Funding

Rural

Experts Clash Over Whether Reverse Auctions Are Ideal for BEAD Grants

Reverse auctions would stretch funding further.

Energy and Commerce

Representatives Focus in on Fiber Prioritization and Spectrum Management at NTIA

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

Expert Opinion

Scott Wallsten: A $10 Billion Broadband Black Hole?

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

Funding

Lawmakers and GAO Call for National Strategy to Address ‘Fragmented’ Broadband Programs

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

Funding

Fiber Technology Will Dominate BEAD Deployment, Agree Panelists at Wireless Conference

The BEAD program will prioritize fiber deployments, agree experts.

FCC

FCC Chair Floats Deadline Extension for Rip and Replace Applicants In Light of Funding Shortfall

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

Funding

NTIA Workforce Development Requirements May Prove Too Restrictive

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

BBC

NTIA Is Using Federal Program Officers as Safety Net for State Broadband Leaders

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

BBC

Bonds Should be Considered for Broadband Project Financing, say Finance Experts

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

USDA

USDA Needs Greater Flexibility in Deployment of Broadband Authority, Says RUS Administrator Andy Berke

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

Expert Opinion

Brooke Coleman: Importance of Compliance in Broadband Grant Programs

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

Infrastructure

Future Broadband Waiver of Buy America Must Be Product-Specific, Says Commerce

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

FCC

States Must Be the Truth Arbiters of Broadband Coverage, Say Experts

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

FCC

SI Wireless Complains of Rip and Replace Payment Delay

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

Funding

$92 Million For Broadband Through Connect Maryland’s State Funding

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

Funding

ACP Reaches 17 Million, Anchor Association’s Policy Roadmap, New Mexico’s $17M in Broadband Funding

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