ReConnect
USDA Announces Over $770 Million for Rural Infrastructure
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced the launch of the fifth round of the ReConnect Program.
USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a cabinet agency, and includes several broadband-related funding programs.
USTelecom
States and ISPs Strategize to Meet BEAD-Driven Workforce Gaps
The experts expressed doubts about addressing workforce shortages that could potentially stall BEAD build-outs.
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.
Joe Biden
White House Nominates Basil Gooden as Rural Development Chief at USDA
Gooden would be responsible for overseeing the activities of the Rural Utilities Services, an important broadband funding agency.
USDA
Do Not Overlook Other Broadband Programs, say Experts
Other programs can fund BEAD matching requirements.
Farm bill
Push for More ACP Funding, Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force, Great Plains Communications’ Indiana Expansion
Some are projecting that ACP funding will run out early next year.
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.
USDA
Farm Connectivity Bill, FCC’s $20M Fine Proposal, UTOPIA Fiber’s New Government Affairs Director
A new bill would create another grant program under the USDA for connecting farm devices.
USDA
Expert Argues over Definition of Sufficient Internet Speed in Broadband Programs
The 100 Megabits per second download * 20 Mbps upload does not satisfy needs in rural areas, said panelists.
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
FCC Releases Broadband Funding Map, ‘Most’ Map Data Issues Resolved, More Midband Spectrum
The new map allows users to track projects subsidized by the federal government.
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.
USDA
Community Broadband Bill, USDA Technical Assistance Funding, Brian Vo on Public Knowledge Board
Bill by Rep. Anna Eshoo and Sen. Cory Booker would preempt state laws prohibiting municipal broadband projects using public funds.
Expert Opinion
Todd Rigby: How to Troubleshoot Digital Infrastructure Networks Across Industries
In a mesh network, individual devices act as both clients and routers, creating a decentralized digital ecosystem that can expand.
USDA
Sen. John Thune Launches Broadband Oversight Effort
Thune distributed a letter dated Tuesday seeking stakeholder input.
USDA
States and Municipalities Should Move Quickly on Infrastructure Funding, BEAD or Not
Beginning financial planning early and allow time to tweak statutes that may stand in the way of certain funding options.
