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.
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.
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.
FCC
Interagency Coordination Unique in History, say Federal Representatives
Coordination cross-agencies for broadband project deployment is unique, conference hears.
BEAD
Louisiana Works on Map Challenge Process as it Prepares Digital Equity Plan for Next Week
State broadband offices are tasked with outlining their challenge processes amid other concerns.
Infrastructure
Future Broadband Waiver of Buy America Must Be Product-Specific, Says Commerce
‘We aren’t doing the blanket waivers of the past,’ said Kevin Gallagher, a top Commerce Department Official.
Defense Department
FCC Urges Lawmakers to Extend Spectrum Auction Authority
The FCC’s spectrum auction authority expired in March.
FCC
States Must Be the Truth Arbiters of Broadband Coverage, Say Experts
In a Fiber Broadband Association webinar, consultants, mappers and ISPs said states must verify broadband coverage.
Chips
Innovation Fund Opens, USCellular Social Media Limit Mode, UTOPIA Fiber’s Yearly Report
This $1.5 billion was funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
Commerce
NTIA Seeks AI Insight, Legislative Tracking Maps, Florida’s $22M for Broadband
The NTIA is seeking comment in light of the quickly growing potential of generative AI chatbot technology.
Space Bureau
Launch of New FCC Bureau, ACP Signups on Tribal Lands, Breezeline’s Fiber Expansion
The FCC will launch the bureau on Tuesday.
Expert Opinion
Bryan Darr: Senators Move to Fix the Broadband Map; Here’s How You Can Submit Crowdsource Data
Newly proposed legislation would add 7 months to the challenge process for states and other parties.
Tribal
Tribal Nations Face Challenges in Accessing and Maximizing Funding: Connected America Conference
The lengthy grant application process can be a barrier for Tribes with limited resources.
Fabric
Altice Disputing Locations New York Claims is Underserved in FCC Broadband Map
New York filed 31,000 location challenges against the FCC’s mapping data.
BEAD
Order on Spyware, WISPA Adds VP of Government Affairs, Michael Baker Hosts Webinars
An executive order bans the federal government from using spyware deployed for human rights abuses.
