January 8, 2025 – Recapping Biden Administration's Legacy on Broadband Infrastructure
President Joe Biden has advanced broadband access and digital equity through landmark legislation and investments. With the $65 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a cornerstone, the administration launched flagship programs like BEAD, ACP, and Digital Equity grants to bridge the digital divide. Beyond broadband, the American Rescue Plan Act contributed an additional $10 billion to connectivity projects, and the Federal Communications Commission made strides in broadband mapping, addressing long-standing gaps in accurate data. From fostering public-private partnerships to advancing fiber-optic deployments, we’ll discuss how the Biden Administration’s vision has shaped the broadband narrative - and what it means for the Trump Administration.
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-january-8-2024-recapping-biden-administrations-legacy-on-broadband-infrastructure/
December 18, 2024 – The 12 Days of Broadband Top Stories
The broadband landscape in 2024 has been nothing short of transformative. From the appointment of a new FCC Chairman, the landmark overturn of the Chevron Doctrine, and the lapse of the popular Affordable Connectivity Program internet subsidy, this year has reshaped the industry against the backdrop of a historic election. Join Broadband Breakfast's team of reporters and editors for a dynamic discussion on the year's most pivotal topics in broadband, telecom, and technology policy. We will delve into the trends, decisions, and developments that defined 2024, offering insights into how these issues are impacting connectivity, innovation, and regulation across the country. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from those covering the stories shaping the future of broadband.
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-december-18-2024-the-12-days-of-broadband-top-stories/
December 11, 2024 - Measuring Broadband on Existing Federal Programs
With federal broadband funding flowing, how do we ensure funded networks actually deliver the promised speeds? With varying performance standards across federal programs such as the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, among others, accurate speed measurement has never been more crucial for grant recipients. How should companies approach speed testing across their networks? What testing protocols meet federal requirements? When should measurement begin, and how frequently should it occur? Join us to discover the best practices for accurate speed testing for ISPs participating in federal broadband programs.
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-december-11-2024-measuring-broadband-on-existing-federal-programs/
December 4, 2024 - Permitting on Federal Lands
As BEAD funding moves from planning into on-the-ground deployment, the spotlight is now on a crucial component: permitting on federal lands. Securing permits on federal lands has often been a slow and complex process. Concerns are mounting that delays on the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program could hold back progress. Which permitting requirements present challenges for BEAD? How can federal agencies better coordinate to expedite broadband deployment while maintaining proper oversight? What role can state broadband offices play in facilitating smoother permitting processes?
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-december-4-2024-permitting-on-federal-lands/
November 27, 2024 – Next Steps on Digital Equity Projects
The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved digital equity plans for several states as part of its broader Digital Equity Act initiative. And the Digital Equity Competitive Grant program, another part of the initiative, closed in late September. What is the next step for these applications? How will funding for digital equity be allocated and managed? And how will these efforts align with other funding programs aimed at bridging the digital divide?
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-november-27-2024-next-steps-on-digital-equity-projects/
November 20, 2024 – What Happens to Homework and Wi-Fi Hot Spots?
In July 2024, the FCC voted to expand its E-rate Funding program, which has traditionally subsidized internet access for eligible schools and libraries, to off-premise Wi-Fi hotspots. The commission has been supportive, but partisan divisions exist on the FCC's legal authority to extend E-rate funding for Wi-Fi beyond the boundaries of schools and libraries, warning that this expansion could push legal boundaries.
Some educators and tech advocates are calling on the FCC to broaden the scope beyond Wi-Fi hotspots. Others are focused on accessibility and flexibility, arguing against the FCC’s current rule limiting hotspot lending to a 21-day period. What happens next?
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/november-20-2024-what-happens-to-homework-and-wi-fi-hot-spots-2/
November 13, 2024 - State Broadband Offices and BEAD Awards
With several states now launching their application portals for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, attention shifts to the next steps in fund deployment and program execution. What should subgrantees keep in mind moving forward? How will states navigate the interplay between different broadband technologies while ensuring program objectives are met? And as deployment moves forward, what role will local oversight play in shaping implementation? Join us for an in-depth examination of these pivotal questions as states work to translate their BEAD allocations into sustainable broadband infrastructure that serves all communities.
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-november-13-2024-state-broadband-offices-and-bead-awards/
November 6, 2024 - The Debate Over Unlocking Phones
See: The Federal Communications Commission recently put forward a proposal requiring mobile service providers to unlock customers’ phones within 60 days of activation, stirring up a heated debate within the wireless industry and beyond. On one side, advocates see this rule as a way to enhance competition and digital equity, giving customers the freedom to switch carriers that better meet their needs. On the other side, critics caution this could upend affordable phone programs and pave the way for increased smartphone fraud. Join us to dive deeper into this pressing issue and discover how this proposal could reshape the mobile landscape.
October 30, 2024 - Tech and Telecom in Advance of the Next Administration
As the country prepares for the next presidential administration, this special episode will explore the critical issues that will define the future of America’s digital landscape. Join us as Drew Clark, CEO and Publisher of Broadband Breakfast, offers an exclusive look into what's in store at our upcoming conference, "Broadband in the Next Administration," taking place December 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. Tune in for insights on key topics such as the future of the BEAD program, FCC’s spectrum authority, the Affordable Connectivity Program, net neutrality, and more!
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-october-30-2024-tech-and-telecom-in-advance-of-the-next-administration/
October 23, 2024 - Satellite Broadband and BEAD
In 2022, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program largely excluded satellite broadband from its Notice of Funding Opportunity, due to reliability concerns over the technology's nascent state. But recent guidance from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has cracked the door open, allowing alternative technologies like satellite broadband to compete for BEAD funding in high-cost areas - provided they can meet the program’s performance standards. How will fiber and wireless projects be impacted? How will the BEAD program be affected?
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-october-23-2024-satellite-broadband-and-bead/
October 16, 2024 - Cities and Taxes on Video and Broadband
Across America, localities are embroiled in a push to tax streaming video and broadband services, driven in part by sweeping changes to streaming video services versus traditional cable service. Central to the debate is the burden imposed upon local rights-of-way as part of the physical connection to homes and businesses. Many municipalities contend that broadband and video streaming services should be subject to franchise fees similar to those applied to cable providers. What is the appropriate compensation for use of rights-of-way? What obstacles might cities face in seeking such fees? And what of the public’s need for public, educational and governmental information? Join for a lively debate!
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-october-16-2024-cities-and-taxes-on-video-and-broadband/
October 9, 2024 - Democratizing Spectrum Access
Congress is weighing its options for maximizing limited U.S. spectrum and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has kicked off a series of multistakeholder meetings to facilitate implementation of the National Spectrum Strategy. With no more “greenfield” spectrum available, stakeholders are closely watching opportunities for sharing in the 3 GHz, 7 GHz, and the 37 GHz bands. Industry, anchor institutions, and consumer groups are pressing for an increasingly competitive ecosystem of local, non-exclusive spectrum rights, which would open new commercial opportunities without displacing military systems. What would licensed and unlicensed spectrum sharing look like in these bands? How would democratizing spectrum access among a diverse array of users impact U.S. geopolitical, commercial, and technological leadership?
See: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-breakfast-on-october-9-2024-democratizing-spectrum-access/
