Rural
FCC Proposes $22 Million Fine Against LTD Over RDOF
The company was one of the biggest to default on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Broadband's Impact
Treasury Approves $22.5M Funding for Broadband Healthcare in Washington, D.C.
The Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center will be able to serve an extra 10,000 residents with telehealth.
Labor
House Democrat Introduces Bill to Add Local Parks to E-Rate Program
The Technology in the Parks Act would also put parks in line for used computers and equipment from federal agencies.
Funding
North Carolina Releases Final Guidance on $100 Million Pole Replacement Program
Providers may receive up to $10,000 for each utility pole they replace in unserved areas.
Expert Opinion
Kate Forscey: National Security and Global Success Depend Upon Prioritizing Telecom Funding
The Affordable Connectivity Program and the Rip-and-Replace program are both central funding needs for the industry.
FCC
NTIA Confirms Licensed-by-Rule May Apply for BEAD Funding
The move is a win for wireless providers, who have been pushing the NTIA on the issue.
Broadband's Impact
Hawaii and Oregon Release Draft BEAD Proposals
Comments are due to Oregon’s broadband office on December 10, and to the University of Hawaii by December 9.
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.
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
White Houses Asks Congress to Fill Rip and Replace Funding Gap
The $3 billion shortfall was first flagged by the FCC in July 2022.
Broadband's Impact
Biden Administration Asks Congress for $6 Billion to Continue ACP
The internet subsidy dubbed the Affordable Connectivity Program is set to dry up as early as April 2024.
Cox Communications
Cable Companies Looking to Stay Competitive Amid Public Grant Programs
Cable companies can leverage low upgrade costs and network operating experience to win grants, executives said.
FCC
Broadband Providers Should Prepare Now for BEAD Applications
The WISPAPALOOZA panel outlined key BEAD rules for small providers and WISPs to be familiar with.
IIJA
Louisiana the First State to Launch BEAD Challenge Process
ConnectLA is the first state agency under BEAD to kick off an evidence-based procedure ground-truthing local broadband data.
FCC
FCC Announces $37 Million to Address the Homework Gap
The FCC has now allocated almost all of the Emergency Connectivity Fund.
