Plus, a broadband report card ranks ARPA-funded projects, more states see their initial proposals for BEAD funding approved, $2.7 million will support libraries’ digital literacy programming, and more.
Much of the northeastern Oklahoma county already has broadband service. About 10,000 households and businesses in seven areas, however, are still without — but nearly are expected to be online by January 2026.
Local governments and nonprofits have about two weeks to challenge a federal map indicating places in New Hampshire that are underserved and unserved by broadband. Funds distribution will follow.
The state has received initial approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on how it plans to spend $675 million in federal funds to roll out high-speed Internet. A final proposal is due within a year.
The report, from the Communications Workers of America, critiques federally funded broadband work by 14 counties in the South, Northeast and Midwest on metrics including availability of project information.
The funding, from grants via the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development, will pay for the extension of high-speed Internet mostly in rural Livingston and Berkeley.
Plus, the FCC has launched a new mobile speed test app, HUD’s ConnectHomeUSA program has expanded to new communities, more states have seen their initial proposals for BEAD program funding accepted, and more.
Speakers at the Louisiana Rural Economic Development conference discussed the need for high-speed Internet in rural areas. Expanding fiber can stimulate local and global business, attendees said.
Buoyed by unprecedented federal funding as well as a widely accepted understanding that Internet is a fundamental part of modern life, states and cities confront the remaining obstacles to getting everyone online.
Plus, the FCC is taking steps to update broadband data collection, more states have had their initial proposals for BEAD funding approved, Oakland got a grant to expand broadband infrastructure, and more.
