FCC
NTIA Confirms Licensed-by-Rule May Apply for BEAD Funding
The move is a win for wireless providers, who have been pushing the NTIA on the issue.
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.
Lifeline
FCC Approves Strong Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC also approved support for domestic abuse victims, inquiry on AI and robocalls and preventing cell phone scams.
FCC
Biden Administration Announces Plan to Free Up Spectrum
The NTIA will study repurposing 2,786 MHz of spectrum in the next two years.
Broadband's Impact
Hawaii and Oregon Release Draft BEAD Proposals
Comments are due to Oregon’s broadband office on December 10, and to the University of Hawaii by December 9.
Broadband's Impact
After BEAD Letter of Credit Changes, Work Still Remains, Advocates Say
Group who pushed for LOC changes are looking to ensure state contracts work well with performance bonds.
Funding
South Carolina and Georgia Release Volume Two of BEAD Initial Proposals
Unlike most states, South Carolina released both volume one and two together.
Defense Department
Need for Federal Privacy Law, North Carolina BEAD Proposal, Lumen Partners with DOD
Frank Pallone wants national privacy legislation in light of military data broker reports.
NTIA
NTIA OKs Virginia’s Broadband Plan, Commonwealth Launches BEAD Challenge Process
It is the second state to start ground-truthing broadband data as part of the $42.5 billion program under IIJA.
Funding
NTIA Will Allow Alternatives to Letter of Credit for BEAD Funding in New Guidance
The new guidance allows performance bonds and takes other measures to include smaller providers.
Expert Opinion
Bill Long: How Middle Mile Investments Close the Digital Divide
Internet for all: Zayo’s mission to connect what’s next.
Biden-Harris Administration
FCC Chair Set to Release Digital Discrimination Proposal
The rules would aim to prevent unequal broadband access along racial and class lines.
Rural
Charter CEO Says Company is Optimistic About Rural Expansion
A rural build required as part of the company’s Time Warner Cable purchase was surprisingly profitable, Chris Winfrey said.
FCC
WISPA Policy Heads Optimistic on More Spectrum
But they worry a change in FCC data collection could jeopardize BEAD funds for wireless providers.
FCC
WISPA Looking to Change Reliable Broadband Definition Under BEAD
The group’s policy heads said they are advocating to include unlicensed wireless.
IIJA
Louisiana the First State to Launch BEAD Challenge Process
ConnectLA is the first state agency under BEAD to kick off an evidence-based procedure ground-truthing local broadband data.
FCC
Biden Administration Urges FCC to Adopt Strong Digital Discrimination Rules
Disparate impacts, rather than discriminatory intent, should be the commission’s focus, the agency said.
