Funding

Joe Biden

Biden Budget Includes $600 Million for Rural Broadband

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

Infrastructure

Next Emergency Connectivity Fund Filing Window Opening in April

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

Energy and Commerce

House Democrats Prod NTIA Chief on Their Broadband Infrastructure Priorities

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

FSF

In FCC Proceeding, Multiple Groups Recommend New General Tax for Universal Service Fund

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

Broadband Mapping and Data

Former FCC Commissioner O’Rielly Emphasizes ‘Unserved’ As Priority for Infrastructure Bill Funds

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

Rural

FCC Approves Another $640 Million from Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

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

FBA

Tennessee Staying Neutral on Provider and Technology for Broadband Plans

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

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Playbook Recommends Focus on Projects that Endure

The playbook was discussed in a webinar Friday afternoon.

BIP

NTIA Broadband Programs Announce Grants to Tackle Last-Mile Infrastructure

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

EBB

Applicants Have Trouble With Applying for Affordable Connectivity Program

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

FAA

NTIA Head Says Agency Is Currently Testing Military Equipment’s Sensitivity to 5G

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

Infrastructure

Applicants for Infrastructure Bill Money Should Get to Know State Broadband Offices

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

Expert Opinion

Mike O’Rielly: Don’t Repeat Past Mistakes, or How to Wisely Spend Federal Broadband Money

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

Tribal

ReConnect Rep Warns of ISPs Asking for More Subsidies Than Needed for Builds

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

IIJA

Stakeholders Argue Over Whether Middle-Mile Should Receive Infrastructure Bill Funding

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

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Bill Brings New Focus on Decision Making at Community Level

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