Federal Broadband Programs
New York Announces More Than 1 Million Households Are Enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program
Gov Kathy Hochul (D-NY) announced that one million qualifying New York households have enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a nationwide subsidy to expand broadband access to low-income households. Earlier this year, the Governor launched a multi-agency outreach initiative to build awareness of the program and encourage eligible households to enroll. New York is one of the leading states in the nation for ACP enrollment with 30 percent of eligible households currently taking advantage of this federal benefit.
Federal Communications Commission To Give Over $96 Million in Emergency Connectivity Funding
The Federal Communications Commission is committing $96 million in new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program (ECP), which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. The funding will support applications for broadband service and connected devices to students across the country, especially those living in states impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, including Florida, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. Nearly $53 million will benefit students, teachers, and library patrons living in areas impacted by recent hurricanes.
Biden-Harris Administration Award $10.6 Million in Internet for All Grants to Five Minority-Serving Colleges and Universities
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded five grants as part of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC).
Major Federal Funding to Close the Digital Divide Won’t Succeed Without Philanthropic Support
If the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, program is to be a game changer for digital equity, grant makers must ensure government dollars go where they’re needed most. They should start by looking at the growing movement of community connectivity providers whose primary purpose is to help people meet their digital needs at affordable prices.
More Than 235 Applications Submitted to the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” Middle Mile Grant Program
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released preliminary data that shows over 235 applications were submitted totaling more than $5.5 billion in funding requests for the Enabling Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program. Included in President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative, the Middle Mile grant program provides $1 billion in funding to projects that connect high-speed Internet networks to each other and reduce the cost of bringing Internet service to communities that lack it. Applications for the Middle Mile program were due
Policy No-Brainer: Extend The Affordable Connectivity Program For 5 Years With $30 Billion
With a $14 billion appropriation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has enrolled more than 14 million households in a short period of time and may be the most effective broadband benefit program to date with its direct-to-consumer model. The innovative program offers a valuable policy learning opportunity as lawmakers consider sustainable long-term funding options to continue it. Many features of the ACP reflect guidance from policy academics and researchers that supports a model that allows consumers more options.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration seeks "Buy American" wavier for $1 Billion Middle Mile grant program
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) wants to let broadband grant winners from two key programs sidestep “Buy American” requirements currently tied to the money. In proposals submitted to the US Department of Commerce, the NTIA sought waivers for its $1 billion Middle Mile grant and $268 million Connecting Minority Communities Pilot programs.
New Hampshire Seeks Broadband Consultant
The Broadband Office in the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to provide consultation services to the state and municipalities in regard to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF). New Hampshire has committed all of its available CPF program funds toward broadband buildout and is looking for a consultant that assures federal compliance, is a resource for NH communities, and helps the agency with other tasks as noted in the RFP Scope of Work. Anticipated Contract Start Date: Jan. 1, 2023
Rep McMorris Rodgers, Sen Wicker Call for Streamlined Permitting Process for BEAD Program
House Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) sent a letter to National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator Alan Davidson urging NTIA to address burdensome permitting processes and other regulatory red tape that may impede the success of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program that was created under the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act. To prevent slow deployment and the determent of investment, the Members urged the agency to require eligible states and territories to work with t
FCC Extends COVID Waivers Impacting Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Tribal Subscribers
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission has waived certain Lifeline program rules in twelve previous Orders to provide necessary relief for low-income households. The FCC finds good cause exists to continue to waive the Lifeline recertification and reverification requirements for those Lifeline subscribers residing on Tribal lands through January 31, 2023.