Broadband
Half of BEAD funds may end up unspent, report says
Around $21 billion of the federal broadband program could be left over, according to recent research, which also found that as many as 1 million locations could still be unserved.
Nonprofit offers alternative funding for school, library Wi-Fi programs
Mission Telecom said it would match any discounts those institutions received under the FCC’s E-Rate program for loaning out Wi-Fi hotspots and providing service on school buses.
Broadband’s broken promise: How federal failures and funding fights keep Native and Black farmers offline
Across the US, Indigenous and Black farmers face ‘digital redlining,’ a web of barriers to affordable broadband even as billions in federal dollars flow to internet providers. Rooted in high costs, policy failures and historic exclusion, the connectivity gap endures — but communities are fighting back with local solutions.
Use it or lose it: NV lawmakers urge state to hit federal housing, broadband funding deadlines
Nearly a third of Nevada’s $2.7 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding has not yet been spent, and legislators want to spend it by next year.
Nonprofit files lawsuit to reinstate digital equity grants
The Trump administration cancelled funding under the Digital Equity Act earlier this year. A group that was in line to receive some of those funds is now suing to get them back.
What will become of leftover BEAD money?
States and the federal government are projecting billions of dollars in savings from the latest round of broadband plans. Where those savings go next remains an open question.
Feds ‘pleasantly surprised’ by new round of BEAD proposals
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said she was encouraged by the revised plans coming in from states and predicted “tremendous success” in building out broadband internet.
FCC ends federal funding for Wi-Fi hotspots, access on buses
Chair Brendan Carr said the two uses of E-Rate funding were unlawful and it represented “overreach” by the Biden administration.
NYC mayor locks in Big Apple Connect through 2028, one day before oversight hearing
The renewal locks New York City into well over $100 million in costs for the controversial program that provides free internet for public housing residents.
Last of unconnected South Carolinians could come online with ‘anchor leg’ plan for broadband
South Carolina needs just $41.4 million of its federal share to finish, according to the Broadband Office. What becomes of the remaining $510 million is unknown.
Featured eBooks
Fewer households, businesses will get high-speed internet under revamped federal plan
Trump has scaled back a Biden-era program that aimed to close the digital divide.
Satellite’s use grows as BEAD plans roll in
Fiber still leads the way, but SpaceX and Amazon’s Project Kuiper look set to be bigger players in the tech-neutral federal program.
Cellphones out, Chromebooks in: NYC to give 350,000 students new laptops with free internet
City officials hope the Chromebooks will help close the digital divide and replace outdated equipment.
Gianforte administration says $308 million broadband internet plan will bring ‘service to every citizen’
The plan envisions providing connectivity via fiber optic cables and Starlink-style satellites.
Mapping helps Maine adapt to changing broadband rules
The Maine Connectivity Authority has mapped its broadband infrastructure and potential service areas, as well as assets related to digital equity. Doing so means everything can be quickly adjusted as guidance changes.
State’s new broadband boss says satellite is ‘significant’ in getting New Mexico 100% connected
Roughly 90,000 New Mexico locations are “unserved” or “underserved” in terms of broadband access.
Mississippi broadband expansion moves forward despite federal changes
New federal rules for the program may mean higher prices for customers.
BEAD critic Arielle Roth confirmed to lead NTIA
Roth will oversee the $42 billion federal program, having previously criticized it for pushing a “woke social agenda.”
Better broadband needs better data collection, report says
A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts said the federal government has made progress, but BEAD and other programs could still struggle to achieve their goals.
Major broadband subsidy survives Supreme Court challenge
By a 6-3 majority, Justices upheld the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes low-income and rural Americans’ phone and internet bills.
