Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on April 3, 2024 – The Promise of Precision Agriculture
Efforts to enhance broadband connectivity on agricultural land are gaining momentum
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
SpaceX
FCC Proposes $22 Million Fine Against LTD Over RDOF
The company was one of the biggest to default on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction.
Rural
Florida’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume Two
The state may request a waiver to make RDOF areas eligible for BEAD.
BDC
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.
Cox Communications
Cable Companies Looking to Stay Competitive Amid Public Grant Programs
Cable companies can leverage low upgrade costs and network operating experience to win grants, executives said.
Rural
Charter CEO Says Company is Optimistic About Rural Expansion
A rural build required as part of the company’s Time Warner Cable purchase was surprisingly profitable, Chris Winfrey said.
BEAD 2026
Middle Mile Infrastructure Will be Key to Support BEAD Builds: Experts
Experts cited a lack of middle mile as the biggest obstacle to reaching many unserved areas.
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.
Rural
CAF II Auction Recipients Push FCC to Extend Letter of Credit Waiver, Relax Restrictions
The agency proposed a shorter, more restrictive waiver.
IIJA
White House Announces Fourth Round of ReConnect: $667 Million
Announcement includes investments in 22 states for 100 * 20 Mbps speeds.
FCC
FCC Data and Privacy Task Force, Cisco Acquiring Data Companies, Spectrum Expands Services in Missouri
The task force will focus on addressing privacy and data protection issues in the communications industry.
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.
SpaceX
What Happens to the Estimated $2.8 Billion in RDOF Defaults?
The remaining RDOF budget of approximately $14 billion may never be awarded.
Expert Opinion
Tom Reid: Accountability in Broadband Maps Necessary for BEAD to Achieve Mission
The sheer magnitude of the overstatements in the FCC’s map makes the challenge process untenable.
FCC
FCC Commissioner Carr Criticizes BEAD Fiber Priority Ahead of Funding Allocation
The NTIA has acknowledged a clear preference for fiber in its bipartisan infrastructure deployment effort.
Rural
Experts Clash Over Whether Reverse Auctions Are Ideal for BEAD Grants
Reverse auctions would stretch funding further.
