Broadband

The endeavor, a new pilot announced Wednesday, aims to deliver no-cost, high-speed Internet across 35 buildings of affordable housing in upper Manhattan and the Bronx. It’s something of a successor to 2022’s Big Apple Connect.

The new law, which took effect last month without the governor’s signature, is likely to insulate Mainers from shifting federal policy, but not affect their Internet, the lawmaker who sponsored it said.

Plus, all 56 states and territories get approval to start the “bargain” round of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, a new endeavor intends to teach Detroit high schoolers AI skills, and more.

It’s another opportunity for eligible organizations, including local governments and municipalities, to seek part of the $1.16 billion in federal grant funding allocated to the state. The goal? High-speed Internet statewide.

Plus, a study explores the digital divide for tribal households in Michigan, a report indicates that better broadband data can improve deployment efforts, states are advancing with the BEAD program, and more.

Plus, an August broadband summit will convene digital equity stakeholders, the Rural Broadband Protection Act clears the U.S. Senate, New Jersey leverages grant funding to integrate digital literacy training, and more.

HighSpeedInternet.com, a website used by individuals to test Internet speed and compare providers, recently published findings on internet speed in all 50 states, and Idaho was ranked at the bottom.

The application process to access the funding is expected to change, the state Office of Broadband Access and Expansion said, but officials anticipate receiving money from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.

The city’s new Internet Service Enrollment Line can connect residents who qualify to inexpensive Internet service. Callers must be enrolled in programs including CalFresh or Medi-Cal to be eligible.

More than 45,000 residents living in Hawaii’s public housing communities soon will have access to high-speed fiber Internet under a new public-private partnership.

The funding will expand access to high-speed Internet around the city. Its Municipal Broadband Utility will develop a network that incorporates existing infrastructure, as feasible, with fiber-optic and wireless technologies.

For years, the 3,600 residents of Lake Providence, La., pushed for better Internet. They were set to get it until the Trump administration announced new rules for a national broadband build-out.

The high court preserved the Universal Service Fund, which finds its beginnings in the 1934 Communications Act. It includes E-rate, and is intended to ensure effective telecommunications across America.

Information and security officers from Oregon educational institutions shared insight on making people within their organizations more cognizant of cybersecurity and developing appropriate cyber defense strategies.

Plus, proposed legislation aims to address rural broadband funding issues, states address federal funding cuts and program changes, Spectrum is investing in digital skills training, and more.

New federal funding cuts are impacting plans for high-speed Internet and digital inclusion work, leaving state broadband directors to explore alternate financing and other ways to move forward.

Plus, experts encourage including artificial intelligence skills in digital literacy programming, Tennessee libraries are getting funding to teach such skills, Maine launched a new device sharing program, and more.

Tribal communities are some of the nation’s least connected areas, making them fertile ground for innovative broadband deployments and tech. Speakers on a recent panel said open-access, tribe-owned systems may be best.