BEAD
All 56 Federal Broadband Plans Approved. Construction Comes Next
Illinois was the final state approved under the federal government’s landmark broadband program. Michigan, Hawaii, Virginia and California are among many states now building.
RDOF
In August 2019, the FCC adopted a $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to expand high-speed fixed broadband service to underserved areas. Phase I of the program concluded on November 25, 2020, but the overall program will continue through 2028 as funding is distributed.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Federal Broadband Funding Is Expanding Coverage and Competition
New CostQuest analysis found federally funded areas are increasingly served by multiple providers
BEAD
State Broadband Chiefs Await Guidance on $21 Billion of Remaining BEAD Funds
Four state broadband directors, still awaiting federal guidance on billions in remaining BEAD funds, speak at Broadband Breakfast Live Online event.
Briefs
FCC Grants RDOF Waiver to Wisper ISP
The order distinguished Wisper’s request from other program defaults.
Fiber Connect
Bottlenecks Slowing BEAD: Permits, Locates, Labor, and Materials
Fiber construction workers are increasingly being recruited by data center developers, tightening an already scarce labor pool.
FCC
MSEC Communications Withdraws From RDOF Broadband Program
The provider has already completed deployment to 92 percent of locations.
FCC
Easton Utilities Withdraws from RDOF over Testing Costs
The company told the FCC that costs exceeded the amount of the award.
Rural
Rural-Focused $42 Billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program Becomes Operational
Early signs of a massive federal broadband expansion effort are beginning to reach local communities.
BEAD
Consultants Urge BEAD ‘Rainy Day’ Fund To Cover Gaps
Infrastructure specialists urge administrators to reserve $7.6 billion from BEAD for unexpected shortfalls.
Expert Opinion
Mary Guenther: BEAD Non-Deployment Dollars and the Risk of Unfulfilled Broadband Promises
The BEAD broadband program now has roughly $20 billion in leftover funds, and policymakers are debating how best to spend it
Expert Opinion
Evan Swarztrauber: How NTIA Can Avoid a BEAD Slush Fund
With $21 billion in BEAD savings up for grabs, NTIA must resist industry pressure and ensure remaining funds stay true to the program's digital divide mission.
grants
Charter Expands Broadband Access in Rural North Carolina
Spectrum services will be available to 20,110 rural homes and businesses in North Carolina.
Rural
RDOF Default Leaves Some Rural Areas Without BEAD Path
South Central Connect walks away from 13 census block groups.
12 Days of Broadband
What to Do With Remaining BEAD Funds, a.k.a 'Non-Deployment'?
As states complete their broadband spending plans, a fight is brewing over the remaining $21 billion.
Communications Act
Cities Oppose FCC Inquiry into Speeding Wireline Permitting
Broadband carriers, meanwhile, push the FCC for 60 to 90 day shot clocks, citing months long permitting delays.
FBA
Chambers Criticizes BEAD Delays, Calls for Clearer Broadband Standards
The BEAD program, Chambers argued, has done more to delay construction than to drive it.
