Broadband

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved the state’s final proposal for how it would spend funds it received through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.

Policy and other changes have slowed the rollout of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. Internet providers, residents and others are frustrated by its lack of tangible results.

Plus, broadband permitting legislation advances in the U.S. Congress, a project aims to expand connectivity to boost agriculture technology adoption, Oklahoma has kicked off a fiber project and more.

Plus, the Network Equipment Transparency Act passed in the U.S. Senate, San Francisco is expanding its free Wi-Fi network, Alabama has made progress on the construction of its middle-mile network, and more.

The initiative will provide grants to aid Internet service providers in repairing and rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Communities in western North Carolina were hard hit by the storm.

Plus, Arkansas is offering technology training to residents, North Carolina is investing in recovering broadband infrastructure after Hurricane Helene, rural broadband legislation has been introduced, and more.

Plus, the FCC is looking to make changes to broadband consumer labels, localities are partnering with private-sector businesses to expand Internet access, Oklahoma has launched new broadband work, and more.

After five years of shifting plans, the Texas Broadband Development Office has announced that it now has an updated proposal to submit to the federal government, aiming for less than half of a prior allocation.

Plus, New Mexico and Indiana are both expanding access to broadband, a federal government shift to paperless checks may widen digital inequities, and more.

Plus, North Carolina has set standards for digital literacy, Alabama has launched a workforce initiative to improve digital skills, Massachusetts is investing $23 million to expand device access, and more.

The endeavor, led by utility workers from Merit Network, will bring swift Internet to Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan. The system will connect major public facilities and will likely be operational later this year.

Plus, a digital inclusion nonprofit filed a lawsuit challenging the repeal of the Digital Equity Act, a new class of Vermont broadband technicians have graduated, New Mexico is expanding public Wi-Fi, and more.

The online arm of Colorado State University has teamed up with the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers to train more broadband infrastructure professionals, aiming to bridge the digital divide in the state.

Broadband consultants reflect on the current state of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, while officials in two states report on their progress in rolling out high-speed Internet.

A digital resource fair hosted by the city’s Community Council is intended to convene service providers, digital experts and community organizations with residents, to look into affordability and access.

The city of Brownsville, Texas, was given that designation in 2014. Since then, officials have made investments to change its status, including supporting the deployment of a fiber network.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $5.2 million in new state grants awarded to Connectivity Innovations projects. The funding is intended to expand mobile service in Nassau, Otsego, Schenectady and Warren counties.

More than 2,000 Xfinity customers lost Internet access early Sunday, and it continued into Monday. Multiple causes were determined including power outages and network damage, and service was being restored.