FCC
President Biden Plans to Announce BEAD Program Allocations at White House on Monday
Prior announcement date of BEAD allocation funds now set for White House ceremony on Monday, June 26.
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.
Fiber
Utah Releases Its State Broadband Plan for BEAD Funds, With Middle Mile Prioritization
The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.
FCC
Rhode Island Seeks Community Input in Broadband Planning Ahead of Federal Funding
The state is focused on community partnerships as it waits for federal broadband funds later this month.
FCC
FCC Commissioner Carr Criticizes BEAD Fiber Priority Ahead of Funding Allocation
The NTIA has acknowledged a clear preference for fiber in its bipartisan infrastructure deployment effort.
Rural
Experts Clash Over Whether Reverse Auctions Are Ideal for BEAD Grants
Reverse auctions would stretch funding further.
Energy and Commerce
Representatives Focus in on Fiber Prioritization and Spectrum Management at NTIA
House Committee members said they wanted to ensure that the NTIA is appropriately managing funds to support rural areas.
FCC
Biden Announces Anna Gomez as Nominee for Fifth FCC Commissioner
Biden announces new FCC commissioner nomination following Sohn’s withdrawal.
Infrastructure
Lawmakers Want Spectrum Auction Money to Fund Rip and Replace Program
Energy and Commerce subcommittee voted on 28 bills, most related to reducing permitting barriers.
BEAD
NTIA Should Remove Letter of Credit Requirement in BEAD Program, Event Hears
Expanding available alternatives to letters of credit will increase the availability of BEAD for small and minority-owned businesses.
FCC
In Ask Me Anything!, Jim Stegeman of CostQuest Says Broadband Fabric Will Improve
Fabric data will continue to improve with feedback implementation and process changes, said CostQuest CEO.
Funding
Fiber Technology Will Dominate BEAD Deployment, Agree Panelists at Wireless Conference
The BEAD program will prioritize fiber deployments, agree experts.
Funding
NTIA Workforce Development Requirements May Prove Too Restrictive
Some industry leaders are concerned that NTIA BEAD requirements make workforce hiring harder.
BBC
NTIA Is Using Federal Program Officers as Safety Net for State Broadband Leaders
The NTIA’s resources for funding applications help state broadband officers manage their their BEAD programs.
Infrastructure
NTIA Axes Fiber Cables, Keeps Transport Equipment in Buy America Waiver for Middle Mile
The middle mile waiver comes ahead of the awarding of grants from the $1B program.
BBC
Bonds Should be Considered for Broadband Project Financing, say Finance Experts
States should consider issuing bonds to fund broadband projects, panel hears.
USDA
USDA Needs Greater Flexibility in Deployment of Broadband Authority, Says RUS Administrator Andy Berke
Director of RUS called for more flexibility in how it administers federal funds.
