Infrastructure
High Speed Thresholds Could Pull Infrastructure Funds Away from Poorly Connected Areas
Sarah Oh Lam of the Technology Policy Institute says high speed thresholds could shift funds toward better-connected areas.
Commerce
NTIA Approves $1.2M in Grants for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
The NTIA awarded four grants worth $1.2 million.
Infrastructure
NTIA Urging Partnerships with Local Broadband Officials for Infrastructure Money
The NTIA held a webinar urging local partnerships for applicants of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.
Joe Biden
Biden Budget Includes $600 Million for Rural Broadband
The money will add to the USDA’s ReConnect program.
Infrastructure
WISPA Head Pushes Various Broadband Technologies to Close Digital Divide
Wireless and wireline technologies play their own roles in helping connect the country, the head of WISPA said.
FCBA
New Affordable Connectivity Program Rules Prevent Credit Checks, Make Termination Harder
The rules prevent providers from denying service to lower-income customers.
FCC
FCC Votes to Start Digital Discrimination Proceeding
The commission’s rules would prevent service providers from discriminating against customers.
Infrastructure
Sen. Wicker Asks for Broadband Spend Review, Starlink Speeds, WIA and Ohio State Partner on Curriculum
Senator Wicker is asking for a review of how funds set aside for broadband during the pandemic are being used.
Infrastructure
Biden Says Infrastructure Bill Will Transform America in First In-Person DNC Winter Meeting in 2 Years
President Biden received a standing ovation during address.
FCC
Cities Collecting Broadband Data for Maps Ahead of FCC
The FCC is racing to release updating maps to federal money can begin moving out of the door.
FCC
FCC Task Force Against Discrimination, High Fixed Download Speeds, Broadband Prices Decline
Cross-agency task force to focus on policies to combat digital discrimination and promote equal access to broadband
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Money Must Go to Better Networks — Even If in Areas with Existing Infrastructure
Some are warning that federal infrastructure money should not go toward subsidizing old networks.
Verizon
CES 2022: Public-Private Partnerships Key to Building Smart Cities, Tech leaders Say
Public-private partnerships will increase the community benefit of infrastructure projects, leaders at Qualcomm and Verizon said.
NTCA
Broadband Infrastructure Playbook will Push Benefits of Fiber, Help States Craft Fund Applications
The Fiber Broadband Association and the NTCA Rural Broadband Association said it will release the book before May 2022.
FAA
Settlement Over Failed 911 Calls, Former FCC Chairs Criticize FAA, Kansas Sets 2030 Broadband Goal
AT&T, Verizon, Lumen Technologies have settled for millions for failed 911 calls.
FCBA
Broadband Offices Concerned About Uncertainty in Compliance with Federal Program Requirements
Minnesota’s broadband office is concerned about federal compliance in the wake of new federal funding.
