IIJA
USDA Announces Over $770 Million for Rural Infrastructure
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced the launch of the fifth round of the ReConnect Program.
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.
IIJA
President Biden Touts Broadband Expansion Efforts in Wisconsin Visit
Broadband was part of the reelection campaign's emphasis on infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Ed Lopez: Internet for All Won’t Happen Without Real Pole Access Reform from the FCC
As states rush to outline their BEAD spending plans, time is of the essence.
FCC
Experts Still Disagree on FCC’s New Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC rules have drawn strong pushback from industry groups and praise from Democratic leadership.
NTIA
NTIA OKs Virginia’s Broadband Plan, Commonwealth Launches BEAD Challenge Process
It is the second state to start ground-truthing broadband data as part of the $42.5 billion program under IIJA.
IIJA
Louisiana the First State to Launch BEAD Challenge Process
ConnectLA is the first state agency under BEAD to kick off an evidence-based procedure ground-truthing local broadband data.
IIJA
BEAD Director Says NTIA is Working on Changes to Letter of Credit
Evan Feinman, speaking at the BEAD Implementation Summit, said the agency will also issue guidance on project auditing.
Infrastructure
NTIA Waives 55 Percent Cost Requirement for Fiber Electronic Components
Manufacturers can self-report products are Buy America compliant to be included on NTIA public list.
IIJA
White House Announces Fourth Round of ReConnect: $667 Million
Announcement includes investments in 22 states for 100 * 20 Mbps speeds.
Expert Opinion
Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
IIJA
Adtran’s Investment, White House Wants Texas Social Media Law Blocked, Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act
Adtran will partner with local area schools for its high school apprenticeship program.
Infrastructure
BEAD Implementation Summit on September 21 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place in Washington
Tickets for the day-long BEAD Implementation Summit are available for $145 until August 21.
Digital Equity Act
State Leaders Set Sights on Long-term Digital Equity Planning
Digital Equity projects will be an ongoing effort for many states.
Expert Opinion
Carl Guardino: 100% Broadband Access in the U.S. — The Time is Now
A strong fiber bias in broadband funding means that underserved communities remain at risk of being left behind.
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
Second Round of Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to Provide $980M
Preference will be given to applications that are cost effective.
IIJA
National Data Privacy Plan, $4 Million for Tribal Broadband, Twitter Rebrands
$2 million will go toward broadband builds.
