Section 706
ISP Trade Group Wants to Retain Status Quo on Broadband Definition
Raising the benchmark could have unintended consequences for the BEAD program
Broadband Mapping and Data
FCC Urged to Include Crowdsourced Data in Broadband Maps
Ookla, rural advocates push for 'real-world' speed test data.
Broadband Mapping and Data
FCC Urged to Improve Approach to Collecting Broadband Data
Stakeholders pushed for better data and stricter standards.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Rural Electric Co-ops Want Broadband Data Fixed by FCC Before BEAD
NRECA pushing for consumer-driven speed tests to improve FCC broadband data.
California
Plumas-Sierra Telecom Nabs $67 Million In Middle Mile Grants Across 4 California Counties
The investment in the cooperative could be a game-changer for rural connectivity in the Golden State.
OTI
Utilities Oppose Plan to Assign 4.9 GHz Band to FirstNet
The proposal to put FirstNet in charge of the band called for blocking non-public safety users.
NTCA
Rural Electric Co-ops, Other ISPs Ask FCC to Verify Reported Coverage Data
Allowing providers to submit advertised speeds results in overstated coverage, groups said.
Education
Fiber Industry Can Build Interest in Broadband Workforce By Catering to Student Interests: Experts
The BEAD program allows providers to use funds to deploy workforce development strategies.
Expert Opinion
Tom Reid: Accountability in Broadband Maps Necessary for BEAD to Achieve Mission
The sheer magnitude of the overstatements in the FCC’s map makes the challenge process untenable.
NTCA
Leaders of Broadband Industry Trade Groups Are Bullish on Fiber, With Some Caveats
Fiber networks have a unique capacity to keep broadband prices low for low-income communities, proponents say.
Infrastructure
Electrical Cooperatives Are the Unsung Heroes of Rural Broadband, Say Broadband Breakfast Panelists
February 18, 2021— Electrical cooperatives that own their own fiber are filling in the broadband gaps that telecoms have left, said panelists at a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event on Wednesday. The locally-owned businesses that have traditionally only provided electricity are now owning their o
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast Live Online on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 — Preparing for Success
See “At Launch of #BroadbandLive Series on ‘Tools for Broadband Deployment’, Panelists Tout Symmetrical Fiber,” Broadband Breakfast, November 4, 2020 Tools for Broadband Deployment: This series explores the way that geospatial data and asset management are shaping the future of rural network deliver
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast Live Online on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 — Fueling the Fire of Rural Innovation
See “Electrical Cooperatives Are the Unsung Heroes of Rural Broadband, Say Broadband Breakfast Panelists,” Broadband Breakfast, February 18, 2021 Our Broadband Breakfast Live Online events take place every Wednesday at 12 Noon ET. You can watch the February 17, 2021, event on this page. You can also
FCC
Advocates for Rural Broadband Providers Commiserate on Flaws in Federal Approach to Funding
September 23, 2020 – Individuals representing different facets of rural broadband – traditional telecom companies, rural electric utilities, wireless providers and state regulators – on Thursday voiced concerns about aspects of the federal government’s rural broadband programs. Many of these players
FCC
Coronavirus Roundup: FCC Ends Warning on Robocalls, Skepticism of Frontier’s Coverage, .org Sale Rejected
The Federal Communications Commission on Friday said that it would end the practice of warning robocallers before issuing penalties for violating the law by harassing consumers with illegal robocalls, according to a press release. Until the passage of the TRACED Act in December 2019, such warnings w
Broadband Breakfast
How the Farm Bill and the USDA ReConnect Program May Help Narrow a Rural Digital Divide
Editor’s Note: The most recent edition of Broadband Communities Magazine features a special section on rural broadband, including this overview piece about the passage of the Agricultural Improvement Act and the ReConnect. Incidentally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s series of webinars on the
