Joe Biden
White House Nominates Basil Gooden as Rural Development Chief at USDA
Gooden would be responsible for overseeing the activities of the Rural Utilities Services, an important broadband funding agency.
Justice Department
Biden Overstepped First Amendment, Google Antitrust Case Tuesday, Gigi Sohn Joins Tucows Board
The Fifth Circuit ruled that the administration overstepped in coercing social media platforms to take down misinformation.
Joe Biden
Senate Approves Anna Gomez as Fifth Federal Communications Commissioner
The Democrat-held Senate voted 55-43 in favor of Biden’s second nominee for the spot, after Gigi Sohn withdrew.
Expert Opinion
Rep. Suzan DelBene: Want Protection From AI? The First Step Is a National Privacy Law
A national privacy standard would ensure a baseline set of protections and would restrict companies from storing and selling personal data.
Chips
U.S. Chip Export Restrictions Will be ‘Huge Roadblock’ for Chinese AI Competitiveness: Expert
China will need to manufacture advanced chips domestically if it wants to continue researching and implementing AI.
Infrastructure
NTIA Releases Waiver of Buy America Rules; Still Requires Fiber Electronics Made in USA
Manufacturer Nokia claimed its fiber-optic electronics equipment will meet Build America, Buy America rules.
IIJA
White House Announces Fourth Round of ReConnect: $667 Million
Announcement includes investments in 22 states for 100 * 20 Mbps speeds.
Infrastructure
Nokia Claims First U.S.-Based Optical Fiber Module Manufacturer for BEAD Projects
Nokia’s bundle package sources a wide range of networking equipment from the U.S. for BEAD builds.
Infrastructure
White House Releases ‘Buy America’ Guidance, Does Not Budge on Fiber as ‘Construction Material’
Possible BEAD waivers are expected to be announced by end of summer, an official told Broadband Breakfast.
Defense Department
CHIPS Act is Working, Lawmakers Say at First Anniversary
Companies have announced over $166 billion in semiconductor investments since the CHIPS Act was passed.
IRA
Nokia Announced Domestic Manufacturing of Electronics Equipment for Fiber
The manufacturing of the company’s fiber-optic broadband electronics products will start in 2024.
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.
Chips
Raimando Calls for U.S. Investment in Semiconductor Manufacturing in Allied Countries
Raimondo said U.S. seeks to impose restrictions on the export of microchips to China to combat the county’s influence.
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.
AI
Seven Tech Companies at White House Commit to Prevent AI Risks
The commitments seek to uphold key principles that the White House believes are fundamental to the future of AI.
Chips
President Joe Biden Declares ‘Made in America Week’
Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative is investing billions of dollars into domestic manufacturing.
