Federal Agency

FCC Releases Fifth Version of National Broadband Map

The Federal Communications Commission's Broadband Data Task Force, together with the Office of Economics and Analytics, announced that the fifth version of the National Broadband Map was released on November 15. The Map depicts fixed and mobile broadband availability data as of June 30, 2024, based on data submitted by internet service providers as part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection. The Map is available here.

FCC Revises Satellite System Spectrum Sharing Rules

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to revise its satellite spectrum sharing rules to promote market entry, regulatory certainty, and spectrum efficiency. The Report and Order released on November 15th refines the FCC’s non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) spectrum sharing regime that provides clarity regarding sharing between systems licensed in different processing rounds, granting primary spectrum access to systems approved earlier, while enabling new entrants to participate in an established, cooperative spectrum sharing structure.

Three Years of High-Speed Internet Infrastructure Investment

Three years ago, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $65 billion to connect everyone in America to reliable, affordable high-speed Internet service while providing connected devices and digital skills training to those who need it. As of today, NTIA has approved 55 of 56 Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program Initial Proposals  and expects to approve the State of Texas in the coming days.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Transforms Nation’s Infrastructure, Celebrates Historic Progress in Rebuilding America for the Three-Year Anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Three years ago, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—a once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure to reverse this trend, strengthen communities, and transform the U.S. economy.

Celebrating Three Years of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at USDA

hree years ago, on November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, making a historic investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness. Since being signed into law, it has been instrumental in transforming the lives and livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, small businesses and communities nationwide. Through this landmark legislation, the U.S.

BEAD Buildout Expected to Continue Under New Administration

Government officials are working to calm concerns about disruptions to the nation’s broadband infrastructure buildout with the coming of a new presidential administration. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was designed and envisioned as a 10-year project, said BEAD director Evan Feinman, and changes in political leadership were expected. “Political changes, or not, there was going to be significant perso

Is satellite broadband good enough to deliver internet for all?

Is satellite broadband a reliable method of closing the digital divide? If you were to consult the BEAD program’s rules, the answer would be no. But Donald Trump’s second term could flip that equation if the new administration determines fiber is no longer the preferred technology. Elon Musk, who owns satellite broadband service Starlink, was just appointed by Trump to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.

Broadband Affordability: Removing a Roadblock to Universal Service

The internet plays an essential, everyday role in the lives of Americans. Internet access—both fixed and mobile—is a critical resource that allows individuals and families to participate in work and education opportunities, receive telehealth services, access public benefits and services, communicate with loved ones, and more.  Yet affordability remains one of the primary barriers to reliable broadband access.

Connecting Communities, Protecting Wildlife

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are working together to significantly accelerate Endangered Species Act (ESA) reviews for Internet for All projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is driving historic investments in broadband and other infrastructure, including the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Vermont Has Awarded All Its CPF Broadband Funds; Some CUDs Won’t Need BEAD

The state of Vermont has awarded all the broadband funds that it received through the federal Capital Projects Fund (CPF), said Rob Fish, deputy director for the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB). As a result of the construction, some previously unserved and underserved areas of the state won’t need funding through the rural broadband Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, according to Fish. VCBB awarded more than $184.5 million through its CPF-funded Broadband Construction Program, which was supplemented by funding raised by individual communities and network opera