IIJA
SHLB Executive Director Calls for ‘Build America, Buy America’ Waivers
Windhausen argued that without these waivers, anchor institutions will be particularly hard hit by “Buy America” requirements.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Digital Infrastructure Investment
Tech-Backed Infrastructure Firm Says Private Financing Needed for Shared 5G Facilities
Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners representative says investors must step in as large carriers are burdened by high costs of 5G rollout.
Broadband Communities
Municipalities Generally Prefer Not to Own Broadband Builds, Conference Hears
Broadband leaders note cities prefer to partner than to own networks.
Infrastructure
Digital Literacy, Outreach as Important as Physical Infrastructure, Panel Hears
Digital literacy gap and lack of outreach are part of the digital divide.
ARPA
Montana Mapping Official: Treasury Deadline for ARPA Fund Disbursement Probably Too Soon
Montana’s chief data officer believes 2026 is too early for state mapping to be completed and funding requests submitted.
Benton
Infrastructure Bill Money Will Help Push Universal Broadband Goal Within Five Years: Rep. Clyburn
Clyburn’s Rural Broadband Task Force aims to close the digital divide within five years.
Infrastructure
Fiber Broadband and Rural Broadband Associations Call on NTIA to Prioritize Fiber in Funding Grants
Gary Bolton and Shirley Bloomfield called on NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson to prioritize applicant investing in “future-proof” fiber.
Infrastructure
High Speed Thresholds Could Pull Infrastructure Funds Away from Poorly Connected Areas
Sarah Oh Lam of the Technology Policy Institute says high speed thresholds could shift funds toward better-connected areas.
Infrastructure
Sean Gonsalves: Illinois and Possibly New York Are Poised to Fumble Federal Broadband Funds
Some state laws, as written, may run counter to IIJA language and constrain the use of federal funds.
Infrastructure
NTIA Urging Partnerships with Local Broadband Officials for Infrastructure Money
The NTIA held a webinar urging local partnerships for applicants of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.
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.
CostQuest
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.
