Rural
Capito Bill Tightens FCC Vetting of Broadband Providers
Measure targets accountability in how federal broadband funds are awarded
NTCA
The Rural Broadband Association, formerly the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, is a membership association that represents independent, community-based telecommunications companies. Its goal is to expand broadband deployment and ensure a better-connected future for rural America.
Farm bill
RUS Signals Launch of Next ReConnect Funding Round
Elmshaeuser says program remains central as federal broadband funding expands
BEAD
NTIA To Set Guidance For $21B In BEAD Funds Within ‘a Few Months’
Agency says it is on track to deliver universal broadband as billions remain unspent
FCC
FCC Split on Lifeline Eligibility Reforms, Gomez Says
Commissioner calls subsidy ‘measly’ amid current affordability crisis
USF
Lawmakers Aiming to Circulate Draft USF Framework This Summer
Meanwhile, the FCC is seeking comment on how it might improve USAC
USF
Participants to Fifth Circuit: USF is Still Valid
The fund’s opponents are pursuing another lawsuit against the program.
BEAD
Some BEAD Winners Seeing Tight Fiber Market
ISPs have reported canceled or delayed orders.
USF
Study Says Universal Service Fund Critical for Rural Broadband
Report warns funding cuts could threaten connectivity in high-cost areas.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Industry, Consumer Groups Still at Odds over Broadband Nutrition Labels
Consumer Reports found 30 percent of shoppers recalled seeing the labels since they went into effect.
permitting
Bill Requiring Interior and USDA to Study Broadband Barriers Clears House Natural Resources
The bill aims to accelerate broadband deployment on federal lands.
Rural
Rural Broadband Association Announces Mike Romano as New CEO
Romano has been with the trade group since 2010, the same year Shirley Bloomfield became CEO
Broadband Mapping and Data
Accessibility, Consumer Groups Warn Against Scaling Back Broadband Transparency Labels
AARP cautioned the FCC against relying on ISPs’ characterizations of consumer behavior
Digital Inclusion
Libraries and Schools Urge FCC to Restore Off-Campus Wi-Fi Support
Backing petitions for reconsideration, advocates say E-Rate rollback threatens students’ connectivity.
Broadband Mapping and Data
NTCA Members Deliver Fiber to Rural Schools, Libraries, and Hospitals
Survey of NTCA members finds nearly nine in 10 schools, libraries, and hospitals are served by fiber.
Commerce
NTIA Cracks Down on BEAD Proposals Built on ‘Hypothetical’ Funding
The agency will issue new guidance on how states should evaluate 'speculative' or uncommitted funding sources in BEAD.
Rural
FCC Chair Offers Few Specifics on Universal Service Reforms
NTCA’s Bloomfield worries Carr’s push for USF ‘efficiency’ could hurt rural providers
