Vernonburg Group.

Alan Davidson asserted that marginalized communities are harmed disproportionately by privacy violations.

Panelists compared the FCC’s process to flying a plane while it’s being built.

State officials are responsible for the disbursal of federal broadband infrastructure funds, but many offices are understaffed.

Government funding should be invested in new, modern infrastructure that provides reliable broadband at a lower cost to more people.

State allocations of BEAD funding will likely be announced by June 2023.

One of the biggest challenges in creating training programs is finding experienced trainers to lead them.

Thune distributed a letter dated Tuesday seeking stakeholder input.

The states will use their funding through the Capital Projects Fund to connect more than 180,000 homes and businesses.

‘This award will provide access to those communities who have for too long went without affordable internet connectivity.’

CoBank also mentions that Space X and T-Mobile will begin testing a satellite service by the end of 2023.

Panel 4 video. Join the Broadband Breakfast Club to watch the full-length videos from Digital Infrastructure Investment.

Beginning financial planning early and allow time to tweak statutes that may stand in the way of certain funding options.

Local communities understand their own needs, said Arkansas’s Glen Howie.

Sen. Mark Warner said he is in discussions to push the bill to law this year.

It is exactly one year since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act became law.

The NTIA urged eligible entities to submit challenges to the FCC’s broadband map by January 13, 2023.

‘We want to help you help us.’

AT&T is seeking a joint venture partner to plow billions into a fiber expansion project.

Study says California and Texas will be the biggest BEAD winners, with grants of more than $3 billion each.

Big communications companies want Congress to tax telecom, while many others want higher fees on broadband service.

To deploy the infrastructure itself, states must focus on user buy-in as well as network deployment.

Louisiana enjoys ‘absolute alignment’ between the governor, legislature, and local officials on closing the digital divide.

The CPF allows the state to contribute more money toward builds, the state official said.

‘We believe that connectivity can be a new and distinct category in impact investing.’

North Carolina hopes to achieve 80 percent subscription to broadband services among its citizens.

The director of the middle mile program said applicants must show “climate resilience” to get funding.

Sarah Bleau, Middle Mile Program Director at NTIA, reminded attendees that the Middle Mile program is not for last-mile grants.

Special Representative for Broadband Andy Burke announced Louisiana as first state to receive $2.9 million broadband planning grant.

The mapping tool in the ReConnect application process allows applicants to designate proposed routes.

The FCC and the NTIA have been working to get more Americans connected faster via the ACP.

Wireless is essential because for truly remote properties, a physical connection may never be practical.

‘We are continuing to review the letter and are evaluating our next steps,’ LTD said.

Opponents say increasing coverage and speed obligations of the ACAM program may be unnecessary with new federal broadband money.

The announcement is the second round of ReConnect funding in fiscal year 2022.

With service beginning in late September, non-profit fiber ISP aims to serve rural Gallatin County

The money is for two new funding rounds to address the ‘homework gap.’

‘I think obtaining funding from the Universal Service Fund would go a long way.’

The state partners with educational institutions and service providers to maximize public funding.

Kansas, Maine, Maryland and Minnesota are among the awardees.

The next big deadline: Planning fund applications for the BEAD program are due August 15, 2022.

The state is optimistic that multiple sources of funding from federal programs will close the digital divide.

‘The playbook [is] really a starting point to have these conversations with your state broadband offices.’

The Community Reinvestment Act was expanded to include broadband investments in 2016.

Understanding the funding impact will ‘begin with the NTIA’s mandate to work with community partners.’

Analyzing ACP enrollment can help the BEAD program solve the ‘persisting gap between deployment and subscription.’

‘[State] decision makers in this program need to be careful about who is the qualified and experienced provider.’

As federal funding rolls out, states and local communities must consider partnerships with local service providers.

Officials from Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine and New Mexico outline how they are preparing for broadband funding.

Attendance at the fiber show jumped from 2,041 attendees last June to 2,854 registrants as of Friday.

Senators on Thursday said NTIA rules set regulated rates and impose net neutrality requirements.

Industry experts detailed best practices for approaching public-private partnerships at Mountain Connect 2022.

State and federal broadband policy experts agreed that partnerships would be instrumental to spending $42.5 billion in broadband funds.

What are the downsides of having too many grant requirements?

Billions in funding from the infrastructure bill could go toward states for other objectives like cybersecurity.

Alan Davidson says NOFO requires that grant recipients offer both low-cost service options and middle-class affordability plans.

The NTIA will press states to not lock out publicly-owned broadband project. If they do, they must disclose why.

Woods had been the inaugural Director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Agency head Alan Davidson says communities “play a huge role” in build deployment.

Georgia Technology Authority representative says the notices are dense and difficult for applicants to understand.

A star-studded cast will take the stage next week as part of the dozens of events slated to take place.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration announces news on its ‘Internet for All’ web portal for three IIJA programs.

Director of the Capital Projects Fund said the fund should be used with infrastructure bill money to close broadband gaps.

NTIA’s Evan Feinman spoke about what states need to keep in mind as they prepare for BEAD funds.

Though most groups issued their support, others voiced reservations.

NTIA notices of funding opportunity released Friday to kick off grant disbursement.

The long awaited notice of funding opportunity laid out the system for how each applicant program will be scored.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) details parameters of Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Agency leaders sign pact to formalize information-sharing on broadband deployment projects.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the proposal at a meeting of the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training.

Windhausen argued that without these waivers, anchor institutions will be particularly hard hit by “Buy America” requirements.

Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners representative says investors must step in as large carriers are burdened by high costs of 5G rollout.

Broadband leaders note cities prefer to partner than to own networks.

Digital literacy gap and lack of outreach are part of the digital divide.

Montana’s chief data officer believes 2026 is too early for state mapping to be completed and funding requests submitted.

Clyburn’s Rural Broadband Task Force aims to close the digital divide within five years.

Gary Bolton and Shirley Bloomfield called on NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson to prioritize applicant investing in “future-proof” fiber.

Sarah Oh Lam of the Technology Policy Institute says high speed thresholds could shift funds toward better-connected areas.

Some state laws, as written, may run counter to IIJA language and constrain the use of federal funds.

The NTIA held a webinar urging local partnerships for applicants of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.

The money will add to the USDA’s ReConnect program.

The FCC said it will “likely” be the last opportunity for schools and libraries to get funding before money runs out.

Legislators want broadband networks reach as many people as possible, but didn’t specify how NTIA should do this.

Calls in contrast to growing support for a broader mechanism including broadband revenues

Whether infrastructure money should prioritize those with the lowest speeds has been a chief debate since the bill’s passage.

The FCC has now confirmed more than half the $9.2 billion for the program.

The state broadband director said its position on neutrality has led to diverse solutions that caters to community needs.

The playbook was discussed in a webinar Friday afternoon.

Recent policy talks have pushed for more focus on middle-mile with future funding from infrastructure bill money.

Concerns from advocates echo some of FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s concerns for the ACP.

Davidson said that he hopes to avoid inter-agency conflicts such as last month’s dispute with airlines over 5G interference.

Those interested in federal money should engage in outreach, build solid teams, Broadband.Money head Jase Wilson said.

Universal broadband has not been achieved, in part, because previous grant funding has often been misspent.

Shekinah Pepper said Wednesday tribal communities should be on alert for service providers asking for chunks of subsidies upfront.

Debate at an NTIA event over whether or not funding should go to the middle-mile.

Funneling of infrastructure funds through states differs from Obama-era broadband programs.

The Federal Communications Commission has no excuse for why the agency finished with the same bad data it started with.

With infrastructure bill, there is no longer a shortage of funds for states to expand their broadband infrastructure, consultants said.

While NTIA will interpret grant funding under the law, it’s up to states to determine where to allocate money.

Attendees questioned how digital equity progress can be measured and how underserved populations are educated on technology use.

The Treasury Department has resolved all of the concerns that the Institute for Local Self Reliance identified in May.

Bipartisan vote confirms Davidson atop the Commerce Department agency. It has a large pile of money to spend on broadband.

Too many reports could burden federal officials, said the executive director of the Alliance for Digital Innovation.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Shelley Moore Capito listed infrastructure fund disbursement among their foremost focuses for the coming year.

Treasury Department departed from its original proposed rule, granting recipients flexibility on broadband download and upload speeds.

Comments are due on February 4, 2022, focused on the infrastructure grants, middle-mile program, and digital equity planning grants.

The Fiber Broadband Association and the NTCA Rural Broadband Association said it will release the book before May 2022.

NTIA is likely to continue to oversee the $42.5 billion for broadband from the IIJA.

Minnesota’s broadband office is concerned about federal compliance in the wake of new federal funding.

California also has 18 projects that are part of the state’s $6-billion broadband investment under its California Comeback Plan.

Leaders addressed strategies and importance of private spending.

President Biden celebrated $65 billion for broadband deployment.

Former head of NTIA said it could cost $12 billion.

Over 400,000 locations across the U.S. will get broadband in this funding wave.

Funds made available by the infrastructure bill will not need solid maps to make spending efficient, experts agree.

Raimondo said to expect relatively quick turnaround on broadband affordability and job creation, longer timeline on fiber buildouts.

Associations and public interest groups said there are still many Americans using only voice services.

Largest single federal investment ever in broadband will enable communities to invest in fiber as critical infrastructure, says industry group.

After a push by President Biden, House leaders allowed for a vote on the infrastructure legislation, with some GOP support.

The rules will give Capital Projects Fund applicants authority to decide what’s ‘affordable, reliable, and unserved.’

Tribal community leaders are concerned over the effectiveness of outreach methods the FCC uses to fund broadband in tribal libraries.

FCC said it disbursed an additional $269 million in the first round.

The more detail, the better, NTIA officials said of program.

Funds targeted towards internet providers in areas with poor digital access across 19 states.

The agency is reevaluating winning bids after asking providers to ensure census blocks aren’t already served.

The agency said it hopes to better target areas in need of adequate connectivity.

Muninetworks.org has put together a handy overview of broadband programs – current and pending.

Even though the models are not yet mainstream, some experts praise them for their unique advantages.

The Broadband Communities Summit heard stories from coops, including the obstacles and keys to success.

Conference, which hosted the Digital Infrastructure Investment show, digs into pressing connectivity issues.

Broadband expansion can happen fast if grant money includes stipulations to share infrastructure, Jonathan Adelstein says.

Open access to middle mile infrastructure will help deliver services at the last mile, CETF says.

Counties see it as a way to increase competition and lower prices, while telecoms see money and quality problems.

Broadband money programs and a need for connectivity is driving capital into the space.

“Farm Fresh Broadband” explains the world of broadband policy and provides solutions to bridge the digital divide.

The FCC should hit the pause button on a current plan to zero out support for voice-only services.

Partnerships for broadband need to emphasize community engagement to improve connectivity

Senate-passed legislation for broadband investment inspired by Colorado’s experience, says senator.

By creating open infrastructure systems, states can reduce the barriers to entry and foster increased broadband competition.

Panel with broadband and wireless industry lobbyists wrestle with need for symmetrical internet, and press for fiber.

Broadband Breakfast revisits what some state legislatures did to narrow broadband gaps.

It’s worth focusing on other broadband programs run by NTIA, including Tribal Connectivity, and Connecting Minority Communities.

And lawmakers hope to iron out some wrinkles in infrastructure bill.

Experts agreed that outreach and marketing to historically underserved and marginalized communities must be a part of the discussion.

Brendan Carr noted concern about possible overbuilding and lack of accountability in infrastructure bill.

In an interview with Broadband Breakfast, Technology Policy Institute President Scott Wallsten blamed bad mapping for RDOF mess.

Muninetworks’ Sean Gonsalves cracks open and investigates the infrastructure bill.

Defaulters say new FCC mapping data shows areas they bid to connect are already adequately served.

For broadband success, argues esteemed broadband consultant Craig Settles, “tain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it”

The agency is scrutinizing the winning bids for the $9.2-billion fund, and asking companies to consider withdrawing.

Company head says scalable, gigabit future is a priority now to deal with future broadband challenges.

Debate has pitted certain tech over others, but the WIA says all broadband tech must be considered.

Government officials say inflationary pressures may make connecting rural America harder than previously anticipated.

The Communications Workers of America wants provisions in broadband bills barring hiring of subcontractors.

David Brin said infrastructure spending key for economic recovery — and the future of the workplace.

Without further word on what to expect in the bipartisan infrastructure framework, Doug Dawson examines what direction it could take.

Many in Washington aren’t holding their breath for the broadband infrastructure deal to collapse.

Experts call $65 Billion for Broadband a “down payment,” remain skeptical infrastructure bill will accomplish what is necessary.

Joe Biden reveals bipartisan infrastructure package during press conference in front of White House.

More experts weigh in on the fiber debate, but point to other technologies as important for the future of connectivity.

Christopher Mitchell of ILSR talks federal programs and the need for longer-term and more targeted solutions.

Now is the time in Congress for all good (and bad) broadband bills to be introduced.

Three Senators have reintroduced the BRIDGE Act with a proposed $40 billion to expand broadband access across the nation.

John Stankey said the amount would completely cover rural and remote America — if “done right.”

An expert panel convened by US Telecom agreed that public/private telecom partnerships are an effective use of federal broadband funds.

Some fear that there is no real plan to close the digital divide with Biden’s new infrastructure proposal.

The bipartisan Hassan-Capito bill would provide state and local governments with new financing options for broadband projects.

The NTIA will prioritize projects that bring broadband to greatest number of homes.

Panelists speaking on a Thursday Brookings Institution webinar expressed mixed views on the likelihood of Congress passing a federal infrastructure stimulus by the summer of 2021. Tracy Ross, director of federal policy at PolicyLink, said she was confident that Congress would pass such a bill by nex

June 30, 2020 — “Broadband has got to be the order of the day, going forward,” said Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., during a Tuesday webinar hosted by the Northern Virginia Technology Council. The webinar centered on the leadership Clyburn has exhibited in a slew of arenas, particularly, technology poli

June 22, 2020 — House and Senate Republican leaders released principles to guide legislation aiming to close the digital divide in the age of COVID-19 on Thursday. The connectivity initiative was led by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and House Energy & Commerce Ranking Mem

June 19, 2020 — There is currently considerable buzz around the prospect of obtaining bids from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the largest federal initiative to subsidize rural broadband in America to date. However, it is no secret that the rural digital funding will be allotted based off of ma

June 17, 2020 — In a Broadband Breakfast Live Online webcast on Wednesday, panelists explored the impact that current federal funding initiatives will have on broadband access. The webcast previewed a Digital Infrastructure Investment, a Physical/Virtual Event at the Broadband Communities Summit on

June 17, 2020 — The bidding process to secure a portion of the Federal Communications Commission’s $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is already underway. But what if your bid is one of those not chosen to receive a piece of the FCC’s rural broadband pie? A number of broadband funding oppo

May 29, 2020 — A slew of bills addressing broadband concerns during the coronavirus pandemic have been proposed, but partisan disagreement over the details of spending packages has delayed the funding of broadband infrastructure, said panelists of a webinar hosted by the Schools, Health, & Libraries

WASHINGTON, November 17, 2014 – Federal Communications Committee Chairman Tom Wheeler and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., on Monday proposed increasing the $1.5 billion cap to the E-rate portion of the Universal Service Fund. Schools and libraries, who would benefit from such an increase, have been calling

Mobile communication has become a central part internet connectivity.

The internet has the potential to impact, and also to enhance, society's democratization.

Section 230 is sometimes called the 26 words that created the internet.

Whether broadband providers may prioritize delivery of bits by the entities they own is a divisive topic.

Open Access networks separate network operations from internet services. Ownership may also be separate from operations.

Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.

Wireless technologies are critical for mobile communications, and for being able to reach remote locations.

Satellite broadband remains an option those areas beyond the reach of fiber, terrestrial or mobile wireless.

The Universal Service Fund, codified in 1996 with the Telecommunications Act, remains the foundation of universal access.

Cloud computing relies upon robust and high-speed upload and download internet speeds.

Tribal leaders say the federal government has failed to uphold its trust responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of Native American tribes.

The 5G wireless standard promises breakthrough in capacity, speed and dynamic spectrum-sharing capabilities.

Wireless Internet Service Providers play an important role in delivery of fixed wireless broadband.

We need humans to make digital inclusion work.

Technology, particularly broadband access and adoption, plays a vital role in K-12 and secondary education.

The innovations of telehealth and mobile health care has transformed medicine and health care.

Ensuring that emergency communications are enabled with broadband is the next frontier in public safety.

Broadband internet service allows many people to work from almost anywhere.

Digital locks and keys are necessary, but not sufficient, to ensure cybersecurity.

The scourge of robocalls is making America's once-vaunted telephone network less trustworthy.

The BEAD program is implemented by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.

The last three years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of communities building publicly-owned, locally controlled infrastructure.

The entire concept of privacy has been transformed by broadband and the internet.

Accurate broadband mapping and data has been central to America's broadband buildout.

Cities of the future rely on high-speed internet access and advanced fiber and wireless connectivity.

The infrastructure necessary for advanced energy also powers the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.

Self-driving cars are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.

Drones and airborne transportation are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.

Antitrust has been re-invigorated by concern over the power of big technology, media and telecom companies.

Artificial intelligence is poised to transform humans' relationship with technology, and each other.

Social media plays a powerful force in the lives of most adults and teenagers.

Debates about the role of free speech have been transformed by broadband internet services.

Semiconductors are the world’s new oil.

Whether licensed, unlicensed or shared, radio frequency spectrum is the critical resource for wireless communication.