Wireless Infrastructure Association’s Post

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr told a House subcommittee this week that the Biden administration's handling of the BEAD program has been hampered by excessive bureaucracy, mismanagement and the prioritizing of political goals over effective broadband deployment. See the story from Wireless Estimator. "Carr concluded his testimony by calling for significant reforms to the BEAD program. He emphasized the need for a streamlined process focused on practical implementation rather than political goals. 'Absent major reforms, the Biden Administration’s implementation of this $42 billion BEAD program is wired to fail,' Carr warned. He urged the administration to prioritize connecting Americans over advancing a political agenda and to simplify the program’s bureaucratic requirements." #broadband #infrastructure #construction #HighSpeedInternet #BroadbandForAll #FiberBroadband #broadbandinternet #connectivity #governmentrelations #broadbandaccess #criticalinfrastructure #EconomicImpact #PCCA https://lnkd.in/ejkhcMfd

Subtle grant program rules make a big difference in how rural areas get served with broadband. Here’s what happened in a state legislative fight and why it matters for connectivity for all: https://lnkd.in/gz_s-B4R

Over the last year, we have worked with local governments, community-based organizations, Tribes, public safety officials, and community members statewide to develop the safeguards needed to support consumers during California’s transition from copper-line telephone networks to fiber-based broadband networks. This week, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) announced a new proposal (AB 2797) that modernizes regulations while introducing some new provisions that simultaneously take care of California’s most vulnerable communities and ensure California remains a leader in innovation. The proposal offers some changes to the original plan and helps put consumers first. This legislation will support the California’s goal of ensuring that more customers have access to affordable and reliable broadband. We have committed that our customers will be able to keep their existing traditional landline voice service until they have access to an alternative that is equal to or better than what they currently have. AT&T is committed to supporting the successful transition to advanced communications and developing the safeguards needed to support California consumers. To learn more about AB 2797, see this blog post on AT&T Connects. Blog post: https://lnkd.in/gn_WyhTV

Congress has inserted an interesting requirement into the bill reauthorizing funding for the NTIA, requiring the creation of a national broadband plan to align the FCC, NTIA, USDA, and other agencies. This move aims to address the lack of coordination among these agencies in closing broadband gaps. The genesis of this plan stemmed from a 2022 GAO report highlighting a fragmented approach to federal funding programs for the rural digital divide, with agencies seemingly competing for attention. Read more insights from Douglas Dawson https://lnkd.in/eJyNKfiV

Take a glimpse into Allen County’s digital landscape with today’s #ThursdayThree. From its Digital Divide Index Score to Infrastructure/Adoption and Socioeconomic Scores, learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dzYASnuJ. #AllenCountyInsights | #PCRD @allencountyinfo

The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (B.E.A.D) works to expand broadband accessibility to locations that are considered unserved. Thanks to this program, the state of Indiana is receiving a sizable amount to close the gap of areas in northeast Indiana that lack internet access. Check out this article to learn more about this massive win for Indiana communities: https://lnkd.in/gceDa-5b #TechNewsUpdate #ConnectivityMatters #WiFiSolutions

Congress has inserted an interesting requirement into the bill reauthorizing funding for the NTIA, requiring the creation of a national broadband plan to align the FCC, NTIA, USDA, and other agencies. This move aims to address the lack of coordination among these agencies in closing broadband gaps. The genesis of this plan stemmed from a 2022 GAO report highlighting a fragmented approach to federal funding programs for the rural digital divide, with agencies seemingly competing for attention. Read more insights from Douglas Dawson here: https://lnkd.in/etmsZkJA d

Re-upping: 2021 piece I wrote with Jorge Schement. Understanding role of oversight/assessment in broadband as civic infrastructure important in light of Digital Equity Act NOFO. https://lnkd.in/ezdxn7MS

We learned from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance that there are now roughly 450 municipal broadband networks in the U.S. - a record high. But there is still way more work to be done - as evidenced by the current roadblocks municipal broadband faces in 16 states: https://lnkd.in/g9wUX-4b

Start saving more time on all the tracking/monitoring you do in a day because that time adds up. Work smarter, not harder. If you would like to learn more, let me know!