Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Trump taps loyalist Rollins for USDA chief in surprise pick

Donald Trump picked Brooke Rollins as his Agriculture secretary, after weeks of intense internal fighting over the role. Rollins served as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration.

Sen Cruz to NTIA: A Change Is Gonna Come to BEAD

Under your leadership, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has repeatedly ignored the text of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in administering the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

How Small and Rural Cities Can Boost Grant Funding

To take full advantage of online local government services, healthcare and other resources, residents need robust connectivity capabilities—which still aren’t available in some areas of the U.S. An established fiber backbone can enable a fast, reliable connection; yet while 91 percent of state and local leaders said their agencies would benefit from modernizing IT infrastructure in a recent EY survey, only 40 percent iden

Sen Cruz Tells NTIA to Halt "Unconstitutional" Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is expected to soon begin distributing $1.25 billion in grants to nonprofits under the “Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program” (Program) “to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption of broadband among Covered Populations.” The Program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) establishes that applicants must use the funding to serve members of “Covered Populations,” defined to include “individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group.” This

How States Plan To Track Digital Equity Progress

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act sets an ambitious overarching goal: internet for all. But past access and adoption, states are asked to think about how increased access to and use of broadband can drive equitable outcomes in areas like access to health care and essential services, education and job training, and participation in the society, economy, and civic institutions of the Nation.

Alaska Power & Telephone Company Completes Installation of the “SEALink South” Submarine Cable and Landing Sites

Alaska Power & Telephone Company proudly announces completion of the “SEALink South” submarine fiber optic cable project, the latest segment in its growing southeast Alaska broadband network. The AP&T team completed the installation one year ahead of schedule. SEALink South includes a submarine cable system interconnecting Ketchikan with the communities of Hollis and Coffman Cove, beachfront cable landing sites, various terrestrial facilities, and associated transport equipment.

Final Proposal Guidance for Eligible Entities

The purpose of this document is to outline the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Final Proposal Guidance to assist states and territories in submitting quality Final Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This document is intended solely to assist recipients in better understanding the BEAD Program and the requirements set forth in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this program.

Gov Landry Announces Historic $1. 355 Billion in Broadband Awards to Eliminate Louisiana's Digital Divide

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to award federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding through the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program. The state will deploy $1.355 billion in total through these awards to support broadband access throughout the state. GUMBO 2.0 will expand fiber optic connectivity to approximately 140,000 locations across the state, supporting 100,000 households, 35,000 small businesses and 4,000 community anchor institutions such as public safety locations, schools and hospitals.

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.

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.