1. Monthly archive
  2. February 2022

February 2022

Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves at the Rural Broadband Table in Atlanta

Today, it is very easy for us to take the internet for granted. But broadband has such a huge impact on our lives. 90% of Americans say that the internet has been essential or important to them during the pandemic. Yet, we know that access to broadband and the internet is not created equal, with more than 30 million Americans lacking access to reliable broadband, and the problem is worse in minority and rural communities.

The Push to Expand Rural Broadband Unfolds Across State Government

More than 42 million Americans lack broadband access, including many in rural communities, according to research group BroadbandNow, which provides independent data on broadband access and policy. Now, states have access to significant federal funding to improve the situation. The American Rescue Plan Act earmarked $350 billion for a variety of services for state and local agencies, including expanded broadband access.

Cable One scraps 100 Mbps plan as high-speed demand rises

Cable One unveiled a plan to ditch its 100 Mbps plan at the end of Q1 and make a 200 Mbps tier its entry-level offering, citing strong demand for higher-speed services. CEO Julie Laulis said approximately 22% of its residential broadband customers are currently on its 100 Mbps plan, but “200 meg will become – and quite honestly it already is – our standard offering.” She said the move comes in response to consumer demand for faster speeds, noting four out of five new customers in Q4 opted for speeds at or above 200 Mbps.

Broadband Buildout Accountability Act would Increase Transparency in Public Investment in Broadband Deployment

Sen Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) to increase transparency for a $42 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Package (BIF) broadband buildout grant awarded to the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA), which is currently exempted from transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

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