NTCA
USDA Announces $173 Million in Additional ReConnect Funding
ReConnect Program funding will flow to ten states.
Rural
Starlink Reveals the Government’s Problem of Picking Winners and Losers
The government has a history of preferencing government-owned networks at the expense of private alternatives.
Advanced Energy
USDA’s Andy Berke Champions Fiber as Key to Rural Broadband Success
Broadband experts cautioned against alternative technologies under BEAD.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Rural Electric Co-ops Want Broadband Data Fixed by FCC Before BEAD
NRECA pushing for consumer-driven speed tests to improve FCC broadband data.
iija
USDA Announces $25M For Broadband Technical Assistance
The money will help communities build technical assistance and training to improve broadband adoption in rural America.
FCC
NTIA to Release Guidelines for Alternative Broadband Technologies Under BEAD
The NTIA aims to influence the use of alternative technologies to fiber optics and streamline permitting processes with new guidelines.
FCC
USDA's ReConnect Program Accepting Applications
The fifth round of funding makes $700 million available for rural broadband.
usda
What's In the FY 2025 Budget for Broadband and Technology
The fiscal year 2025 budget has funds for broadband expansion, tech innovation and digital equity.
BEAD
Flush With BEAD Cash, at Least 13 States Make Plans For ‘Nondeployment’ Funds
Several state offices expect to utilize nondeployment funds in conjunction with infrastructure deployment funds for BEAD.
usda
More Changes Unveiled for Round 5 of the ReConnect Program
Key revisions to this new round of ReConnect include awarding priority points to applications from states with the highest concentrations of unserved locations.
usda
USDA Extends ReConnect Round 5 Application Deadline
If fully utilized, the fifth round ReConnect funding will amount to $700 million.
precision agriculture
Precision Agriculture Task Force Seeks Better Broadband Mapping, Rural Priority
The task force, mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, pushed both the FCC and USDA on mapping and subsidies.
Rural
Sen. Ted Cruz Warns of Potential Waste in BEAD Allocations
The conservative critic of the broadband program highlighted inaccurate FCC mapping data in a report.
usda
$700M for Rural Internet, New CEO at Starry, Semiconductor Manufacturing Partnership
ReConnect funding will go toward 142 projects expected to benefit 314,000 Americans.
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
ReConnect Funding, More Emergency Connectivity Fund Money, 5G Training Grant in South Africa
The Agriculture Department announced $502M will go to service providers in 20 states.
