Federal
With BEAD looming, workforce safety remains a big problem
The United States needs way more workers to support the upcoming flurry of federal-funded broadband projects. But the broadband industry’s also got catching up to do with its labor standards. In fact, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is the first federal broadband grant program with “any type of language” concerning labor practice requirements, according to Marcus Chambers, network telecom technician for CWA and state broadband lead for Maryland.
AT&T proposes moving CBRS users via incentive auction
AT&T is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to move existing CBRS spectrum users to a different portion of the 3GHz band.
FCC announces six-month waiver to provide discounted phone and broadband service support for Hurricane Milton survivors and future storms
The Federal Communications Commission took action to assist those affected by Hurricane Milton and future hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms, and tropical cyclones (together, “tropical weather systems”) by temporarily waiving certain Lifeline program eligibility rules to ensure that consumers receiving federal disaster assistance can easily apply for and enroll in the Lifeline program. Hurricane Milton caused significant power and infrastructure disruptions, in addition to property damage in homes, schools, libraries, businesses, and healthcare facilities in impacted areas.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Alaska and Ohio’s "Internet for All" Initial Proposals
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Alaska and Ohio’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval enables Alaska and Ohio to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. This action allows states to request:
- Alaska: Over $1 billion
- Ohio: Over $793 million
Electric co-ops, USF, and rural broadband
At the Connected Oklahoma – Rural Broadband Summit in Oklahoma City, I shared my thoughts on the future of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Low Earth Orbit satellites. Here's the homework I asked the audience to do:
It’s time to rethink how wiretaps work after Chinese hack, experts say
Cybersecurity experts say a recent Chinese intrusion into major U.S.
Pennsylvania public spaces are getting $45 Million to boost internet access and close the digital divide
Public spaces across Pennsylvania are about to get an internet upgrade. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced $45 million in funding for the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which provides money to community organizations and local governments to upgrade public facilities. The program will provide grants to 49 projects in 26 counties across the commonwealth. The grants will go toward building and improving public spaces such as schools, libraries, community centers and healthcare facilities for free, high-speed internet.
Affordable Broadband is the Way to Improve Lives and Grow the Economy in Nebraska
Nebraska is aiming to connect 99 percent of homes and businesses with reliable and affordable high-speed internet access by 2027. Based on June 2023 data, 12-15 percent of Nebraska’s locations are unserved or underserved, and approximately 105,000 households lack acceptable access to the internet. An unfavorable business case for investment, especially in rural areas, has resulted in limited access.
Commissioner Starks Remarks at Mobile World Congress
The growth in mobile data traffic makes our world better informed, more fulfilled, and of course, better connected. It means consumers are taking advantage of the powerful service our networks are delivering. But it also means those networks are being tested like never before. As we know, this network strain will only continue as IoT devices, intelligent infrastructure, and AI-enabled applications proliferate.
Impact of the Election on the Broadband Sector
Let’s discuss the current Broadband Policy State of Play and how the election may affect it. There are four fundamental goals of broadband policy: