Affordability
House Republicans Again Take Issue with BEAD Affordability Regs
The NTIA head defended its policy of ensuring a low-cost option.
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.
House
House Delays Vote on NTIA Reauthorization Act
The House postponed voting on the NTIA Reauthorization Act on Tuesday.
BEAD
States Gear Up for Subgrantee Selection in $42.5 Billion Federal Broadband Expansion
Arkansas and Tennessee now expect to service thousands fewer locations than originally anticipated through the BEAD program.
Commerce
Commerce Department is Aiming to Approve All BEAD Plans by Fall
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said there will be more approvals handed down in the coming weeks.
Broadband Communities
NTIA to Release Guidelines for Alternative Broadband Technologies Under BEAD
The NTIA aims to influence the use of alternative technologies to fiber optics and streamline permitting processes with new guidelines.
Chips
NTIA Announces New $420M Round of Open RAN Funding
The second round of the agency's Wireless Innovation Fund will support research and development of open radio units.
Broadband Updates
BEAD Roundup: Seven More Challenge Portals Open
That makes 10 open challenge windows, plus 18 states finished with the first phase of the process.
NTIA
Funding Requests of $2.6 Billion in Next Round of Tribal Broadband Program
The funding proposals are for a program with $980 million in funds available.
FCC
BEAD Roundup: South Carolina and Washington State Open Challenge Portals
Idaho awarded $500,000 in grants to bolster community involvement in the state's BEAD implementation.
SpaceX
Mississippi Addresses Allegations of Inequitable Outreach in BEAD
A local watchdog organization has accused the Mississippi broadband office of failing to comply with BEAD program guidelines.
Broadband's Impact
NTIA Approves Digital Equity Plans from all 50 States, D.C., Puerto Rico
States are now free to apply for funding to address barriers to broadband adoption.
Expert Opinion
Deborah Collier: Virginia Fights for Affordable, Accessible Broadband
The author argues that Virginia’s firm stand on BEAD funding serves as a beacon for the states.
Kenneth Boswell.
Alabama's Approved BEAD Plan Excludes RDOF Waiver
The state had considered asking for a waiver to open up RDOF areas to BEAD funds.
Fixed Wireless
Some Wireless Services Deemed ‘Underserved’ in 4 States, Expanding BEAD Locations
States advocating for some wireless services to be classified as 'underserved' were rewarded with a new modification by NTIA.
Digital Equity Act
NDIA Releases Digital Equity Implementation Manual
The document is intended to help states and territories carry out their IIJA digital equity plans.
FCC
NTIA Adopts Environmental Exemptions for BEAD Projects
It's the latest in the agency's effort to streamline permitting for the program.
