FCC
Reaching Households ‘Biggest Challenge’ of Affordable Connectivity Program, Rosenworcel Says
The Affordable Connectivity Program, like its predecessor, has a challenge with outreach, a conference heard Thursday.
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
NTIA Head Says Agency Is Currently Testing Military Equipment’s Sensitivity to 5G
Davidson said that he hopes to avoid inter-agency conflicts such as last month’s dispute with airlines over 5G interference.
Infrastructure
Applicants for Infrastructure Bill Money Should Get to Know State Broadband Offices
Those interested in federal money should engage in outreach, build solid teams, Broadband.Money head Jase Wilson said.
FCC
FCC, NTIA Commit to Teaming Up on Spectrum Strategy and Coordination
Announcement comes after a Republican lawmaker urging agencies to reaffirm partnership on spectrum policy and coordination.
IIJA
NTIA Pressed on Existing Middle Mile Connections at Infrastructure Listening Session
Commentators concerned existing middle-mile infrastructure not used to drive last-mile home.
ReConnect
ReConnect Rep Warns of ISPs Asking for More Subsidies Than Needed for Builds
Shekinah Pepper said Wednesday tribal communities should be on alert for service providers asking for chunks of subsidies upfront.
IIJA
Stakeholders Argue Over Whether Middle-Mile Should Receive Infrastructure Bill Funding
Debate at an NTIA event over whether or not funding should go to the middle-mile.
Marsha Blackburn
Senate Confirms Davidson as National Telecommunications and Information Administration Chief
Bipartisan vote confirms Davidson atop the Commerce Department agency. It has a large pile of money to spend on broadband.
Commerce
Commerce Department’s NTIA Issues Request for Comment on IIJA
Comments are due on February 4, 2022, focused on the infrastructure grants, middle-mile program, and digital equity planning grants.
FCC
CES 2022: 5G, Aviation Crisis a Problem of Federal Coordination, Observers Say
The hope is coordination problems will be relieved when the Senate confirms NTIA head.
Tribal
NTIA Publishes Report Calling for Better Data Aggregation Methods
The report notes need for separating broadband access data from other consumer stats.
FCC
Local Government Advisors Concerned by Delay in Sohn Confirmation Process
They also believe Alan Davidson will be viewed more favorably to head the NTIA.
NTIA
Broadband in Build Back Better, ISPs Customers Exposed to Hackers, Rural ISP Funding in Louisiana
Another $1 billion in broadband expansion funds could be available in the Build Back Better Act, which passed the House on Friday.
FCC
Eighty Civil Society Groups Ask for Swift Confirmation of FCC, NTIA Nominees
The groups sent a letter emphasizing the need for internet access expansion ahead of Wednesday confirmation hearings.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast Panel Emphasizes Need for Better Mapping to Maximize Infrastructure Bill Money
Funds made available by the infrastructure bill will not need solid maps to make spending efficient, experts agree.
Infrastructure
Commerce Secretary Raimondo Emphasizes Affordability, Fiber in Infrastructure Bill Press Briefing
Raimondo said to expect relatively quick turnaround on broadband affordability and job creation, longer timeline on fiber buildouts.
