Rural
What Happens to the Estimated $2.8 Billion in RDOF Defaults?
The remaining RDOF budget of approximately $14 billion may never be awarded.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
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.
FCC
Farm Bill Should Include Higher Broadband Speed Requirements
Congress should increase speed requirements for the USDA’s broadband programs to encourage fiber builds, committee hears.
Expert Opinion
Mike Conlow: There Really Is Enough Money to Reach Most of the Unserved and Underserved
Estimating how far the money will go does not require advanced math.
Rural
Starry Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Starry said the bankruptcy will put it in a better position to continue offering service.
Rural
Regulation, Reporting Requirements and Oversight Can Make a Difference in Grant Applications
Several documents will improve application competitiveness, said Paul Garnett of Vernonburg Group.
Expert Opinion
Bjorn Capens: Strong Appetite for Rural Broadband Calls for Next Generation Fiber Technology
The first operator to bring fiber to a community creates a significant barrier to entry for competitors.
FCC
Starlink Should Prevail in RDOF Challenge, Says Tech Think Tank
TechFreedom argued that the FCC overstated the flaws of Starlink’s network.
WISP
Wireless Internet Service Providers to Connect More Fiber Points as Bandwidth Consumption Increases
‘The only way to get that density is to get fiber out there. That allows you to get more subs with your wireless.’
Expert Opinion
Kate Forscey: Mobile Broadband Gap Needs to Be Remedied, Too
A recent study by CostQuest suggests that 37,000 more towers are needed to bring mobile coverage up to speed nationwide.
FCC
Republican Congressmen Criticize NTIA, FCC Absence at Farm Bill Hearing
‘Their absence is noted, and it illustrates their indifference towards the needs of rural Americans and our rural communities.’
Chips
New Lumen CEO, Ericsson Testing Drones, Starlink Challenges FCC on RDOF
Johnson will replace former CEO Jeff Storey, who announced his retirement after a 40-year career.
FCC
FCC Commits Additional $800 Million From Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
The authorization comes three weeks after the commission denied funding to Starlink and LTD Broadband.
Rural
Carr ‘Surprised’ by RDOF Denials, ‘New Normal’ on Supply Chain, $68M for Student Connectivity
Carr said he was notified via press release of the FCC decision to deny RDOF money to Starlink and LTD.
