Federal Broadband Programs
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Biden-Harris Administration Approves Guam’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Guam’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Guam to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. Guam was allocated over $156 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
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Stronger Together: Creating Meaningful Change through Digital Equity Projects
On July 24th the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. As applicants work on their applications, it is critical to keep in mind the importance of sustainable project planning and meaningful change. Meaningful change can create a lasting, measurable impact that resonates for years to come. Successful Digital Equity Projects should be designed with both the present and future in mind, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the initial grant period.
After millions lose access to internet subsidy, FCC moves to fill connectivity gaps
The Biden administration is moving to blunt the loss of an expired broadband subsidy program that helped more than 23 million families afford internet access by using money from an existing program that helps libraries and schools provide WiFi hotspots to students and patrons.
Louisiana Still Expects to Be First to Award BEAD Broadband Funds
After Louisiana was the first state to have its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) rural broadband funding released in late 2023, it was several months before any other states had their funding released. It looked like a sure bet that Louisiana would be the first to make BEAD awards—and, according to Louisiana Broadband Director Veneeth Iyengar, that’s still the case. Montana recently became the first state to begin accepting BEAD applications. Louisiana began accepting applications a few days later, on August 19.
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GAO to Ted Cruz: USAC Is Just Alright With Me
In May 2023, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the minority leader of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting an examination of how the Federal Communications Commission administers the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF consists of money collected from telecommunications companies that is dedicated to fulfilling the goals of universal service.
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Shot Clock Winding Down on ARPA Funds For Broadband Projects
Communities looking to leverage American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for broadband or other local infrastructure need to act soon or risk losing access to a once-in-a-generation funding resource. Most ARPA recipients seem well aware of the deadline, but data suggests more than a few communities could drop the ball. The Treasury Department tracks allotted ARPA awards and projected budget plans via a massive database.
In Chicago, Democratic Mayors Urge Action to Preserve Affordable Internet
Democratic mayors from major U.S. cities discussed the critical need to maintain affordable internet access for their constituents to mitigate impacts of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program’s expiration. The mayors outlined strategies to bridge the gap left by the program’s end during a discussion hosted by the Democratic Mayors Association at the Democratic National Convention.
Cable operators adapting to regulatory 'whiplash'
The cable industry's policy people are working through a smorgasbord of issues, including surprise litigation tied to the Universal Service Fund, a temporary stay on the return of network neutrality rules, tricky nuances tied to the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, and even the recent temporary injunction slapped on Venu, a new sports streaming service. Yet another challenge: a US Supreme Court decision in June that
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Broadband Affordability is First and Foremost in Maine
With Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) will deploy broadband infrastructure to un-connected, unserved, underserved, and community anchor institution (CAI) locations throughout the state. Maine’s long-term broadband deployment goals are established by statute and include: "Secure, affordable, reliable, competitive and sustainable forward-looking advanced communications technology infrastructure that can meet current and future needs." Cost is a significant barrier to broadband adoption for many Mainers.
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Report and order on using E-Rate funds for Wi-Fi hotspots
Since its inception more than 25 years ago, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate program has supported high-speed, affordable Internet services to and within school and library buildings, and has been instrumental in providing students, school staff, and library patrons with access to essential broadband services. The FCC released a report and order in the August 20, 2024 federal register on using E-Rate funds for Wi-Fi hotspots.