Ray Bixler的动态

With the approval of Texas’ initial Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal, all 56 eligible states and territories have now had their initial proposals approved. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the news last month and mentioned that Texas has been allocated $3.3 billion to deploy or upgrade internet networks. While money has not yet reached providers, as has been previously reported, the NTIA reported they have made available “nearly $37 billion in BEAD funding to states and territories.”

?? just hit the fan y'all! The Trump administration recently announced a temporary halt on ALL federal grant funding, including critical programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative. It seems like this pause is part of a broader effort to review federal spending and align it with the administration’s priorities, but honestly, it's quite concerning. ?? I want to know how this will potentially impact broadband expansion, and also other essential programs altogether. Programs like #BEAD play a VITAL role in closing the digital divide, providing equitable access to reliable internet for underserved communities. IMO, A prolonged delay could disrupt all of the progress that was made towards this goal, particularly for rural and low-income areas. To all my ISP's and providers nationwide, what can we do together to ensure that there is minimal disruption during this review period? - T ** I've included the link to the Telecompetitor article I am referencing in the comments below! ???? ** #BroadbandForAll #DigitalEquity #FCC

With $42 billion in federal BEAD funds on the table, we have a chance to close our nation’s digital divide and bring connectivity to every home, school, hospital, and business. However, realizing this potential requires more than just financial support—it demands the expertise of experienced ISPs. In my recent op-ed for Governing, I explore why these seasoned ISPs are crucial for the successful deployment and ongoing maintenance of broadband networks. ? Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e8stkzyV

The Division of Broadband and Digital Equity today posted 53 Completing Access to Broadband program scopes of work to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses across the state. Internet service providers that are prequalified to participate in state broadband expansion programs may submit proposals to provide broadband to all or a portion of eligible locations within each county. https://lnkd.in/eBrDfYeU

Investment in our technological & communication infrastructure are key measures that keep North Carolina a strategic player in our developing global economy.

The following statement may be attributed to Louis Peraertz, VP of Policy for WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries: Washington, DC, July 30, 2024 – WISPA is encouraged by statements made yesterday by Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator, Alan Davidson, that he expects states and territories will be able to use BEAD funds to deploy networks using alternative technologies, such as networks using entirely unlicensed spectrum, where other technologies cannot cost-effectively meet the goals of the Infrastructure Act.? WISPA has long held that BEAD’s programmatic exclusion of unlicensed technology was at odds with Congressional intent, potentially leaving many behind in the digital divide.? WISPA believes that BEAD can only succeed if unlicensed technology can be deployed – not only in extremely high-cost per location threshold areas, but elsewhere where it makes sense.? Americans on the wrong side of the digital divide cannot wait years to get access.? They need it as soon as possible.? WISPA looks forward to commenting on the soon to be released guidance from NTIA on alternative technologies. #NTIA #FWA #Wireless #Unlicensed #Broadband #DigitalDivide #WISP #WISPA

Washington’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of three approved today by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The BEAD program is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. The approval enables Washington to request access to over $1.2 billion to begin implementation of the state’s BEAD program – a major step toward closing the digital divide. The primary goal is to provide every business and household in Washington with broadband access by 2028. “Washington is committed to investing in universal broadband access that is affordable, reliable, scalable, and sustainable,” said Washington State Broadband Office Director Aaron Wheeler. “Our goal is to support equitable economic development and connect every community throughout the state, with an end goal to provide full access to the digital economy and society.” Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/3UUA8Zg

?? We're thrilled to see the #NTIA recognizing “alternative technologies” like #Unlicensed #FixedWireless as essential for states to maximize their #BEAD funding! ?? Innovative solutions, like Peraso’s suite of #60GHz #mmWave applications, are game-changers in connecting underserved communities where #Fiber isn’t feasible. With proven, reliable, and cost-effective deployments, we’re one step closer to achieving “Internet for All.” ?? To learn more about how we're helping bridge the digital divide visit - https://lnkd.in/ggSqyjKt #ConnectivityMatters #InternetAccess #DigitalDivide

"Vermont's broadband expansion receives national recognition" reads the Claremont, NH's Eagle Times' June 15, 2024 headline. "A new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Benton Institute for Broadband & Society gives a detailed and glowing review of Vermont’s Communications Union District (CUD) model of meeting the challenges of rural broadband. The 50-page report describes the history of the struggle for reliable internet service and shows how CUDs have become the solution. It starts with the state’s first CUD, ECFiber, and then profiles the nine CUDs that followed. CUD leaders, state officials, and VCBB Board Members were interviewed for the report, which also serves as a guide and suggests that other states or countries could benefit from a similar approach to rural broadband." Read the entire article with quotes from local officials. https://lnkd.in/enHx-QXd #ECFiber #CUDs #Vermont #localbroadband #communityowned

The following statement may be attributed to Louis Peraertz, VP of Policy, WISPA – The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries: Washington, DC, September 10, 2024 –?WISPA appreciates NTIA’s acknowledgement that “alternative technologies,” such as unlicensed fixed wireless (ULFW), will be necessary for states to maximize BEAD funding and realize “Internet for All.”? The agency’s proposed guidance – which now enlists the support of ULFW providers who can meet BEAD baseline technical and other standards, and allows such providers to have more opportunity to seek BEAD subgrants – will directly result in more unserved communities coming online with affordable and reliable broadband access.? NTIA’s proposal also will limit needless overbuilding of BEAD-compliant ULFW networks, both protecting public and private investment made to serve communities in the digital divide and making BEAD funds go even further. WISPA believes these proposals, along with specific recommendations WISPA has made to NTIA, will help BEAD succeed.? We look forward to seeing NTIA’s final guidance so states have more tools and flexibility for their diverse BEAD deployments. WISPA Filing: https://lnkd.in/eYsXuYR7 #WISPA #FixedWireless #Fiber #NTIA #Broadband #DigitalDivide