BEAD’s job is both ‘easier’ and ‘harder’ amid funds release, research finds
States will soon be able to connect unserved locations, but several reports warned that a lot of hard work remains ahead to truly close the digital divide.
What happens to BEAD dollars after the last location is connected?
COMMENTARY | States may still be left with additional funds even after their existing obligations are met. The future use of those funds is a significant policy and implementation issue.
States can spend leftover BEAD funds to connect missed locations, NTIA says
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration said states can use at least some of the remaining $21 billion for anywhere still unserved by broadband.
6,000 BEAD projects need 86K+ permits, report finds
Researchers found that over half of those projects will need at least 10 permits, while 1 in 7 will require more than 20 across the state, local and federal levels.
Lack of broadband service, funding gives rise to telehealth services in rural clinics
Clinics with better internet connections are now offering telehealth services to patients who can’t do it from their homes.
From Benjamin Franklin to satellite: Celebrating 250 years of American communication
COMMENTARY | Our success as the United States has hinged not just on our shared ideals, but also on our ability to communicate and connect across long distances.
The biggest barrier to building America isn’t politics. It’s paperwork
COMMENTARY | Too many projects are trapped in overlapping permit reviews, with no accountability for delay. If the nation is to lead on emerging tech, this has to change.
Texas lawmakers call for audit of state’s broadband grant funding
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows are questioning how the state distributes funding for internet services.
Judge reinstates digital equity grants
The $2.75 billion program under the Digital Equity Act can and should proceed, a judge ruled, but it cannot use race when considering recipients.
On this nearly deserted Alaska island, you pay to keep hundreds of empty buildings wired for internet
U.S. phone customers pay more than $340,000 a year for an Anchorage company to keep homes and buildings on Alaska’s Adak Island wired for obsolete internet service. All but a few of them sit empty.
Libraries lament ‘cascading effects’ of E-Rate’s potential demise
Advocates warned the FCC’s vote to review the program could blow massive holes in their budgets and force service reductions or even closures if new funding sources aren’t found.
How states can address broadband worker shortages
Amid funding uncertainty, existing programs may offer starting point to build workforce.
FCC votes to review E-Rate program amid screen time concerns
The agency is questioning whether the program has “achieved” its connectivity objectives for schools and libraries, and whether it should be “reoriented” or “narrowed.”
States must consider future of broadband offices
Some state offices risk sunsetting prematurely, before the deployment of billions in federal funds.
Feds praise BEAD’s progress, but others aren’t convinced
The NTIA touted the program’s first-ever connections and said more is to follow. Some Democrats in Congress said the agency is being evasive about what happens to leftover funds.
Policies to close digital divide must pass ‘kitchen table test,’ nonprofits say
Several groups said communities that lack connectivity must be the ones to shape policies to benefit them, and they urged the federal government to step up with money and training.
Federal broadband policy is increasingly being recast around satellite
With few meaningful competitors, SpaceX's Starlink is the primary beneficiary.
Advocates pledge action to restore digital equity grants
One year after President Donald Trump rescinded the funds, various groups and lawmakers have kicked off a month of action to push for their restoration.
Future of Nebraska Broadband Office unclear following reduction in federal BEAD funds
Broadband Office director Patrick Haggerty steps down, as others work to secure $340 million in unallocated federal funds.
Rural-focused $42B Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program becomes operational
Early signs of a massive federal broadband expansion effort are beginning to reach local communities.
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