FCC
Planting Crops, and Weeding Regulations, with AI and Agriculture
It's a time of changing seasons in Washington, and in Rural America.
NTIA
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department Commerce, is responsible for implementing the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, including managing federal broadband funding programs to expand high-speed internet access.
NEPA
NTIA Releases Permitting and Environmental Data Tool
The agency said it will be announcing additional permitting initiatives ahead of BEAD.
Defense
Senators Disagree on Spectrum Auction Proceeds
Democratic lawmakers supported using proceeds to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program.
FCC
House Commerce Committee Advances Four Communications Bills
The bills deal with network security and studying 6G technology.
Tribal
New Rules for Infrastructure on Historic Properties and Tribal Lands
Federal agencies must compensate Tribes or consulting parties for services performed on historical sites.
Vermont
Vermont to Start BEAD Challenge Process
Four other states are accepting challenges and three more are planning to begin the process soon.
Energy and Commerce
House Subcommittee Advances Bills Countering Chinese Threats to Communications
The bills focus on thwarting potential efforts by China to exploit security vulnerabilities in networks.
ARPA
Minnesota, Oregon Make Moves on State Broadband Programs
Minnesota began accepting applications for its $50 million program. Oregon finalized guidelines for awarding $149 million from CPF.
Defense
Implementation Steps for National Spectrum Strategy Announced
The implementation plan aims to bolster the U.S. spectrum workforce to support future wireless policy and innovation.
Louisiana
Conservative Groups Oppose BEAD Low-Cost Rules
More than 20 think tanks asked Republican lawmakers to push the NTIA to approve lighter touch state plans.
Defense
Thune and Cruz Introduce Bill to Reinstate FCC Auction Authority
The bill would also require the NTIA to flag 2,500 megahertz of federal spectrum for repurposing.
FCC
NTIA Greenlights Speedtest Data Integration in State BEAD Maps, Experts Say
The pre-challenge modification permits the inclusion of speed test data gathered from phones and devices equipped with GPS chips.
BEAD
Flush With BEAD Cash, at Least 13 States Make Plans For ‘Nondeployment’ Funds
Several state offices expect to utilize nondeployment funds in conjunction with infrastructure deployment funds for BEAD.
IIJA
NTIA Finalizes BEAD ‘Buy America’ Waivers
The waiver exempts specific BEAD-funded equipment from the domestic manufacturing requirement outlined in the IIJA.
Nebraska
Pennsylvania, Nevada, Nebraska and Puerto Rico Clear NTIA Volume 1 Approval
Proposed modifications to the NTIA's model challenge process include classifying DSL and licensed fixed wireless to be underserved.
Chips
NTIA Allocates $42 Million to Drive Research and Development in Open RAN Technology
The R&D initiative aims to revolutionize 4G and 5G mobile networks by using cloud-based software to reduce deployment costs, provide operational simplicity, and simplify new feature rollouts.
