1. Monthly archive
  2. August 2023

August 2023

On 30th Anniversary of FCC Spectrum Auctions, Chairwoman Rosenworcel Calls for Congressional Renewal of Expired Authority

Federal Communications Commission spectrum auctions have fueled American growth for three decades. The agency has held 100 auctions and in the process raised more than $233 billion for the United States Treasury. It’s not just that these auctions are a good deal; they are a big reason why the United States leads the world in wireless innovation. They are also an essential part of our economic and national security. The current lapse in spectrum auction authority is unprecedented and it puts this leadership at risk.

FCC Proposes Voluntary Cybersecurity Labeling Program for Internet-Enabled Devices

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comment on a proposal to create a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program that would provide consumers with clear information about the security of their internet-enabled devices, commonly called “Internet of Things” (IoT) or “smart” devices.

Lumos Signs $1.1 Billion Sustainability-Linked Infrastructure Debt Financing

Lumos Fiber successfully signed a $1.1 billion sustainability-linked infrastructure financing to fund its ambitious fiber roll-out plans and refinance existing indebtedness. This represents the first ever project finance style fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure financing in the US for an existing and integrated FTTH platform, and the first US FTTH sustainability-linked financing structure.

Tillman gets $500 Million from Northleaf for open access fiber build in 5 states

Tillman FiberCo received a $200 million investment from Northleaf Capital Partners to fuel plans to build an open-access fiber network in five states. The deal with Northleaf leaves the door open to another $300 million investment when the time is right. Founded in 2021, Tillman FiberCo is a subsidiary of Tillman Global Holdings, whose other subsidiary, Tillman Networks, is a well-known player in the telecommunications construction world. But unlike its sister company, Tillman FiberCo not only designs and builds fiber networks, but also owns them.

Michigan broadband chief: Only ‘one shot’ for universal broadband access

As a two-peninsula state, Michigan has broadband accessibility challenges others states may not have, said Eric Frederick, chief connectivity officer at the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI).

Are anchor institutions the forgotten piece of BEAD?

As state leaders forge proposals for Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding, local stakeholders are imploring them not to forget about the role of community anchor institutions (CAI). CAIs are rooted entities such as hospitals, schools, universities, and government agencies that drive economic growth and social welfare in their communities. “If you're building out to those unserved homes, and there are anchor institutions, you might as well connect the anchors while you're there,” said John Windhausen, founder and executive director of the 

Fires on Maui destroy telecommunications equipment, adding to emergency

Cell towers and other telecommunications  equipment have been destroyed in the wildfires burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Similarly, the electric grid suffered outages, and telecom equipment also relies on the grid. The lack of telecom service has made things worse for people calling for help and evacuation. Justen Burdette, CEO of Mobi, a Hawaiian wireless provider said, “The devastation in Lāhainā is just incomprehensible. So many folks have lost their homes, their small businesses—but to lose an entire community?

What does breaking up Big Tech really mean?

The Big Four—Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Alphabet—are unquestionably in the government’s crosshairs. Yet their stocks are more valuable than ever, which suggests that investors, at least, are betting that the antitrust hullaballoo won’t add up to much. Why?  One reason is that in going after Big Tech, trustbusters are going after some of the most popular companies in America. Surveys routinely find that Amazon is the most trusted company in the US, with Google and Apple not far behind in the “most admired” rankings.

Sen Hassan, FCC Chair Rosenworcel connect with officials and advocates to talk high-speed Internet access

State and local officials, telecommunications leaders, and advocates for high-speed Internet gathered at Keene State’s Alumni Center to connect with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission. The group of 10 officials and advocates reviewed the state’s efforts to expand the reach of broadband and fiber optic Internet to underserved communities and residents. Sen. Hassan recognized that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed the US Senate on Aug.

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