Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
Event: Building for Digital Equity – Demystifying Broadband Policy and Funding
ILSR and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance team up for two-hour livestream event on March 16 from 2-4 p.m. ET
IIJA
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed in August 2021, and signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021. This bipartisan infrastructure law included the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, among others.
FCC
NTIA and RUS Chiefs, Plus FCC and Treasury Officials, to Speak at Broadband Breakfast for Lunch Events
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson and other top broadband officials have agreed to speak at Broadband Breakfast for Lunch Events.
Infrastructure
American Library Association Concerned With Burdensome Infrastructure Bill Reporting Requirements
The organization is concerned that access to federal money will come with burdensome reporting.
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.
IIJA
Internet Pioneer Vint Cerf Says Digital Inclusion is More Than Just Access
The luminary emphasized literacy on cybersecurity and accessibility features for disabled individuals.
FCC
Jessica Rosenworcel Tackles Multiple Dwelling Broadband at INCOMPAS Summit
Observers from the event say the chairwoman’s remarks were her most substantive yet on the matter.
IIJA
NTIA Pressed on Existing Middle Mile Connections at Infrastructure Listening Session
Commentators concerned existing middle-mile infrastructure not used to drive last-mile home.
Infrastructure
Commerce Secretary Says Expect More Accurate Broadband Maps This Summer
Accurate maps will allow federal dollars to target unserved and underserved areas.
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
With State Plan and Federal Funds, California in Good Position to Close Digital Divide
Ernesto Falcon of the EFF says the state’s current plans, assisted by the IIJA, will connect everyone in the state.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Bill Brings New Focus on Decision Making at Community Level
Funneling of infrastructure funds through states differs from Obama-era broadband programs.
IIJA
Biden On Lookout for Cyberattacks with Russia Massing on Border of Ukraine
The president says that, in the past, Russia has taken covert military actions.
ARPA
Preparing Collaboration Model, Data Collection Suggested Before Infrastructure Money Flows
With infrastructure bill, there is no longer a shortage of funds for states to expand their broadband infrastructure, consultants said.
IIJA
NTIA Official Says Rural Broadband Funds Do Not Disqualify Area from New Broadband Monies
While NTIA will interpret grant funding under the law, it’s up to states to determine where to allocate money.
IIJA
Digital Equity the Focus at NTIA’s Listening Session on Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act
Attendees questioned how digital equity progress can be measured and how underserved populations are educated on technology use.
IIJA
Federal Communications Commissioner Starks Seeks to Encourage Democratic Principles Online
The commissioner noted the peril democracy and citizen privacy finds themselves in around the world.
