1. Monthly archive
  2. March 2024

March 2024

As FCC Formally Announces Last Full ACP Month, Providers Face Big Decisions

April will officially be the last full month for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to insufficient funding. The FCC will let providers know soon about the amount to expect per customer in May, leaving the providers with a choice to make. Should they end their participation in the program after April? Should they pass on a partial benefit to customers for May and require the customers to pay the extra portion?

Affordable Connectivity Program Bridge

This white paper ultimately represents the story of how our newly formed office found an efficient and effective way to address the digital divide in our community through the development of a novel local benefit program, as told by our associate Augusta Groeschel-Johnson.

Gaming the BEAD Maps

From all over the country, I’m hearing stories about internet service providers who are gaming the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband maps in order to block areas from being eligible for the BEAD grants. It’s relatively easy for a provider to do this. All that’s needed is to declare the capability to deliver a speed of 100/20 Mbps in the FCC maps. Providers can largely do this with impunity. The archaic FCC rules allow providers to claim ‘up-to’ marketing speeds in the maps.

California PUC Will Accept Loan Loss Reserve Program Applications

California's Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund is a $500 million fund that provides a credit enhancement related to the financing of local broadband infrastructure development. The reserve fund expands the ability of local governments, tribes and non-profits to secure financing for building last-mile projects, with an emphasis on public broadband networks. The Fund will provide collateral to local governments to enable more favorable borrowing rates and terms for bonds issued to deploy broadband infrastructure. The Fund was established in 2021. The benefits of the Fund include:

Akron (OH) residents will have affordable broadband internet access by 2030, says Mayor Shammas Malik

Akron (OH) Mayor Shammas Malik announced a long-term plan to bring affordable high speed internet to all city residents. Through a partnership with SiFi Networks, $200 million will be invested in a plan to install, maintain and operate an underground fiber optic internet network by the above targeted year of 2030. SiFi Networks plans to foot the entire $200 million bill at no cost to the city of Akron. “In 2024, it is essential that every person in Akron has access to high-speed, affordable internet,” said Mayor Malik.

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