Infrastructure
Groups Heap Praise on FCC for Corrective Action on Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
The agency is scrutinizing the winning bids for the $9.2-billion fund, and asking companies to consider withdrawing.
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.
Expert Opinion
Robert Kubik, John Godfrey and Derek Johnston: After a Decade of Progress, What’s Next for 5G?
A decade after the advent of LTE, the next-generation 5G will be, and already is, a critical resource for Americans.
Infrastructure
Report Highlights Importance Of Satellite Technologies, Secure Data and Communications
The report on new technologies and data lays out importance of data security and satellite communications.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast Live Online Wednesday June 2, 2021 — Rural Roll-Ups: Has the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Accelerated Mergers & Acquisitions?
This session will consider the many active conversations currently taking place among smaller internet companies. The interest and momentum behind mergers and acquisitions presents an opportunity for providers seeking an exit, and for companies seeking growth opportunities.
Infrastructure
WISPA Responds To Claims Wireless Providers Have Not Demonstrated Gigabit Capabilities
March 3, 2021—Vantage Point Solutions is questioning whether wireless providers can deliver on their contractual obligations following the announcement of $9 billion in federal award for the first phase of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. The concerns, outlined by CEO Larry Thompson in a white pa
Infrastructure
Electrical Cooperatives Are the Unsung Heroes of Rural Broadband, Say Broadband Breakfast Panelists
February 18, 2021— Electrical cooperatives that own their own fiber are filling in the broadband gaps that telecoms have left, said panelists at a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event on Wednesday. The locally-owned businesses that have traditionally only provided electricity are now owning their o
Infrastructure
Experts Investigating Starlink Are Not Convinced that Elon Musk’s Satellite Project Provides Rural Broadband Solution
February 16, 2021—While SpaceX touts Starlink as the answer to the world’s dearth of broadband coverage, experts are not convinced that it will be able to meet increasing demand. Elon Musk’s SpaceX began launching a constellation of small satellites early in 2018 with the goal of providing affordabl
Infrastructure
Providers Increasingly Vocal in Raising Concerns About Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction
February 11, 2021—Broadband providers are becoming increasingly vocal in their concerns over some of the winning bidders in the first phase of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund that was completed last year. In late 2019, the Federal Communications Commission announced that it would put more than $2
BDC
Render Networks Offers Industry Guide to RDOF Network Deployment Success
December 16, 2020 – Render Networks has announced the launch of its new RDOF Deployment Guide, sharing key considerations for network deployment success and insights into developing a compelling and complete Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) long-form application. Render’s role in the Federal Co
Rural
FCC to Spend $9.3 Billion on 5.2 Million Broadband Locations as Result of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction
December 7, 2020 – The Federal Communications Commission on Monday announced that it had awarded $9.3 billion in broadband funds (PDF) for rural Americans, over 10 years, through the recently-concluded Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction. About 5.2 million locations in rural America will now gain
FCC
Advocates for Rural Broadband Providers Commiserate on Flaws in Federal Approach to Funding
September 23, 2020 – Individuals representing different facets of rural broadband – traditional telecom companies, rural electric utilities, wireless providers and state regulators – on Thursday voiced concerns about aspects of the federal government’s rural broadband programs. Many of these players
NTCA
At Rural Broadband Association NTCA, Pai Touts Improvements to Rural Broadband Auctions
September 21, 2020—Speaking Thursday at the fall conference of NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai highlighted recently-announced improvements to the upcoming Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction. The RDOF will provide $20.4 billion over 10 ye
FCC
Americans Skeptical About Tech, Funding For Broadband Maps, Court Classifies Uber and Lyft Drivers as Employees
Americans are skeptical that technological growth is an issue that will positively impact national policy, James Pethokoukis wrote in an American Enterprise Institute blog post on Tuesday. He argued that neither right-leaning nor left-leaning politicians and constituents are willing to embrace the r
Rural
Optimal Network Strategies Will Increase Chances of Receiving Rural Broadband Funds
June 12, 2020 — For regional operators, the stakes are more competitive than ever, as the Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction has significantly accelerated the agency’s efforts to subsidize broadband coverage in unserved areas across America. In a webinar hosted
USTelecom
Work-From-Home Here to Stay, Says Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O’Rielly
June 12, 2020 — Americans will continue to work from home after the spread of the coronavirus is over, said Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O’Rielly in a US Telecom webinar Thursday. O’Rielly predicted that industries that do not require employees to be present in person would mostly c
Rural
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Weighting System Favors Low Latency Technology
June 9, 2020 — The Federal Communications Commission adopted procedures for Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction, or Auction 904, at their open meeting Tuesday. The auction, scheduled to begin October 29, will award up to $16 billion in federal support to existing and prospective br
