Tom Hopkins’ Post

Government subsidies (RDOF specifically) come with significant risks for ISP's not prepared or experienced enough to efficiently build and grow their network. The Avery Companies are committed to helping bridge the digital divide and to allow network operators to meet their full potential. We believe that internet is a fundamental right and will utilize our capital, experience, and resources to meet these challenges head on. https://lnkd.in/ghZTbnbd

ALERT: NTIA Updates the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has released a policy notice for the use of BEAD program grants. The new policy includes changes to BEAD grant program guidance that applies to subawards where the major purpose is for a major broadband infrastructure project. Read more about the changes to the BEAD program and the details on the changes this new policy affects in our latest Telecommunications alert. #telecommunications #broadbandaccess https://lnkd.in/evB9bC2H

FYI More on NTIA BEAD guidance

With a record $42.5 billion in broadband infrastructure funding available from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (#BEAD), states are racing to take advantage of funding to improve digital equity across the nation. But first, they must figure out to clear complex program requirements to access funds, including the development of detailed #broadband project plans that ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. This week on our blog, Tilson's Broadband Consulting experts take a closer look at how states can navigate funding requirements - from planning to implementation - to ensure every American has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet: https://bit.ly/3I9wm70. #onamission

Pioneering Connectivity: 𝘚𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘭 𝘖𝘬𝘭𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 $374 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board recently approved 142 broadband infrastructure expansion projects, utilizing an impressive $374 million in grant funding from the state's ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. This initiative involves 31 internet service providers, spanning 57 counties and benefiting over 55,000 locations. The approved providers, contributing over $90 million in matching funds, will employ a mix of #fiber and #fixedwireless technologies. While the funded projects' final list is subject to adjustments, the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) disclosed that more than 100 projects will utilize fiber, with the remaining employing fixed wireless technology. According to OBO and Fierce Telecom, Resound Networks, a wireless internet service provider, stands out with approval for ten projects, including a monumental effort to cover over 4,500 locations in Garvin County through fixed wireless. Notable grant recipients include AT&T, planning 10 fiber projects across various counties, Cox Communications undertaking 16 fiber projects in 13 counties, and Dobson Fiber securing approval for 14 projects. The OBO emphasizes the dedication of the board and the expertise of its staff in successfully implementing this historic grant program aimed at bridging the digital divide. The approved projects, which were subject to a meticulous "overbuild prevention contest process" to avoid duplication of services, are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. ⬇️ #oklahoma #broadband #funding

California's plan to award $1.8 billion in BEAD funds has been approved, advancing efforts to improve broadband infrastructure across the state. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will focus on underserved areas, with grant awards following the completion of local broadband coverage challenges. Additionally, the CPUC awarded $172 million to expand fiber to 56,000 locations across multiple counties. With this approval, California is a step closer to providing better connectivity and quality jobs through durable infrastructure projects. As BEAD-funded telecom projects ramp up, KMM is ready to support providers with our expert logistics and network services. From equipment sourcing to on-time deployment, we help ensure seamless network installations for a more connected future. #BEAD #Telecom #CaliforniaBEAD #BroadbandExpansion #Telecom #Logistics https://lnkd.in/ehjaRmQ9

💰 The U.S. government has developed numerous funding programs to boost connectivity and bridge the #digitaldivide. Although navigating these regulations can be complex, these initiatives are vital for expanding #broadband infrastructure. Let AFL be your trusted guide through these intricacies, ensuring smooth navigation and compliance every step of the way! 📖 Read Part Two of our three-part #blog series to learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/3VYjR4y #WeAreAFL #BEAD #BABA #broadbanddeployment

The federal government recently issued guidance on exemptions to its Build America Buy America requirements for broadband infrastructure projects. This development could pave the way for more efficient acquisition of crucial components for high-speed Internet networks. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ggvA6ZAJ #BuildAmericaBuyAmerica #BroadbandInfrastructure

This would be a major setback. Here is a good piece outlining just how vast the digital divide is in CA. https://lnkd.in/gqwFixDp

NIC finds good progress in rolling out fixed broadband across the UK The National Infrastructure Commission, which provides government with impartial, expert advice on major long term infrastructure challenges, has published its annual assessment of infrastructure progress in the UK. The Commission has found that the UK is currently on track to meet its target of 85 per cent coverage of gigabit capable networks by 2025, thanks primarily to the commitments of industry in their build plans and rollout completion. Furthermore, operators’ network deployment plans remain ambitious over the next few years, so government is likely to meet its target of nationwide (99 per cent) coverage by 2030 on current rates of deployment: https://lnkd.in/eEMjYPKQ #broadband #telecoms #infrastructure #connectivity #reports