April 2023

A First Look at the Evolving National Broadband Map

Maps of broadband availability are critical inputs for targeting public programs aiming to address disparities in digital equity, such as the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. In 2020, the Broadband DATA Act called on the Federal Communications Commission to create new, more granular, maps of broadband availability in the US.

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $40 Million to Bring High-Speed Internet to People in Rural New Mexico

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Department is investing $40 million to provide high-speed internet access for people living and working in rural areas in New Mexico. The three projects being announced today in New Mexico are:

FCC Releases Tutorials on Responding to Mobile Wireless Challenges

The Federal Communications Commission's Broadband Data Task Force announced the release of two tutorial videos to educate providers on how to prepare and submit responses to challenges to mobile wireless coverage data filed in the Broadband Data Collection (BDC). The first video provides an overview of the FCC's rules for responding to a challenge, timelines for mobile service providers to respond to challenges, how a provider can demonstrate mobile coverage in an area, and types of evidence that may be used to rebut a challenge in different scenarios.

Over 17 Million Households Enroll in Affordable Connectivity Program

The Federal Communications Commission announced a series of enhancements to the online consumer application system for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to make it easier for eligible consumers to apply and enroll in the program. The nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability effort, the ACP is now supporting internet connections in 17 million households.