Broadband in the Next Administration Don't miss the chance to learn about BEAD, spectrum, Universal Service Fund reform, and the future of the internet. Lawmakers Take Important Step Forward with Spectrum Pipeline Act The introduction of the Spectrum Pipeline Act represents an important step toward attempting to restore the FCC’s auction authority. Sweden’s Open Access Fiber Deployment Offers Lessons for U.S. Strategy The country boasts internet penetration with 98% served with Gigabit symmetrical speeds. Broadband Measurement Summit Moderators, Special Address Speakers Announced Moderators to guide multi-faceted coversation at Broadband Measurement Summit on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Broadband People: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez Appoints Key Staff Deena Shetler is chief of staff, Edyael Casaperalta will cover wireless, and Hayley Steffen will cover wireline. FCC to Vote on Emergency Alerts, Space Stations, Robocalls and Microphones The commission is set to consider robocall rules, emergency alerts. Oklahoma Broadband Office Greenlights 142 Projects Worth $374 Million The broadband programs were selected from a list curated by the Oklahoma Broadband Office. Universal Service Administrative Company Updates Connect America Fund Map Providers reported progress on rebuilding and expanding networks in Puerto Rico. Los Angeles Passes Resolution Banning Digital Redlining by ISPs The city council unanimously voted to address concerns about digital discrimination and formulate new anti-discriminatory policies. Eric Bathras: The Lesson from BTOP is De-risking Vendor Supply Chains Broadband infrastructure projects need to exemplify innovation in management of procurement processes. Affordable Connectivity Cutoff Notices Spark Effort to Save Program and Preserve Access The first of a series of deadlines on Thursday signaled the onset of cutoff notices. President Biden Touts Broadband Expansion Efforts in Wisconsin Visit Broadband was part of the reelection campaign's emphasis on infrastructure. FCC Adopts Rules on 911 Routing, Disaster Reporting at January Meeting The agency also clarified space debris mitigation rules and moved to fine pirate radio stations. Comments on E-Rate Modernization Call for Wired Connectivity Solutions Schools, groups want more out of E-Rate. Washington State Looking to Start BEAD Challenge Process in April The state is still waiting on a green light from the NTIA, but expects approval 'very soon.' Senators: New Agency Needed to Oversee Big Tech and AI The senators cite social media harms on children's mental health, and potential harms from AI. Emily Drabinski: Will Congress Keep Its Broadband Promise? Or will it cut the cord for millions of Americans? Chamber of Commerce Asks Fifth Circuit to Vacate Digital Discrimination Rules The group has argued the rules go beyond the FCC's authority under the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act. Pennsylvania Broadband Authority Sees No Conflict in State Preemption Law and BEAD Rules State broadband authority modified its BEAD plan after public feedback cast doubt on the its ability to override state law. FCC Chief Says More Than 20 Percent of Affordable Connectivity Signups are New Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel used USAC data to highlight the high rate of new ACP signups. NTIA to Release AI Accountability Report 'This Winter' The document will suggest policies for auditing AI systems, the agency's top official said. CPF Allocates $228 Million to Launch Open Access Grant Program in New York The state also announced a call for applications for the funds. NTIA Extends Tribal Broadband Application Window Tribal governments can now submit proposals through March 22, 2024, rather than January 23. Carl Guardino: The Time is Now for 100% Broadband Access in the U.S. The average cost to connect fiber in a given state hovers in the neighborhood of $7,000 per home. Movement to Restore R&D Tax Credit Prompts Broadband Interest Since 2022, companies have had to amortize R&D expenses over a 5-year period. Illinois, Indiana and Georgia Announce Plans for BEAD Challenges Illinois aims to kick off the challenge process on Monday, January 29, and Indiana plans a March 4 start INCOMPAS Drives City Preparedness for Broadband Funding with BroadLAND Initiatives Key objectives include streamlining permitting applications to facilitate wireless and fiber deployment. Consolidated Fears Losing RDOF Funding Over Bank’s Low Rating Wells Fargo’s Weiss bank safety rating fell to C+ for Consolidated, one notch below the minimum B- rating required. AAPB Opposes Bill Forcing Kentucky Utility to Divest Telecommunications Unit The bill would give Frankfort a deadline of Dec. 31, 2024 to either transfer or sell the utility’s public projects. Broadband Infrastructure Program From 2021 Offers Early Signs of NTIA Public-Private Success The $288 million program was a component of the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Consolidated Appropriations Act. Low-income Californians Cite Cost as Significant Barrier, Experts Mourn Loss of ACP Without action by Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program is likely to run out of funds by April 2024. Sean Gonsalves: New Municipal Broadband Networks Skyrocket in Post-Pandemic America Since January 1, 2021, at least 47 new municipal networks have come online, with dozens more in planning or pre-construction. President Biden Unveils $82 Million Investment to Expand Internet Access in North Carolina The money will fund the Broadband Stop Gap Solutions Program. NTIA Must Outline Clear Spectrum Auction Targets for U.S. 5G Leadership: CTIA CTIA’s strategy calls for resolving deficit in private access to lower 3 GHz band. Eric Fruits: Slouching Toward the End of the Affordable Connectivity Program Despite bipartisan support for a bill to extend ACP, several powerful Republican members of Congress decry the program as 'wasteful'. Funding and Unified Standards Essential for Open RAN: Experts Dish is planning to stand up an NTIA-funded testing facility in the next 6 months. Industry Groups Urge Fixes to FCC's Cybersecurity Labeling at House Hearing The Connectivity Standards Alliance suggested that the program remain voluntary and that the FCC not mandate label. How States Are Using Money from the Capital Projects Fund Over $9 billion of the program's $10 billion budget for the CPF has been allocated, director says. Consumers' Research Asks for Supreme Court Review of Eleventh Circuit USF Ruling The group thinks the Fifth Circuit is poised to issue a conflicting decision. Rhode Island Invites Public Feedback on Digital Equity Plan The state is gearing up to receive money from the NTIA's digital equity capacity grant program. FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program Shutdown Silent on Broadband Labels What will happen to the agency’s rules that legally require ISPs to display broadband 'nutrition' labels that promote the ACP? Drew Clark: Look to the Global South to Understand BEAD in America What can the United States learn from broadband deployments in the Global South? CES 2024: NTIA and House Commerce Weigh in on Spectrum Policy Reinstating FCC auction authority is the 'number one priority' of the Energy and Commerce Committee Chair. Ted Hearn: A Supreme Court Case About Fish Could Harpoon The FCC Opponents of the Chevron Doctrine aver that judicial deference has gone too far. Provider Says FCC Should Freeze Affordable Connectivity Program Transfers After February 7, the FCC is not going to require ISPs to accept ACP transfers. CES 2024: Industry Wants Federal Data Privacy Law The current patchwork of state laws makes compliance difficult, said representatives from T-Mobile and Meta. Bruce Kushnick: Look Overseas, America's Prices for Broadband are Out of Control America's prices are 5–10 times higher than comparable data from other countries. CES 2024: Senators Talk Priorities on AI, Broadband Connectivity Lawmakers called for guardrails on AI systems and more ACP funding. FCC Issues Timeline for ACP Wind Down The FCC order came a day after bipartisan legislation was introduced to extend ACP. CES 2024: NTIA to Release Spectrum Strategy Implementation Plan in March The plan will hand down start dates and timelines for the strategy's goals. Industry Groups Plea for Funding to Address Secure Network Shortfall The trade groups argue that carriers initiated the 'rip and replace' procedure with the expectation of full reimbursement. CES 2024: Biden Administration Announces Deal with EU on Cyber Trust Mark The White House is looking to get the mark on products 'by next year.' CES 2024: FCC and AT&T Say Collaboration is Key in Combatting Spam The Commission has been aggressive on spam this year, and AT&T has been working to improve filters on its networks. CES 2024: FCC Commissioners Talk Net Neutrality, Spectrum, Favorite Gadgets Commissioners Brendan Carr and Anna Gomez spoke at the event 'Conversation with a Commissioner' panel. Chip Pickering: 'Broadband Ready City Checklist' a 5-Point Guide for Cities The checklist covers fair and reasonable costs, timely permitting reviews, greater transparency and innovative deployment processes. CES 2024: NTIA Announces $50 Million Grant for DISH from Wireless Innovation Fund The money will fund a testing facility for open RAN equipment. Bipartisan Bill Proposes $7 Billion Extension for Affordable Connectivity Program The bill would extend funding at least through 2024. CTIA Urges FCC Extension for Implementing SIM Swap Safeguards The wireless association is asking for more time because of technical complexities of new rules. CES 2024: More Spectrum and Auction Authority Necessary for 5G The White House released a long-term spectrum plan in November, but the FCC still lacks auction authority. Big Cities Turn To FCC To Tap Cable Broadband Fees Under current Federal Communications Commission rules, cable’s broadband revenue is off limits to local taxing authorities. CES 2024: Siemens Announces New Partnerships with AWS, Sony The company kicked off CES with a pitch for industrial tech. Broadband Measurement Summit Announced for March 7 With state broadband challenges underway, Broadband Measurement Summit brings BEAD into dialogue with FCC nutrition labels. FCC Unveils Plans to Phase Out Affordable Connectivity Program Despite efforts to secure additional funding, the FCC is initiating steps to cease new enrollments and establish an official end-date. Alabama, Florida Propose Making RDOF Locations BEAD-Eligible There are concerns about RDOF's possible lack of impact in areas of their states. FCC: Only Five Firms Have Finished ‘Rip and Replace’ of China Gear Congress appropriated $1.9 billion, but with $4.98 billion in applications, there is a $3.08 billion shortfall. Broadband People: Rusty Williams Is New CEO of Utilities Technology Council The announcement of Williams' appointment comes nearly 8 months after departure of the prior CEO. FCC Concludes Review of Rural Digital Opportunity Applications with More Defaults Nearly one-third of the money awarded through RDOF was defaulted on. Dish Files Petition for Reconsideration on SpaceX Testing The company is concerned about interference in adjacent bands. Colorado to Begin BEAD Challenge Process Next Week The NTIA approved the state's plan on Wednesday, the state said. NTIA Approves Delaware Initial Proposal, Volume 1 The state will begin accepting challenges to government broadband data 'within the next few weeks.' $113 Million in Broadband Grants Aim to Empower Colorado’s Local Providers All but one of the awardees are Colorado-based internet service providers. FCC Rules Face Litigation Risk in 2024, Note Journalists A potentially active Supreme Court and its 'major questions' doctrine could pose challenges for the FCC. Florida Announces $13 Million for Broadband Devices The money will allow community centers to loan devices like laptops and routers. Draft BEAD Plans Looking to Mark Some Fixed Wireless 'Underserved' Ohio's move was blocked by the NTIA, but Vermont's and Georgia's survived edits from the agency. NTIA Endorses FCC's Proposed Increase of Broadband Speed Benchmark The FCC sought comment on upping the definition to 100 * 20 Mbps. 12 Days of Broadband: State Regulations and Children's Safety Online 12 year olds (and older) having to age-verify on social media may become more common going forward. 12 Days of Broadband: Net Neutrality Is the Issue That Never Dies It's been 11 years since Verizon filed arguments against the FCC in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. 12 Days of Broadband: Nearly 10 Months Without FCC Spectrum Authority As the global race for 5G dominance continues, a significant hurdle looms ahead. 12 Days: Middle Mile Investments and the Push for Internet Exchange Points NTIA’s Enabling Middle Mile Program will facilitate the installation of over 12,000 miles of fiber-optic cable. In Year-End Message, FCC Chairwoman Urges Affordable Connectivity Funding The low-income internet subsidy could run out of funding as early as April 2024. 12 Days: FCC Issued Rules Against Digital Discrimination In religious traditions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and others, 8 represents the idea of balance, justice and fairness. NTIA Issues Clarifying Policy Notice on BEAD Uniform Guidance The agency is adjusting the federal government’s grant rules for the program. All 56 States and Territories Submit BEAD Initial Proposals The NTIA confirmed it received all plans for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program by the December 27 deadline. 12 Days: In 2023, a Rising Tide of Open Access Networks Open access networks can be better understand through the 7-layered Open Systems Interconnection 12 Days: Biden’s Signature CHIPS Act Spurs Investments and China Concerns On the one year anniversary, the White House touted investment of one-hundred-and-66 billion dollars. 12 Days: For State Broadband Offices, 2023 Was All About BEAD All 56 states and territories have released for comment their Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment proposals. 12 Days: Broadband Mapping Efforts Ramped up in 2023 FCC staff processed 4.8 million challenges to coverage data and 1.5 million challenges to location data. 12 Days: How Soon Will the Affordable Connectivity Program Expire? The remaining funds are anticipated to be depleted by May 2024, according to the ACP Dashboard tracker. 12 Days: Pole Attachment Changes in 2023 Set Stage for BEAD Implementation Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC's recent move was an effort to ease friction for BEAD deployments. April 2, 2024: Public-Private Broadband Partnerships The digital infrastructure is evolving at exponential rates and the demand for smarter systems and a more connected world is imperative to the progression of our communities. March 19, 2024: Broadband Analytics Seminar How quickly is the installed base of fiber growing? How does the rate of growth vary by state and by county? Broadband Breakfast on March 13, 2024 – Quantum Computing and Broadband Quantum computing could be a harbinger of change for future broadband networks Broadband Breakfast on February 7, 2024 – Congress, Net Neutrality and Privacy Sharply divided views pour in following the FCC’s proposal to reinstate the once-scrapped regulation Broadband Breakfast on January 31, 2024 – Broadband Mapping and BEAD Challenges Tune in for the latest updates on BEAD mapping and challenge process. Broadband Breakfast on January 24, 2024–Preparing for 20th Anniversary of the Pulver Order The Pulver Order opened up competition in internet voice services by freeing it from traditional telecom regulations. Broadband Breakfast on January 17, 2024 – Broadband Deployment from India, Australia, South Africa What can the United States learn from fascinating broadband deployments in the Global South? Broadband Breakfast on January 10, 2024 – Live from Las Vegas at CES 2024 Tune in for Broadband Breakfast Live Online from CES 2024 in Las Vegas. 12 Days: Is ChatGPT Artificial General Intelligence or Not? On the First Day of Broadband, my true love sent to me: One Artificial General Intelligence Wi-Fi and 5G Industries Pleased with WRC Outcomes The conference tapped the 6 GHz band for mobile networks, but left the door open for unlicensed use. Broadband Breakfast Presents the 12 Days of Broadband With the Winter Solstice upon us, Broadband Breakfast today presents the first of its '12 Days of Broadband' Download Speeds Are Primary Factor in Users' Broadband Decisions: Ookla The battle for users intensifies due to competitive responses from cable, DSL, fiber and even satellite providers. NTIA Advisory Committee Endorses Improvements to Citizens Broadband Radio Service Stakeholders widely agreed the framework is effective, the committee said. John Cinicolo: Mobile Technology Evolution in 2023 and Expectations in 2024 5G enhancements have been a primary focus this past year. Broadband Breakfast on January 3, 2024 – The Broadband Forecast in 2024 What will the biggest shifts in infrastructure and connectivity be in 2024? Former Utah House Speaker Spearheads Campaign Against UTOPIA Fiber The rapidly expanding open access network has historically faced consistent opposition from anti-muni groups. Broadband Breakfast on December 27, 2023 – The 12 Days of Broadband On the 12 Days of Broadband, my true love gave to me…. Starlink Plans to Join Affordable Connectivity Fund Subsidy Program Starlink has deployed about 5,500 satellites into low earth orbit, and the current generation service produces 'urban-quality' broadband, said official. FCC Issues Cease and Desist Order on Robocalls Two companies will have 48 hours to mitigate the potentially illegal traffic. President Biden Signs Law Giving FCC Limited Authority Over Spectrum Licenses Under the 5G SALE Act, the FCC will be able to issue 8,000 licenses purchased before its spectrum auction authority expired in March. Emma Gautier: Broadband Labels Help Transparent Providers Show Off Their Service 'It should be easy to understand what you are paying and what you are getting for that price.' South Carolina Announces $112 Million in Capital Project Funds Grants The 17 projects are slated to get broadband to more than 16,000 homes and businesses. House Republicans Accuse NTIA of Violating Rate Regulation Rules of Infrastructure Act Approving state BEAD plans that mandate affordable prices violates the law, they said. Republican Lawmakers Criticize ACP as 'Wasteful' in Letter to FCC Chairwoman The internet subsidy for low-income households is set to dry up without Congressional action. Kansas Begins BEAD Challenge Process The state is processing claims of incorrect broadband data ahead of funding infrastructure with its $451 million allocation. Eleventh Circuit Rules in Favor of USF Constitutionality The Fifth Circuit is rehearing a similar case filed by the same conservative nonprofit. In a First, Louisiana Receives NTIA Approval of Both BEAD Initial Proposals Louisiana is taking a major step’ forward on internet access, said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Wisconsin Receives Another $140 Million in Capital Project Funding The money will go to upgrading broadband equipment in community centers and apartment buildings. Virginia and NTIA at Odds on BEAD Low-Cost Option The state wants to avoid setting out a price or formula for what BEAD-funded providers can charge low-income households. NTIA Plans AI Review, Section 230 AI Bill, FCC Announces More ECF Funding The NTIA announced how it will address President Biden’s executive order on AI. Brant Carter: For Faster Fiber Buildout, Combine GIS, Deployment and Operations Tightening connections between network operators, asset owners, and contractors catches surprises earlier. FCC Upholds Denial of Starlink’s RDOF Application The company was slated to receive nearly $900 million in broadband subsidies. Diverse Groups File Amicus Briefs Against Florida and Texas Social Media Laws The Supreme Court will decide whether the social media laws violate the First Amendment. Joel Thayer: No 5G Spectrum Means No Digital Future The 5G war is on and there’s a lot of concern about the U.S. position vis-a-vis China. Panelists Debate Whether Lease-Utility Model Offers Open Access Benefits At the Digital Infrastructure Investment Summit, five experts debate the essence of 'open access networks'. Broadband Breakfast on December 20, 2023 – Space Wars: What to Expect from Satellite Broadband SpaceX and Amazon are poised to blanket the skies with thousands more satellites. Broadband Breakfast on December 13, 2023 – The Affordable Connectivity Program at Year’s End ACP’s future remains uncertain as funding is projected to dry up by early 2024. Load more posts