Infrastructure
Federal Broadband Programs Doing Short-Term Work, But Long-Term Objectives Needed
Christopher Mitchell of ILSR talks federal programs and the need for longer-term and more targeted solutions.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Exclusive Drew Clark Column on Broadband Infrastructure Legislation
Now is the time in Congress for all good (and bad) broadband bills to be introduced.
Infrastructure
Senators Reintroduce Bridge Act With Hope of $40 Billion for Broadband
Three Senators have reintroduced the BRIDGE Act with a proposed $40 billion to expand broadband access across the nation.
Infrastructure
AT&T CEO Says $60-$80 Billion in Federal Dollars Should Suffice to Bridge Digital Divide
John Stankey said the amount would completely cover rural and remote America — if “done right.”
Infrastructure
States Should Be Encouraged to Form Public-Private Partnerships for Federal Broadband Funds
An expert panel convened by US Telecom agreed that public/private telecom partnerships are an effective use of federal broadband funds.
Infrastructure
Biden’s Broadband Plan Leaving Unanswered Questions About Funding’s Use, Critics Say
Some fear that there is no real plan to close the digital divide with Biden’s new infrastructure proposal.
Funding
Two New Broadband Bills, Including One Aimed at Rural America, Introduced in Congress
The bipartisan Hassan-Capito bill would provide state and local governments with new financing options for broadband projects.
Infrastructure
NTIA Puts Up $288 Million In Broadband Infrastructure Grants
The NTIA will prioritize projects that bring broadband to greatest number of homes.
Funding
Infrastructure Stimulus Bill Predictions, Call For Broadcast Reform, Big Tech Hearing Reactions
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
Funding
House Majority Whip James Clyburn Calls for Closing Broadband’s Rural Digital Divide
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
Funding
Broadband Roundup: GOP Broadband Framework, Reassessing Eligible Telecommunications Requirements, Boycotting Facebook Ads
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
Funding
Claims of Broadband Service by Incumbent Providers Renders Minnesota City Ineligible for FCC’s Rural Funds
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
Infrastructure
Broadband Breakfast Experts Discuss the Benefits of Multiple Federal Broadband Initiatives, including Rural Broadband Funds and Opportunity Zones
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
Funding
Other Federal Broadband Monies Available Besides the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, Panelists Note
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
Infrastructure
Partisan Disagreement Delays Broadband Funding That Might Come Through HEROES Act
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
FCC
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, in Press Call with Sen. Markey, Proposes $1.5 Billion Increase in E-Rate
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
