Funding
USDA's ReConnect Program Accepting Applications
The fifth round of funding makes $700 million available for rural broadband.
Funding
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.
Funding
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.
Funding
USDA Extends ReConnect Round 5 Application Deadline
If fully utilized, the fifth round ReConnect funding will amount to $700 million.
Rural
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.
Funding
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.
$700M for Rural Internet, New CEO at Starry, Semiconductor Manufacturing Partnership
ReConnect funding will go toward 142 projects expected to benefit 314,000 Americans.
Funding
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.
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.
Funding
Specific Mapping is Key to the ReConnect Application, USDA Says
The mapping tool in the ReConnect application process allows applicants to designate proposed routes.
Federal Agencies
FCC Urged to Address Overbuilding and Broadband Tech Neutrality in Agency Coordination
The FCC should incorporate the mapping data from local governments to avoid overbuilding, ensure technology neutrality.
podcasts
Broadband Breakfast for Lunch on June 8, 2022 — Preparing for Federal Broadband Funding with the Rural Utilities Service’s Christopher McLean
Join Acting Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chris McLean on June 8 at Broadband Breakfast for Lunch
Funding
NTIA Urging Partnerships with Local Broadband Officials for Infrastructure Money
The NTIA held a webinar urging local partnerships for applicants of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.
Funding
Biden Budget Includes $600 Million for Rural Broadband
The money will add to the USDA’s ReConnect program.
Broadband in the Omnibus, Facebook on Hate Speech, Advocacy for Keeping Russians Online
The Senate has passed an omnibus spending bill that furthers broadband funding and will now head to Biden’s desk.
