IIJA

Senate Appropriations

Commerce Secretary Defends BEAD Low-Cost Plans Amid Senate Scrutiny

Senators raised concerns about authority to require BEAD ISPs to offer low-cost internet plans.

Broadband Communities

NTIA to Release Guidelines for Alternative Broadband Technologies Under BEAD

The NTIA aims to influence the use of alternative technologies to fiber optics and streamline permitting processes with new guidelines.

Eighth Circuit

Intervenors Accuse FCC of Exempting BEAD Recipients From Discrimination Rules

The FCC may have breached federal regulations by introducing a last-minute safe harbor in its recent digital discrimination policies.

IIJA

Data Centers Consuming Massive Amounts of Energy, Report Says

Data centers are expected to grow to 6% of American energy consumption by 2026

IIJA

New Broadband Transparency Labels Roll Out Nationwide

Government officials express optimism that the introduction of labels will signal a new era of transparency and competition.

IIJA

NTIA Releases Initial Funds for State Digital Equity Plans

Commerce unveiled plans to allocate an additional $1.25 billion in digital equity grants, alongside the capacity grant program.

BBLO

Mapping and Data Experts Discuss Impact of New FCC Broadband Labels

The experts held split opinions regarding the impact of new consumer broadband labels mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.

Eighth Circuit

Wireless Trade Groups File Suit Against FCC Digital Discrimination Order

The suit filed Tuesday marks the third legal case to target the FCC’s digital discrimination rules since adopted in November.

IIJA

NTIA Finalizes BEAD ‘Buy America’ Waivers

The waiver exempts specific BEAD-funded equipment from the domestic manufacturing requirement outlined in the IIJA.

ReConnect

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

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.

BEAD 2026

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.