1. Monthly archive
  2. June 2023

June 2023

Sponsor: 

Fiber Broadband Association

Date: 
Tue, 06/27/2023 - 11:00 to 12:00

This discussion will delve into the crucial role of early stakeholder engagement in achieving successful projects that are embraced and championed by the local community. Through a combination of real-life success stories and cautionary tales, along with helpful approaches and resources, the panel will demonstrate the need for customized approaches rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all formula for success.


Sponsor: 

Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition

Date: 
Wed, 06/28/2023 - 13:00

Lessons learned from the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and its implications for the ongoing E-rate program.

Congress allocated a significant $7 billion to the ECF two years ago, enabling anchor institutions, including schools and libraries, to provide crucial broadband access to homes during the pandemic. As the ECF program gradually winds down, now is the perfect time to reflect on its impact and explore which aspects of the ECF should be integrated into the ongoing E-rate program.


Sponsor: 

Fiber Broadband Association

Date: 
Wed, 06/28/2023 - 10:30

A key ingredient to successfully deploying a high-speed internet or fiber project is to collaborate with local governments. Counties are on the front lines of ensuring their residents receive access to quality, high-speed internet services that will allow residents to thrive.


House Appropriators Approve Bill on Fiscal Year 2024 Budget for FCC, Other Agencies

The House Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government approved a fiscal year 2024 bill, providing funding for certain federal agencies and proposes, among other things, $381.9 million for the Federal Communications Commission, which is $8.2 million below the FY 2023 enacted level. The bill would prohibit the FCC from from changing rules regarding single connection or primary line restrictions—and from increasing the minimum service standard for the Lifeline program.

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture Bill

The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved, on a 28-0 vote, the fiscal year 2024 Agriculture bill. The committee provides $98 million for the ReConnect program at the Department of Agriculture. The committee again reminds USDA that funding should not be used in areas that are already largely served and should be focused in areas where at least 90% of households lack access. In doing so, the committee intends that USDA

Senators Suggest FCC Explore Supplemental Funding for RDOF Winners

Since Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) concluded, it has become more expensive to deploy broadband due to rampant increases in construction materials, equipment, and labor costs. Given the challenges, RDOF winners—especially smaller providers—are facing, we appreciate your review of the following options:

Satellite internet is on the way after Arctic fiber cut unplugs part of Alaska

Satellite internet competitors OneWeb and SpaceX are in the running to reconnect Alaskans after ice damaged a sub-sea fiber-optic cable in the Arctic Ocean. While repairs are expected to take an additional six to eight weeks, satellites could help locals weather the widespread outage.

At Nominations Hearing, Sen. Cruz Calls Out Fraud-Risk in Affordable Connectivity Program

The [Federal Communications Commission] exercises tremendous power not only over the media, but also over consumers’ pocketbooks. Through the Universal Service Fund (USF) the agency has imposed burdensome taxes on American consumers to fund inefficient, ever-expanding programs. Nominees must be good stewards of funding and stand up for taxpayers’ interests. Despite being repeatedly excoriated by the [Government Accountability Office] and economists for failing to track where USF money was going, the current FCC leadership failed to learn from past mistakes in setting up the Affordable Conne

Treasury Department Announces Approval of Federal Funds to Connect 33,000 in Washington State

The US Department of the Treasury approved $195.7 million for high-speed internet projects in Washington state from the Capital Projects Fund (CPF).

© 1994-2024 Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. All Rights Reserved.