Rural
Sen. Ted Cruz Warns of Potential Waste in BEAD Allocations
The conservative critic of the broadband program highlighted inaccurate FCC mapping data in a report.
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.
NTIA
STL Opens South Carolina Fiber Cable Plant
The $100 million plant was announced in June 2023 as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America.
ACP
NTIA Announces Middle Mile Funds, NDIA Director on Closing Digital Divide, More Tribal ACP Outreach Funds
Nearly $50 million will go to middle mile projects in four states.
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
GAO Wants NTIA Feedback to Tribes Receiving Smaller Broadband Grants
Feedback could help Tribes improve future funding applications and expand broadband infrastructure.
Infrastructure
NTIA Waives 55 Percent Cost Requirement for Fiber Electronic Components
Manufacturers can self-report products are Buy America compliant to be included on NTIA public list.
Infrastructure
NTIA Releases Waiver of Buy America Rules; Still Requires Fiber Electronics Made in USA
Manufacturer Nokia claimed its fiber-optic electronics equipment will meet Build America, Buy America rules.
Expert Opinion
Kristian Stout: Red Tape and Headaches Plague BEAD Rollout
States must overcome numerous hurdles before BEAD will be able to succeed.
Infrastructure
Texas Working with NTIA to Address Legislation that Limits Municipal Broadband, as States Tout P3s
Public-private partnerships have seen success in several states, officials said.
Funding
States Should Use BEAD Funds to Finance Internet Exchange Points
Internet traffic points will create a ‘better ecosystem for interconnection.’
Funding
BEAD Requirements Complicate State Planning, Could Result in Different Buildout Timelines: Experts
Concerns include minimum cost per location thresholds and Build America requirements.
FCC
Office of National Intelligence Adopting AI for Data Processing
Terrorist and bad actor threats are spurring government adoption of AI.
Funding
Commenters Say BEAD Rules that Restrict Program Revenue and Letter of Credit Should Be Changed
Proposed changes to regulations would lift program revenue restrictions for recipients of BEAD funds.
Funding
Defining Community Anchor Institutions to Be Focal Point for BEAD Deployment: Observers
States can customize the definition to fit specific needs.
FCC
Experts Call for New Approach to Spectrum Coordination
Experts suggest partitioned spectrum and receiver innovation.
FCC
National Spectrum Strategy to be Complete by End of Year: NTIA Head
NTIA is conducting research on improving efficiency of available spectrum.
Community Broadband
After BEAD Allocation, Gigi Sohn Advocates Municipal Broadband to Close Coverage Gaps
It’s unclear how BEAD funds will interact with state laws restricting municipal broadband projects.
