ReConnect
Senate Confirms Brooke Rollins to Lead USDA
Was approved in a 72-28 vote Thursday; approach to rural broadband issues was not prominently discussed in hearings.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Broadband's Impact
Texas Awards $424.6 million in Broadband Deployment Grants
Most of the grants will fund fiber projects.
SpaceX
Texas Opens Funding for Starlink, LEO Rivals
Plan hopes to expand broadband access in rural communities
Rural
Ookla: South Carolina Tops Nation in a Rural Speed Category
State leaders say improved mapping helped to improve rural speeds
Cox Communications
Cox Announces RDOF Shortfalls in Three States
ISP did not reach its buildout milestones in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Arizona.
Rural
E-BRIDGE Broadband Law Signed by Biden
Removes hurdles for rural broadband deployment projects
Defense Department
Sen. Ernst Introduces Bill to Relocate Executive Agency Employees
FCC does not seem to be affected by the bill.
Rural
NTCA Report Finds Middle Mile Costs Dropping for Rural Providers
High last-mile deployment costs, permitting delays, and inflationary pressures continue to hamper rural broadband expansion.
Rural
Senate Passes Bill to Ease SEC Reporting Rules on Rural Providers
Bill simplifies SEC reporting for providers with High-Cost support and assets under $10 million.
Rural
Cable ISP Trade Group: FCC Data Highlights Broadband Expansion
About 2.1 million rural locations were added between June 2023 and June 2024
5G Wireless
FCC Draft Order Would Loosen RDOF, CAF II Auction Financing Rules
The item would swap out Weiss ratings and let RDOF winner reduce their letters of credit sooner.
Rural
Mercury Broadband Defaults on More RDOF Locations
Missouri-based ISP defaulted on 160 Census Block Groups in Michigan.
Funding
LTD, FCC Argue RDOF Standard of Review in D.C. Circuit
The agency denied the company more than $1 billion in subsidies.
Rural
Mercury Broadband Defaults on Hundreds of RDOF Locations
Largest default was in Michigan, with 640 Census Block Groups
SpaceX
Rosenworcel: Shooting Tragedy Shows Need for Rural Broadband
5G Fund will help reach emergency call centers in rural areas, Chairwoman says.
Ziply
Ziply Fiber Selling to Bell Canada Parent in $5 Billion Deal
Ziply and Bell plan to accelerate fiber growth across both sides of the border.
