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.
Digital Equity Act
State Leaders Set Sights on Long-term Digital Equity Planning
Digital Equity projects will be an ongoing effort for many states.
FCC
FCC Adopts Order to Extend $75 Monthly ACP Subsidy to Households in High-Cost Areas
The benefit would go beyond tribes to other high cost locations.
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.
IRA
National League of Cities Announces Bootcamps to Support Applicants to Federal Infrastructure Programs
The program instructs applicants on best practices to write winning grant applications.
Infrastructure
With Inflation and Supply Issues, Delays in Broadband Builds Increases Costs
States are facing increasing costs and difficulties in deploying IIJA-backed broadband projects.
Infrastructure
But for the BEAD Program, $1 Billion in Middle Mile Funding Wouldn’t Be Enough
Support from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment last mile program may cover middle mile gaps.
Infrastructure
Broadband Breakfast Announces Made in America Summit on June 22
The event will examine how domestic procurement requirements will impact a historic wave of federal funding for infrastructure.
Chips
‘The Sound of Made in America’: Fiber Makers Increase Production Ahead of Delivery of Billions in Federal Funds
Commerce Secretary Raimondo made stops at fiber manufacturing facilities in North Carolina.
FSF
Does Digital Discrimination Require Intent? In FCC Proceeding, Commenters Disagree
FCC laws should not include unintentional acts of discrimination, say industry voices.
IIJA
Historically Underrepresented Communities Urged to Take Advantage of BEAD Planning
BEAD requirements a unique opportunity for underrepresented communities to be involved in broadband builds.
FSF
FCC Proposes Competing ‘Digital Discrimination’ Definitions, Advocates Clash
The FCC requested input on allowing economic and technical feasibility exceptions to the definition.
ARPA
House Bill to Make Broadband Grants Non-Taxable Introduced
Sen. Mark Warner said last month he is working to pass a companion bill by year’s end.
