ReConnect
Bill Proposes to Modify ReConnect Program in Favor of Small Provider Applicants
The bill would create a ‘mini-grant program’ and an interagency broadband council.
Rural
$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.
EPA
Specific Mapping is Key to the ReConnect Application, USDA Says
The mapping tool in the ReConnect application process allows applicants to designate proposed routes.
Rural
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.
ReConnect
Agriculture Department Announces Fourth Round of ReConnect Funding
The announcement is the second round of ReConnect funding in fiscal year 2022.
Broadband Live
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
Infrastructure
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.
Joe Biden
Biden Budget Includes $600 Million for Rural Broadband
The money will add to the USDA’s ReConnect program.
Alexander Lukashenko
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.
ReConnect
ReConnect Rep Warns of ISPs Asking for More Subsidies Than Needed for Builds
Shekinah Pepper said Wednesday tribal communities should be on alert for service providers asking for chunks of subsidies upfront.
ReConnect
Rosenworcel and Sohn Expected On FCC, Electric Coops Praise USDA Program, Internet Speeds Up 40%
Report says Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel will be permanent and Gigi Sohn will break the party tie on the FCC.
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
House Appropriations
Coronavirus Roundup: House Passes HEROES Act, USDA Investment in Iowa, Pai Discourages T-Band Auction
The House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, a coronavirus response bill, with a bipartisan 208 to 199 vote Friday. The $3 trillion legislation invests in testing, tracing and treatment, provides strong support for workers on the front lines with funding for state and local governments and ha
Federal Agencies
USDA Announces Broadband Infrastructure Grants for Rural New Mexico Towns
May 6, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced $23 million in grant investments for rural broadband infrastructure in New Mexico on Tuesday. The three recipients, Pueblo of Acoma, Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative and ENMR Telephone Cooperative, will receive the funds through
