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  2. December 2024

December 2024

MIHI helps bridge digital divide, provides application details for Michigan’s BEAD program, releases eligible locations

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is taking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide by announcing the release of the draft Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) eligible location information to prepare internet service providers, communities and others interested in the program for the application period that will launch Jan. 9, 2025. Providing access to affordable high-speed internet will benefit more Michiganders with online learning, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Heartland Forward Announces Strategic Leadership Changes and $500 Million Economic Impact Goal by 2030

Leading think-and-do tank, Heartland Forward announced Executive Vice President Angie Cooper has been named president and chief operating officer, and Ross DeVol, who has led Heartland Forward as president and CEO since its inception, will assume the role of chairman of the board while remaining CEO. These leadership changes come as Heartland Forward pursues a new goal of generating a $500 million economic impact by 2030.

The First State to Reach 100% Fiber? Meet North Dakota’s Broadband Director

North Dakota has the potential to be the first state in the country to bring a fiber connection to 100% of their broadband service locations. Brian Newby, the State Broadband Program Director, said North Dakota is in this position thanks to their forward-thinking providers: “The state had nothing to do with it.” Newby said a provider-led push led to the current reality in which North Dakota enjoys broad fiber coverage. “They went out on a limb as a group and borrowed money to do this over the years.

2024 State broadband special report

Nearly 30 state broadband officers attended the recent Fierce Network Broadband Nation Expo in Washington, D.C., where they outlined some of their top concerns related to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Some of their top issues include when they will disburse funds for broadband projects, who will bid for BEAD monies, what types of technologies they’ll use to deliver broadband to unserved locations and how they’ll set the high-cost thresholds in their states. State broadband officers also talked about the cost and availability of middle-mile networks.

Cable internet service providers compare data caps to food menus: Don’t make us offer unlimited soup

Cable broadband companies continue to insist that data caps are good for people with low incomes, pushing back against comments filed by consumer advocacy groups. NCTA—The Internet & Television Association urged the Federal Communications Commission to avoid regulating the monthly data limits and overage charges that cable firms such as Comcast and Cox impose on many Internet plans.

The Silicon swamp

The incoming Trump administration will give Silicon Valley moguls unprecedented federal power, with tech-friendly officials and policies intertwined throughout government. The

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