Briefs
Blackfoot Communications Defaults on Hundreds of RDOF Locations
Surrendered locations could be eligible for BEAD funding.
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.
Fiber
FiberLight to Acquire Metro Fiber Networks
Acquisition opens new corridor from Virginia Beach to Data Center Alley in Northern Virginia, and also Atlanta and Charlotte.
Broadband Mapping and Data
FCC’s New Broadband Fabric Now Governs High-Cost Program Oversight
States, ISPs still struggling to challenge its accuracy
Funding
Missouri Wants FCC to Return $177 Million in Defaulted Grants
More than 85,000 locations meant to be served by the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund remain without service.
Infrastructure
Charter Foresees Cash Flow Surge, Shrugs Off BEAD
With major network upgrades complete, Charter CEO said the ISP was ready to cash in.
Earnings
Charter Reports 177,000 Broadband Sub Loss in Q4
The number missed expectations but was better than what Comcast reported Thursday.
BEAD Data
FCC’s Broadband Mapping Fabric Will Now Drive Other Agency Programs
FCC’s new mapping fabric will drive Rural Digital Opportunity Fund 'true-up'.
Cox Communications
Cox Announces RDOF Shortfalls in Three States
ISP did not reach its buildout milestones in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Arizona.
Infrastructure
Broadband Experts Give Biden's Internet Legacy Mixed Remarks
The $42.5 billion BEAD initiative emerged as the administration's greatest achievement though its implementation drew mixed reviews.
Funding
Virginia Broadband Project Overlap Resolved
The FCC granted RiverStreet's request to hand back RDOF locations covered by a competing county project.
12 Days of Broadband
A Troubled Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Program Comes Due
The first deployment deadline for RDOF passed on Dec. 31, 2024 – yesterday.
Treasury Department
Small ISP Questions Delaware's BEAD Awards
The state plans to spend its surplus BEAD cash on workforce development and network resilience projects.
SpaceX
A Big Launch Year for Low Earth Orbit Satellites
2024 marked the year LEOs went from experimental to expansive.
SpaceX
Maine, New Mexico Want Starlink Part of the Mix: Balancing Trade-Offs and Concerns
Some of these locations may require $100,000 for a terrestrial wireline connection.
Farm bill
Former RUS Leader Keeps Backing a Fiber-First Approach
‘To make America great again, you need ubiquitous, high-speed broadband.’
FCC
FCC Opens Airwaves for Low Power Devices, Loosens Financing for Broadband
Both orders were adopted unanimously.
