The Biden administration is going to work “in deep partnership" with states, territories' and local governments across the country to construct broadband plans for the $42.5 billion in broadband infrastructure funding "in a radically transparent way,” promised Evan Feinman, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program director.&nbsp;Feinman urged ISPs to stay in constant contact with their state broadband directors and the NTIA so that they could work closely to achieve the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's BEAD program.&nbsp;“Please, please, please take advantage of the opportunities to get this dialogue with your state broadband office and with your NTIA Program Officer,” Feinman told a ballroom-sized audience of rural telephone companies and ISPs attending the <a href="https://www.ntca.org/events-education/events/fall-conference/agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTCA Fall conference</a> in San Francisco on Monday morning. “We have to hear from you to know what we're doing right and wrong. And don't be shy about sharing. We need to hear from you. We're going to be standing up a lot of different public meetings, really soliciting input a lot of different times in ways."Feinman also said that the NTIA is going to be creating state level broadband coalitions “in every single state of the union.” “And when that opportunity comes, please join that coalition. Lend your voice to this to this group, this chorus that is calling out for state support and local electoral support to make sure that we get this project done. Simple availability of funds on the NTIA level will not ensure program success. We have to see a whole society ever to make this happen. And you all are critical partners.”Feinman said that the NTIA has all of its regional directors in place and that it has hired three quarters of its state directors.&nbsp;“So every single community here, every single person sitting in this room is going to hear from their state broadband office and my staff person in your state. Or you don't, let me know right now, and I'll get right on that. But that's critically necessary. What we have to do to get this right is literally go down to the grassroots level. My team is going to …[go to] every project that's proposed and go to every single county in which there's a project to be constructed across the entire country, all 50 states and six territories. We're gonna throw that map up on an easel, and we're gonna invite the citizens to come and say: “Y'all, this is what we're building. Does this get this done for you?”"&nbsp;He added: “Every single state must have a plan that persuasively argues that it is reaching universal coverage. They must, in the context of that, have engaged all of these new stakeholders, not just once, not just a notice and comment – even if a state has the best notice and comment period in the history of humanity, that's an ‘F Minus’ and they get $0. There must be ongoing continuous collaboration with the folks in this room with community leaders to make sure that we're getting the job done.”&nbsp;He added that the NTIA is still receiving a lot of questions about the BEAD program, such as the need to prove that grant applicants' have the financial wherewithal to complete projects, for example, and how the NTIA will coordinate funding with other broadband programs from other parts of the administration. He said that the NTIA is working hard to address these questions.Feinman made the remarks on Monday morning during a discussion with NTCA's Executive Vice President Mike Romano and the Federal Communication Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau Chief Trent Harkrader.&nbsp;Feinman added during the discussion: “You know, it's a significant undertaking, and that's why we're gonna get all the way down to that community level, that community meeting that I described --down to a couple of locations on a piece of poster board. You know, that's, that's the level of granularity we're gonna have to reach. If we're gonna get internet for every single American.”The panelists also discussed the FCC's mapping efforts. NTCA's CEO Shirley Bloomfield alluded to some of the frustrations providers are experiencing with the process earlier on in the morning during a speech in which she referenced providers who were seeing things like boulders being referenced in the FCC's Fabric map as “broadband serviceable locations.”Congress has charged the FCC with creating more accurate, accountable broadband maps that can be verified by parties other than the current self-reporting process from ISPs. The first version is due to be published sometime in November. The NTIA needs these maps in order to allocate BEAD funding.&nbsp;The panelists acknowledged that the FCC's Fabric map is an iterative project. Giving a sense of scale of information gathering effort, Harkrader said that the NTIA used its outreach specialists to contact more than 3,000 providers to get them to file the required information with the FCC on time.&nbsp;Feinman, for his part, said that the NTIA is going to wait until the FCC's map's quality improves before the agency makes any allocations. The ultimate decision on when to start allocating money will be up to his boss, NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The BEAD program director emphasized the NTIA's focus on working with local communities.

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NTIA is creating state level coalitions to push for state support for broadband rollout. BEAD program director emphasizes local coordination

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Sarah Lai Stirland

Director of Digital Community

Issues of both digital equity and broadband mapping permeated a Saturday afternoon capstone discussion at TPRC on lessons learned from past federal broadband deployment efforts.The two-day academic conference TPRC, originally the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference, is <a href="https://broadband.money/blog/50-years-in-the-quest-to-understand-broadband-deployment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a major gathering event for academics, policy-makers and industry officials focused on communications and internet policy</a>.&nbsp;The most sizable discussion point at the event was on broadband. At the September 17, 2022, panel session, experts explored how prior deployment efforts will fare under the bipartisan infrastructure law.“There was a lot of elbowing in the vendor community [for mapping over] what terrain was open for bids,” said Sharon Strover, a professor at University of Texas at Austin who was involved in the broadband programs under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.“It was warfare. I have seen that same thing over again” in current discussion of broadband mapping, she said.At least three of the other panelists directly addressed question about mapping, which looms large in discussions surrounding the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.<h3>States have been increasing their capacity for broadband grants</h3>Panelists were not optimistic about the successful deployment of updated broadband maps by the Federal Communications Commission. Those maps will determine in which states BEAD funds are spent.&nbsp;Still, the spirit of the session suggested optimism that the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has learned lessons from past broadband projects.Now, NTIA is running the $42.5 billion BEAD program, which is the largest part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s $65 billion in broadband funding.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/TPRC_panel_8085737044.jpeg"><figcaption>Moderator Alexis Schrubbe (left), and panelists Johannes Bauer, Sharon&nbsp;Strover, Angela Siefer, Anna Read, Joshua Edmonds, and Francois Bar (left to right)</figcaption></figure>Whether the FCC succeeds or not in its quest for improved maps, state broadband offices will be responsible for implementing the BEAD program, and “states are well positioned” to handle that responsibility, said Anna Reed, who leads the broadband access initiative at the Pew Charitable Trusts.Both immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and because of it, states have been increasing their capacity by creating some form of broadband offices within state government, Reed said.&nbsp;And while some state program had significant broadband funding, until the pandemic the majority of them did not.&nbsp;Federal laws passed in 2020 and 2021 have given the states what they needed — broadband money — to close the gaps among those who lack internet service and the ability to make use of it. “States were never going to have the level of funding to close [the digital divide] at any real speed,” she said.<h3>Digital equity cannot be disentangled from broadband infrastructure</h3>No matter the role of federal and state broadband maps in the deployment of BEAD, one issue that won’t go away is ensuring digital equity.In particular, it is vital that the nation spend federal funds well by ensuring “equitable access to and use of [broadband] technologies,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. She said her group has nearly quadrupled in size since the beginning of the pandemic.As BEAD programs roll out, Siefer encouraged policy-makers, advocates and academics to ensure that they are interacting with bona-fide community members working on digital equity and digital inclusion efforts. She cited the NDIA community’s more than 900 affiliated organizations as a model to look to.And yet broadband infrastructure cannot be separated from the role that is being played in digital inclusion, said Joshua Edmonds,&nbsp;speaking on the panel about Detroit’s work with both&nbsp;broadband infrastructure and broadband adoption and use.“We can’t coupon our way to digital equity,” said Edmonds, who has been at the City of Detroit’s Office of Digital Inclusion and the city’s Connect313. It was announced on September 19, 2022, that <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/get-broadband-grant-alerts-news/joshua-edmonds-leaves-connect313-to-join-cleveland-based-nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Edmonds will become the CEO of Cleveland-based non-profit DigitalC</a>.

At a Telecommunications Policy Research Conference session on lessons learned from past broadband deployments, panelists link role improving infrastructure with digital equity.

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Infrastructure inextricably linked to digital equity and broadband mapping

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Drew Clark

Editor and Publisher

Jeff Sobotka, who was <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/arizona" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arizona</a>'s state broadband director for the past three years, announced Friday that he's stepping down and moving to the private sector.&nbsp;<blockquote>"After 3 years of working to bridge the Digital Divide I am resigning my position as State Broadband Director. I am proud of the the results delivered. Broadband projects funded by Governor <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAABLSWsBiOy05jesihPOjp8s93LRcsp7yNk">Doug Ducey</a> &amp; built by the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/adot/">Arizona Department of Transportation</a> will change rural Arizona forever and add to the Governor's legacy of Securing Arizona's Future.&nbsp;Today, due to an incredible coalition of government, Broadband carriers and non-profit organizations 296,570 Arizona families have affordable <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=broadband&amp;highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6976570454161465344">#Broadband</a> through the [Affordable Connectivity Program.]&nbsp;The below communities have Broadband projects funded by the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/arizona-commerce-authority/">Arizona Commerce Authority</a>, our federal partners, AZ counties and by capital from our private sector Broadband Carriers.&nbsp;I leave knowing we made a difference and I am grateful to have served the people of Arizona and for the opportunity to work with so many great people around our State.&nbsp; Payson, Bullhead City, Page, Alpine, Concho, Eagar, Greer, Nutrioso, Springerville, St. Johns, Vernon, Douglas, Wilcox, Golden Valley, Chloride, Dolan Springs, Meadview, White Hills, North Kingman, Peach Springs, Oatman, Yucca, South Yucca, Havasu Heights, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Parker, Bouse, McVay, Vicksburg, Salome, Wenden, Brenda, Quartzsite, Morgantown, Ehrenberg, La Paz Valley, Heber-Overgaard, Coconino County, Safford, Holbrook, Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, Snowflake, Taylor, Winslow, Kearny, Patagonia, Ajo, Sycamore Springs, Three Points, Robles Junction, Tohono O'odham&nbsp;Nation, Wickenburg, Surprise, Gila Bend, Yuma, Fortuna Foothills, San Luis, Somerton, Wellton, Arizona City, San Manuel, Black Canyon City, Maricopa, San Manuel, Oracle, Black Canyon City, Congress, Huachuca City, Sun Lakes, SE Sierra Vista, Eloy, Toltec, Desert Hills, Summit View, Rimrock, Paulden, Mayer, Cornville."</blockquote>Sobotka told Broadband.money that he plans to take a break in October and then think about what's next. But it's definitely back to the private sector.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ernst &amp; Young is working with the state to help develop its five-year broadband development plan that's required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in order to qualify for <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/arizona" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">its share</a> of the $42.5 billion in federal broadband infrastructure funding.“<a href="https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/person/erin-carr-jordan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Erin Carr-Jordan</a> of Arizona State University and the <a href="https://digitalequityinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Digital Equity Institute</a> (DEI) are partnering with the State of Arizona to write the State’s Digital Equity Plan,” Sobotka said.&nbsp;Sobotka and his work at the broadband office had many fans. While he received many congratulations on his LinkedIn profile, others were sad to see him leave this very important role.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Arizona's well respected broadband director said that he's stepping away

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Arizona loses its broadband director

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Broadband.money

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Louisiana's new economic development and planning agency the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation (LITAC) will be headed by Leslie Durham, who currently serves as alternate federal co-chairwoman of the <a href="https://dra.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Delta Regional Authority</a>. She will be LITAC's executive director. She begins her new job October 1, 2022.LITAC was jointly created by the <a href="https://www.lma.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Louisiana Municipal Association </a>and the <a href="https://www.lpgov.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Louisiana Police Jury Association</a>.&nbsp;The new organization will provide local governments in the most rural areas of Louisiana with funding to help plan their infrastructure needs.&nbsp;“We're trying to figure out how we can assist the most rural communities get access to federal funds, when they historically miss out, largely because of the lack of funds for planning and grant writing and match money for federal funds,” Durham said in an interview. “We will be providing planning and grant writing support training for grant writers and we have a matching fund that we will be granting to winning communities.”LITAC will provide assistance to local governments for the full spectrum of infrastructure. Broadband access will be one of the categories of infrastructure that local governments can seek help for.&nbsp;The Louisiana state legislature created LITAC this summer. It is a 501-3-c non-profit that can engage in fundraising. The legislature started it off with $25 million.&nbsp;Police Juries in Louisiana are what Louisianans call their county governments.&nbsp;“I have been grateful for Leslie’s passion to serve our region andher guidance in making sure we are meeting the needs of all communities within our region,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins in a statement.&nbsp;“Leslie’s passion for working on behalf of the Delta region is only trumped by her love for and devotion to the state of Louisiana. Her new role will give her the opportunity to work for the betterment of all rural Louisiana communities as well as create a working model for other states to follow.&nbsp;I am incredibly excited for her new opportunity that will highlight her leadership and tenacity in helping the people of Louisiana.”“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as Delta Regional Authority Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman,” said DRA Alternate Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham.&nbsp;“Even more so, being the first person from Louisiana and the first woman appointed is a badge I will cherish forever. I leave DRA in the most capable hands of its dedicated staff, with whom I have been working with off and on since 2005, and Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins.&nbsp;In my new capacity as Executive Director of the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation, I will continue to work closely with Dr. Wiggins and his team as we collectively work to bring vital federal assistance to Louisiana’s rural communities.&nbsp;I am most grateful for the support I received from across the footprint since my appointment almost one year ago.&nbsp;I thank you, and I will never forget your love and support for me and our Delta."To learn more about Durham's work and perspectives on successful infrastructure and broadband development, check out our recent interview with her in our <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leslie-durham-alternate-federal-co-chairwoman-for-the/id1638633587?i=1000578061798" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ready or Not podcast</a>. You can also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4htRLK2eK0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">watch the interview on YouTube</a>.&nbsp;

Leslie Durham is the new executive director of the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation

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Leslie Durham, the Delta Regional Authority's Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman, to Head New Agency to Help Local Governments With Infrastructure Planning

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The quest for a better broadband map didn’t begin yesterday.&nbsp;But the combination of an engaged community of academic researchers, and the momentum behind the urgent need to “truth check” the claims of internet service providers brings us to a propitious moment for our country.Beginning on Friday, September 16, 2022, <a href="http://www.tprcweb.com/50th-anniversary-celebration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TPRC50</a> opens here in Washington, D.C.&nbsp;Officially the <a href="http://www.tprcweb.com/2022-program-overview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50th Annual Research Conference on Communications, Information and Internet Policy</a>, TPRC is the “must-attend” gathering of all the broadband and telecommunications geeks. It’s been around since the very foundation of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.In fact, NTIA — which is the executive-branch agency responsible for the administration’s telecom policy — had just formed at the time of the first Telecommunications Policy Research Conference on November 17, 1972.This persistent crowd has been considering telecommunications innovation, public utilities, radio frequency spectrum and media ownership for a half-century now. The <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56a114ff5dc6de6ca8f06129/t/62a7767812b5863a8a173795/1655142009144/TPRC+1972+Program.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">first conference program</a> seems refreshingly topical.Besides being a persistent crowd, TPRC’s strength is its inclusive nature. The crowd that attends this academic conference caters equally to industry and to the university and non-profit community.This year - with the rollout of the largest federal funding in broadband infrastructure history - the need for TPRC is urgent and vital.&nbsp;NTIA is leading the charge with an unprecedented amount of $42.5 billion in broadband infrastructure funding for last-mile internet deployment. Participants in the <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Grants Community</a> should take advantage of this opportunity to bring the passion and the expertise of TPRC to bear on the broadband data and measurement problems that must be solved to successfully role out the <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/infrastructure-investment-jobs-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.</a><h2>How TPRC has traversed the issue of broadband data in the past</h2>My own history with TPRC goes back some time, but not quite 50 years. I began attending TPRC in 2006, and it was at the events in that year, and the years that followed, that I teamed up with my TPRC-ers to launch a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to get access to broadband data.I’ve <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2022/06/broadband-mapping-coalition-seeks-to-bring-openness-back-to-internet-data/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">been a strong advocate</a> of the importance of public and open broadband data for more than 15 years. (See <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2009/02/infrastructure-investment-decisions-need-transparency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">“U.S. broadband infrastructure investments need transparency</a>,” ArsTechnica, February 10, 2009.) That op-ed recounts our efforts to obtain FCC Form 477 data in 2006 and 2007, followed by founding BroadbandCensus.com in January 2008 to crowdsource the collection of broadband speed and availability data.The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009 opened up even more opportunities for critical thinking about the kinds of broadband data necessary for a national broadband building.&nbsp;The ARRA was the largest federal investment of broadband funds, up until that point. And, at the 2009 TPRC, one of the highlights was an informal session on “<a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2009/09/beer-and-broadband-mapping-at-the-top-telecommunications-policy-conference/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beer and Broadband Mapping</a>”&nbsp;I had the great pleasure to team up with the now-late Charles Benton, who emphasized this vital principal: Broadband data needs to be publicly available in order to be verified and scrutinized.This issue never seems to die. <a href="http://www.broadband.money" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband.money</a> is working with the <a href="https://broadbandmappingcoalition.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Mapping Coalition</a>, an arm of the digital equity group <a href="https://www.marconisociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Marconi Society</a>, to promote the public’s engagement with the Federal Communications’ Fabric mapping initiative. The goal is to make sure that the process is truly open to public oversight and input as the U.S. Commerce Department implements the largest expenditure of federal broadband funds in history.<h2>What to look for at this year’s TPRC</h2>As is typical, TPRC in 2022 is broken into a half-dozen track or topics, including “Broadband,” “Spectrum, “Digital Economy, “Privacy,” “Internet Inequalities” and others. The “Broadband” segment this year is particularly rich, with nine sessions.With an eye toward those in the Broadband Grants community who are most interested in “Broadband Performance,” Broadband Competition,” and “Broadband Technology and Policy,” I’ve linked to highlight several core sessions.&nbsp;The Broadband.Money team will be focusing our coverage of TPRC this year on these sessions. (But we invite members of the community attending TPRC <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">to post</a> as well!)<h2>Broadband Performance</h2>On Friday at 11:05 a.m., David Reed of the University of Colorado at Boulder will moderate a session on core aspects of broadband data, including broadband labels and metrics for broadband access, including a presentation by MIT’s David Clark and MIT’s Sara Wedeman.A follow-up session on the same topic will be moderated by Bob Cannon of NTIA, and will feature research on quality in competition among ISPs, of whether “your mileage my vary” on consumer internet performance, and on crowdsourcing quality of service measurements, on Saturday at 11:05 a.m.<h2>Broadband Competition, Broadband Technology and Policy and COVID</h2>Sessions on these above topics are also critical for members of the TPRC attendees who are part of the Broadband Grants Community.&nbsp;A session on “COVID Impacts on Communication” will highlight broadband infrastructure and school district policies by Kenneth Flamm on Friday at 4:05 p.m.&nbsp;And a discussion of “Best Practices for Collecting Speed Test Data” will be part of a discussion on Saturday at 9 a.m.&nbsp;And don’t miss Technology Policy Institute’s Scott Wallsten’s moderation of a session, also on Saturday at 9 a.m., on “Broadband Technology Policy” that includes a spatial analysis of Wi-Fi locations, delivering affordable and universal broadband and the changing role of internet protocols.<h2>What Broadband.Money and TPRC attendees can should bring to the research table</h2>Broadband.money is joining the discussion this year by bringing you our <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/california" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">research and data visualizations</a> in the form of <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/virginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our maps of internet performance and demographics</a>. They show where investment is needed independently and in comparison to the data provided by internet service providers themselves.For an example of how this works, please take a look at <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/get-broadband-grant-alerts-news/these-two-organizations-want-to-help-us-agree-on-what-the-digital-divide-really-means-at-stake-billions-in-broadband-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this blog post </a>by Broadband.money’s Director of Digital Community Sarah Lai Stirland — who will also attend this year's conference. Please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself.

The 50th TPRC is the “must-attend” gathering of all the broadband and telecommunications geeks.

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50 years in the quest to understand broadband deployment

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<a href="https://www.tribalcommunicationsllc.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tribal Communications</a>, LLC announces a new partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://t.sidekickopen13.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8cpmFZVlY45G59hl3kW7_k2841CX6NGW36PLjD2Swq72W2PqZkh4_jLv_f197v5Y04?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW49KtVq4r5rrL348-2&amp;si=8000000021956085&amp;pi=60d45741-7698-48f0-9bea-fe8d730970e8">Ready.net&nbsp;</a>(Ready) /&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadband.money">Broadband.money</a>&nbsp;that will expand both companies’ capacity to support broadband, digital equity, and other broadband and telecommunications projects with Tribal Nations, entities, and enterprises.&nbsp;As unprecedented federal funding is deployed across the country, TC and Ready are committed to championing Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic independence by creating robust Tribally-owned and operated broadband services.“Our partnership with Ready.net through Broadband.money allows us to access more technology and expertise for Indian Country,” said Joe Valandra (Sicangu Lakota), Senior Vice President of Tribal Communications.&nbsp;“Together, we are launching a custom Tribal Community Broadband Toolkit that will allow Tribes to establish their own empirical connectivity data and profiles, as well as a Tribal Broadband Community on Broadband.money, an information, communication and resource platform for Tribes.”&nbsp;The partnership is focused on developing and expanding expertise, technology, partners, and opportunities to expand broadband services, network infrastructure, and digital equity in partnership with Tribes. Ready helps broadband professionals connect more people to better services through its cloud-based software and data tools. In addition to its expertise in broadband and planning services, Tribal Communications brings decades of leadership, economic development, and tribal relations experience.&nbsp;“It’s time Tribes everywhere get strong, reliable access to broadband,” said Ready’s Co-Founder and CEO, Jase Wilson. “Tribal Communications has the authentic leadership, experience, and track record to get the job done. We’re excited to help them with our purpose-built tools to help Tribes win their fair share of broadband resources.”Leveraging the data and technology of <a href="https://www.ready.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ready</a>’s <a href="https://www.broadband.money" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">broadband.money </a>platform, TC will work with Tribes to streamline processes for broadband grant research, applications, and ongoing reporting &amp; compliance. Given the unique challenges (e.g., capacity and resources) for Tribes to navigate broadband expansion for their reservations, the partnership will provide tools that make funding and planning processes faster, easier, and more accurate by bringing together multiple data sets and workflow tools in an easy-to-use interface.&nbsp;TC’s leadership has been a leading voice and advocate in D.C. and throughout Indian Country. They are working with Tribes and states throughout the country to navigate policy, funding, and the unique challenges that come with expanding broadband services and infrastructure.&nbsp;Tribal Communications, LLC, is a subsidiary of Tribal Solutions Group, LLC, a national company with a long history and successful track record of partnering with Tribes and Tribal enterprises across the United States. Both TC and Ready are committed to being community partners dedicated to closing the digital divide throughout Indian Country. About <a href="https://t.sidekickopen13.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8cpmFZVlY45G59hl3kW7_k2841CX6NGW36PLjD2Swq72W2PqZkh4_jLv_f197v5Y04?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fM_MTW3zd5Rm3_X5XxW3SYLpP3T1MdZW3ZY6lb3Fbt5S0&amp;si=8000000021956085&amp;pi=60d45741-7698-48f0-9bea-fe8d730970e8">Tribal Communications, LLC</a>Tribal Communications champions Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic independence by creating Tribally owned and operated broadband &amp; wireless services. Our mission is to provide world-class consulting services to Tribal nations, entities, and enterprises to help solve the unique challenges of bringing high-speed broadband and wireless services to all of Indian Country.&nbsp;Our vision is to help create digitally connected Tribal communities with limitless opportunities that will strengthen the economic sovereignty of Indian Country.About <a href="https://t.sidekickopen13.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8cpmFZVlY45G59hl3kW7_k2841CX6NGW36PLjD2Swq72W2PqZkh4_jLv_f197v5Y04?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW49KtVq4r5rrL348-2&amp;si=8000000021956085&amp;pi=60d45741-7698-48f0-9bea-fe8d730970e8">Ready.net, Inc.</a> / <a href="https://t.sidekickopen13.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8cpmFZVlY45G59hl3kW7_k2841CX6NGW36PLjD2Swq72W2PqZkh4_jLv_f197v5Y04?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-3Cf9cZW3H3Bq63GGZPhf41RkZt04&amp;si=8000000021956085&amp;pi=60d45741-7698-48f0-9bea-fe8d730970e8">Broadband.money </a>Ready makes cloud-based software and data tools built from the ground up to help local broadband providers and local communities win. Ready makes it easy for local ISPs to acquire, retain, and monetize subscribers. Cross-sell premium digital services, like telemedicine and streaming services. Run promotional campaigns. Reward loyal subscribers. Finance network growth. &nbsp;

Partners bring together experience, resources, and relationships to support and position Tribes across the country to expand broadband internet across Indian Country.

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Tribal Communications partners with Ready.net to close the digital divide in Indian country

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Mayors: Is access to strong, affordable broadband for your constituents at the top of your agenda? If not, you might soon miss a one-time opportunity to make your city more competitive.&nbsp; Broadband is now essential. Not everyone gets itYou know strong broadband is now essential for daily life. Access to education, healthcare, and jobs now depend on broadband. For many of your constituents, internet access is inadequate for this new reality, with few, or no real broadband choices in parts of your city. For others, plans are too expensive.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><div class="contentPart">
<h2>Help could be on the way, if you act fast</h2>
Right now, America’s gearing up to make its largest – and likely last – major public investment in broadband. Within the broadband provisions of the Infrastructure Investment &amp; Jobs Act (IIJA), your state could get as much as $3 billion to help build next-generation broadband infrastructure.
The largest program – the $42.5 Billion Broadband Equity Access &amp; Deployment (BEAD) program, is designed to fund capital-intensive, modern broadband infrastructure in communities like yours.


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</div></div>&nbsp;Your city could be entitled to hundreds of millions of dollars for broadband projects, depending on:<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>How many <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location">unserved</a> and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location">underserved</a> <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-serviceable-locations">serviceable broadband locations</a> you’re able to prove that exist within your city</li><li>Your state’s broadband plan, and to what extent you shape it with empirical data</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>There is a catch – and it’s up to you to fix it</h3>The way BEAD’s prioritization algorithm works means the money will flow by default away from denser urban areas like your city, since:<ol><li>More eligible providers will self-report adequate service in denser metro areas. It will be harder to prove unserved and underserved locations without defensible, empirical data.</li><li>BEAD prioritizes higher-cost projects. Broadband project cost and population density are usually inversely correlated.&nbsp;</li></ol>This means that, without intervention from you, your city could see very little of this one-time broadband windfall.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>How will you ensure your city gets its fair share of BEAD grants?&nbsp;</h3>Luckily – the National Telecommunications &amp; Information Administration (NTIA) architected a nearly perfect solution for you, if you choose to lead it: <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/local-coordination">Local Coordination</a>. This legal requirement obligates your state to consult with you about your local communities' needs before it sends its final financial ask of the federal government – in the form of a state broadband plan. You’ll have tools available to make your case after the plan is submitted, but you’re far better off to be at the table now, with good, defensible data about your city's current broadband need in hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>When and where to start</h3>Your state’s broadband planning is underway now. There is still time for Mayors like you to orient your response in order to get ready to get your city’s share, but that window is closing.&nbsp; You need to be at the table, equipped with defensible, empirical data about your city’s current broadband reality.&nbsp;You can set the foundation with your city's <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-audit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Audit</a>, with data through the Community Broadband Kit.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1><a href="https://broadband.money?src=USCM">Get your city's free Broadband Audit today</a>.</h1><figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/community_broadband_kit_preview_7d25b471ae.png"><figcaption>Free broadband test for your city to gather empirical proof of broadband need</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/boss_dashboard_preview_06ef3b3e73.png"><figcaption>Detailed, interactive reports in your Broadband Audit</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><a href="https://broadband.money/community-broadband-kit?src=USCM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/boss_broadband_underserved_underserved_map_preview_60cff6b5ef.png"></a><figcaption>Geospatial Insights in your city's Broadband Audit</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/image_a6c51de332.png"><figcaption>Quickly distribute your Broadband Kit to Community Anchor Institutions</figcaption></figure><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Learn More &amp; Take Action</h3><ol><li><a href="https://broadband.money/community-broadband-kit?src=USCM">Get started on your city’s Broadband Audit</a> through the Community Broadband Kit&nbsp;</li><li>Watch this <a href="https://broadband.money/events/ntia-head-alan-davidsons-keynote-address-mountain-connect-2022">Fireside chat with Alan Davidson</a> , Head of the agency overseeing $50 billion of the $75 billion for broadband in motion now.&nbsp;</li><li>And this <a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/bead-nofo-deep-dive">Recent webinar from Scott Woods, Esq.</a>&nbsp;A former NTIA executive weighs in on unpacking the agency’s $42.5 Billion BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)</li><li>Encourage your staff to join the <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money">Broadband Grants Community</a> of 800+ broadband professionals, introduce yourselves, and post your city’s broadband efforts &amp; requests for help. Learn about broadband funding, deployment planning and technologies and discuss active challenges.</li><li>Want to share your city’s digital inclusion &amp; equity plans with the community? Odds are good that your state director is in the community – it’s a great place to publicly share your city’s broadband vision. Ping <a href="mailto:sarah@ready.net">Sarah Lai Stirland</a> for help.</li><li>Bookmark the <a href="https://broadband.money/resources">Broadband Grants Resource Center</a> – more resources added weekly.</li><li>Contact us for more information – we’re here to help you win.&nbsp;</li></ol>

America's gearing up to make its largest – and almost certainly last – investment in broadband. By default, most of that money is set to flow away from urban areas. Mayors can and should get their share to connect constituents.

Mayors can and should play a critical role in directing America's largest ever public investment in broadband – but must take action now with Broadband Audit.

Mayors: Get Your City's Share of Billions for Broadband

America's largest broadband investment flows away from cities. Mayors can and must act.

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Mayors: How to Get Your City's Share of Broadband Grants

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Mayors: Don't Miss Your City's Share of Billions for Broadband

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Jase Wilson

<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe src="https://pitch.com/public/0b5632e7-def1-4d8b-9bc1-7cd2a02fa792/e273308a-0904-4c8a-91f6-d827b1786e9c" allow="fullscreen" class="pitch" width="720" height="480"></iframe></div>Broadband.money is working to help local communities to win and defend their share of broadband grant funding.Pioneering local broadband champions – like those in the city of Detroit — get their own <a href="http://detroitspeed.broadband.money/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Community Broadband Kit</a> to collect on-the-ground broadband performance tests and survey data, so that they can determine their own broadband needs and present them in empirical form to broadband grant makers and service providers.<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/Detroit_Community_Kit_2812636379.png"></figure>Broadband.money’s Community Broadband Kit contains a built-in messaging system with a custom-branded template to invite individuals and community anchor institutions to participate. It also contains instructions with tips and guidance for getting the test in front of communities.The kit was inspired by a presentation conducted this May during the Mountain Connect conference, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79G1uR0u57c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a talk </a>given this past June by a MLab’s Project Director Lai-Yi Ohlsen and the Marconi Society’s National Broadband Mapping Coalition Program Manager Dustin Loup.The session was about how local communities can most effectively measure and map broadband availability and coverage in their areas. The duo <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EUjbdDxsMy2azZK_f48qF7K9V3ta2r0Ac7iOWvA66Y4/edit">recommended</a> and provided useful guidance including the recommendation to include multiple tests in performance tests in order to get a more comprehensive view of an area’s connectivity, since the different tests use different methodologies. This <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vLl24JtINLXOL_KY8aZRmNH8jlNfE2gNHUhUuTKgW8Y/edit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">document</a> provides further details of their recommendations, as well as recommendations from the Broadband Mapping Coalition. Broadband.money’s Broadband Community Kit has incorporated these recommendations.Ohlsen and Loup’s performance and survey test recommendations are being built into an open-source broadband performance test that can be widely distributed online and adopted by thousands of communities and regional and local providers across the country to generate the empirical data they need to win and defend their broadband grants against incumbent telecom providers making bogus claims a about areas that they already serve, but in fact don’t.One of the flagship locations that demonstrates this constant battle is the city of Detroit, where <a href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/detroits-plan-for-equal-internet-access-starts-with-hope-village/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">more than a quarter of residents </a>don’t have access to high-speed broadband, and <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/detroit-bridges-internet-access-digital-divide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">70 percent of school age children don’t have broadband at home</a>. A lawsuit was also filed against an incumbent carrier in 2017 accusing it of <a href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/features/the-broadband-gaps-dirty-secret-redlining-still-exists-in-digital-form/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">digital redlining</a> after an academic published a study showing that the carrier hadn’t made significant investments in its networks in census blocks with poverty rates above 35 percent. The carrier denied that it ignores high poverty areas.More recently, thousands of Detroiters suffered from a 45 day internet outage from a commercial provider during the height of the pandemic last year. (You can hear more about that in the podcast episode below. It is also downloadable through <a href="<iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLpBdWMdM9s&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; allowfullscreen></iframe>" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="<iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLpBdWMdM9s&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; allowfullscreen></iframe>" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a0f3b57a-4999-4372-9071-9d2ed1caa324/ready-or-not-with-scott-d-woods-esq?refMarker=null" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amazon</a>, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.)<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLpBdWMdM9s" title="YouTube video player" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Now Detroiters will be able to use our <a href="http://detroitspeed.broadband.money">Broadband Community Kit</a> to conduct a <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-audit">broadband audit</a> to demonstrate their level of need.A broadband audit is a statistically valid survey of a census block or other local geographic areas defined by state grant making authorities for <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband">broadband</a> availability.The survey would consist of internet performance measurements undertaken multiple times a day under varying network traffic conditions, but under established parameters, such as the distances packets of data have to travel between specified servers.Performance, as defined by the <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr3684/text">Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act</a>, includes measurements of upload and download speeds and latency.Local communities and providers can dispute their state broadband office’s broadband connectivity profiles of their communities with challenges backed up by their broadband audits.The Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act requires each state and territory to conduct a challenge process before they can be given their allotted funding as determined by an IIJA formula.That process enables local governments, nonprofit organizations, or providers to challenge state and territories’ determinations of local areas’ connectivity and grant funding needs as defined by number of locations that are unserved and underserved in their IIJA BEAD grant funding application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The worry is that states may undercount the number of locations needing grant funding because of exaggerated coverage claims by incumbent providers, or because of other faulty data. &nbsp;The IIJA determines that locations are unserved if they have connections that can only manage speeds of less than 25/3 Mbps upload/download. Underserved areas are those locations that have connections that offer speeds of less than 100/20 Mbps.The Community Broadband Kit is in beta and will be launched for public use mid September, ahead of the eligibility and challenge processes.

Broadband.money is working to help local communities win and defend their share of broadband grant funding. 

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Detroit residents to conduct their own broadband audit after historic outage

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Montana's rescue plan funding commission is going back to the drawing board after its proposal to award nearly half of rescue plan funds to a telecom incumbent drew sharp criticism from local broadband providers.Montana’s ARPA Communications Advisory Commission announced Monday that it would go back over <a href="https://connectmt.mt.gov/awards/preliminary-rankings">the initial rankings</a> of the 75 project planners that applied for the broadband grant funding.“At the end of the day, our job is to make sure that we do what’s best for Montana,” said Commission Chair Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton.The decision came after a damning report in the <a href="https://montanafreepress.org/2022/08/12/258-million-montana-broadband-grant-plan-draws-debate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Montana Free Press</a> and criticisms from local providers after the commission proposed awarding almost half of its $260 million American Rescue Plan Act broadband grant funding to Charter Communications. &nbsp;The Montana Free Press reports:<blockquote>The <a href="https://connectmt.mt.gov/awards/ConnectMT---Preliminary-Application-Recommendation-Summaries---20220803.pdf">initial grant ranking</a>, prepared by the Department of Administration and consultants at CTC Technology and Energy, <a href="https://connectmt.mt.gov/awards/ConnectMT-Application-and-Allocation-Metrics---20220803.pdf">recommended funding</a> 47 broadband projects proposed by 14 different companies. If completed, those projects would expand high-speed internet access to an estimated 41,000 homes and businesses across Montana.&nbsp;</blockquote>It also reports that Charter spent more than double the amount of money that the trade group for local providers did:<blockquote>Both Charter and the Montana Telecommunications Association lobbied extensively during last year’s legislative session as lawmakers drafted the bills that defined the parameters of the Connect MT program. Lobbying disclosure records indicate Charter retained five lobbyists and spent a total of $87,000 trying to advance its agenda on topics including the Connect MT legislation. The telecommunications association, represented by Feiss, reported spending about $42,000.</blockquote>For more information about winning broadband grants in Montana, and the potential grant amounts available to to grant applicants planning to apply for grants coming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) provisions, visit Broadband.money's <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/montana" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Montana BEAD grant funding</a> profile page. The page offers estimated available amounts of money available for Montana broadband grant-funded projects, <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/montana/yield-on-cost-map" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">investment maps </a>and an <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/montana" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interactive BEAD grant funding portal</a> with demographic data, broadband availability status, and more. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A volley of criticism from local providers has caused Montana’s ARPA broadband commission to reconsider its proposed award of the bulk of rescue funding to Charter Communications

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Montana ARPA commission reconsiders initial broadband grant award proposal

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Maine has been one of the states that has a well-established broadband grant program, and it's well positioned to land and defend its share of federal broadband grant funding.Maine's Connectivity Authority has made sure that it coordinates closely with local communities so that it has its ears to the ground in terms of their broadband needs.&nbsp;So it's not surprising that it is encouraging its residents to take broadband speed tests to help figure out local communities' needsIt's also not a big surprise that there are a lot of big dates coming up for the Maine broadband grants community. Check out the list below:Program: Connect the ReadyMaine Connectivity Authority hosted an engagement session on August 15.<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/Bga3skQlkgti1dZ4TL6nmM-ZtC7_avreHrAnkxiCuTA12iMB-7U0kIgC3lCt0R8uSQLWINsmyt8WvjWZ.HKkCiFNFT9qjawwb?continueMode=true"> There is a recording online</a> if you missed it.On September 23, they will release Connect the Ready’s program guidance.&nbsp;On October 10, the application window for Connect Ready will open.On October 14, there will be a webinar applicants can access to help them navigate the Connect the Ready application process.The application deadline is November 9, at 11:59 pm.Program: Reach Me Line Extension IncentivesMaine Connectivity Authority hosted an engagement session on August 10.<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/VkzW_qiwRA5FLnyYFq5XlQOsBYjFNSutHYH5CpuQ3N9wgTnWK2A_A-rXXEC8yZjMDXoFp4VaDzs3sYcv.RvdCC3Go_8E0gm4T?startTime=1660147320000"> There is a recording online</a> if you missed it.&nbsp;On October 10, the application window for Reach Me Line Extension Incentives will open.On October 21, there will be a webinar applicants can access to help them navigate the Reach Me Line Extension Incentives application process.On October 31, the request for quotes deadline will close at 11:59 pm.Applicants’ proposals will be due on December 2 at 11:59 pm.&nbsp;Also,<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers#Maine"> check out the FCC’s website</a> to learn more about Affordable Connectivity Program-qualified ISPs in Maine.&nbsp;Broadband.money will be offering providers a <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/affordable-connectivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Turnkey ACP</a> option in upcoming months.&nbsp;For more information on Maine’s broadband efforts, checkout Broadband.Money’s<a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/maine"> Maine Broadband Grant Portal</a>.You cannot miss these dates if you want to stand a chance at challenging incumbents in your area. Use every tool available to you, including Broadband.Money’s<a href="https://broadband.money/community-broadband-kit"> Community Broadband Kit</a>.&nbsp;

Don't miss any of Maine's broadband grant key deadlines

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Here are the key dates for Maine broadband grant opportunities

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Benjamin Kahn

 Growth Marketing Manager

Fewer than a third of the households in <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/hawaii" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hawaii</a> are signed up for the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program, according to Burt Lum, the state's chief broadband strategy officer.&nbsp;About &nbsp;29,000 households have signed up for the program, which provides a monthly $30 subsidy to qualifying households for internet access. The award doubles for families on Hawaiian home lands. They can receive a $75 discount each month.“I was looking at how many families receive free or reduced lunch or SNAP benefits, and that’s close to a hundred thousand,” Lum told the Honolulu Star Advertiser in a <a href="https://www.staradvertiser.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">recent article</a>.&nbsp;Those are the households that are eligible to receive the benefit. Residents can also qualify if they benefit from Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, federal public housing assistance, free and reduced-price school breakfast or lunch, the Pell Grant or if their household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty line. The program also grants a one-time $100 discount for purchasing a laptop, desktop or tablet.To see the full list of ACP eligibility details and participating Hawaii internet service providers, visit <a href="http://broadband.hawaii.gov/acp/.">http://broadband.hawaii.gov/acp/.</a>One of the big, yet little-discussed, issues hindering broader enrollment is the extensive administrative burden that internet service providers and their customers face when trying to enroll in the program. The process involves several steps that require households to navigate procedures both through the federal government and then at the provider itself. Then billing agents at providers have a whole other procedure to implement in order to register ACP participants.&nbsp;<a href="https://broadband.money">Broadband.money</a> is working on a Turnkey ACP option that would enable internet service providers to seamlessly offer ACP subsidies to eligible subscribers.&nbsp; The goal is to reduce the administrative burden both on subscribers and provider staff when integrating the ACP benefit into subscription plans.&nbsp; &nbsp;The FCC recently launched a grant program that would help local officials boost their ACP outreach programs.&nbsp;Households looking to sign up for the discounts can go to <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Internet.&nbsp;</a>

Only about 29,000 households are signed up for the FCC's ACP program

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Fewer than a third of eligible households have signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program in Hawaii, says broadband strategy officer

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Alaska is one of America's last frontiers in many ways. Broadband deployment is no exception.&nbsp;The vast state of 665,400 square miles is in dire need of better broadband, and it stands to leap ahead if state broadband leaders are able to win the appropriate amount of BEAD grants. The state published <a href="https://connectednation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CN_ALASKA_BB_PLAN_12-2019_07_FINAL-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this broadband report</a> last year to outline its needs.&nbsp;In in addition to Treasury and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-guides/getting-ready-for-bead" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD grants</a>, the state's 229 tribes are also eligible for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's <a href="https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/grant-programs/tribal-broadband-connectivity-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program</a> (NTCP.) &nbsp;But the needed amount of funding can only come if broadband builders use accurate maps that can tell them where the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's BEAD grant money should go.&nbsp;That's why Alaska's Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan are pushing the Federal Communications Commission to get its much-touted Fabric map right when they publish them this fall. The IIJA directs the NTIA to dispense broadband funding to state applicants according to a formula based on data from that map, which in turn is based on broadband coverage data submitted by internet service providers.&nbsp;They reiterated <a href="https://communicationsdaily.com/news/2022/08/10/Murkowski-Sullivan-Raise-Broadband-Map-Concerns-in-Alaska-2208090049" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">their concerns</a> this week at a broadband summit held in Fairbanks, Alaska this week, according to the trade publication Communications Daily.&nbsp;The publication reports that their statements "followed state officials raising concerns about holes in the FCC’s broadband serviceable location fabric to be used in upcoming maps.&nbsp;State, local, tribal and federal officials stressed the need for engagement and collaboration to ensure funding goes where it’s needed."This <a href="https://www.adn.com/business-economy/2022/08/09/alaska-ramps-up-effort-to-land-billions-in-federal-funding-to-close-digital-divide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alaska Daily News story</a> quotes the Alaska Federation of Natives' Executive Vice President Nicole Borromeo acknowledging that “there will be a lot of competition for the money nationally.”&nbsp; &nbsp;<blockquote>“We want to see every penny we can up in Alaska,” Borromeo said, part of a panel during the summit that discussed tribal opportunities. “It’s a bit of a David and Goliath story. The only way we get to be Goliath is by working together.”</blockquote>But the state currently seems to<a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2ef805eb0e2746598c3ed0638388de16" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> rely on that FCC data</a> to map its broadband needs.&nbsp;State, local and tribal officials, and local ISPs could all work together to figure out the <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/alaska" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">real amounts</a> that the state and tribal territories are due from the NTIA by using <a href="http://broadband.money" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband.money</a>'s <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/alaska" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">broadband performance maps</a> and forthcoming community <a href="https://twitter.com/jase/status/1558127104105086977/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">broadband performance test toolkit</a>.&nbsp;

Alaska's congressional leaders are worried about the accuracy of the FCC's broadband maps. 

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Alaska leaders worry about broadband maps

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The agency responsible for dispensing billions in broadband grants and the Bureau of Indian Affairs <a href="https://www.bia.gov/news/ntia-and-bia-sign-agreement-streamline-environmental-permitting-high-speed-internet-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced this week </a>that they're working to speed broadband deployments along on tribal territories by working to co-ordinate environmental and conservation compliance efforts with a tribal grant program. The agreement ensures that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration coordinates its grant making activities under its Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) with the environmental, historic preservation, and cultural resources requirements related to tribal communities.&nbsp;The agreement aims to streamline National Environmental Policy Act reviews, as authorized to grant rights-of-way over and across land held in trust or restricted status by the United States under the Indian Right-of-Way Act.“Tribal communities are long overdue to gain access to life-saving technologies, economic and educational opportunities, and countless other benefits of high-speed internet,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Alan Davidson. “We are streamlining and creating efficiencies within the Federal Government to ensure Tribal communities get the resources they need quickly to close the digital divide on Tribal lands.”“This agreement will advance our work to connect people in Tribal communities with high-speed internet, while ensuring the preservation of environmental, historic, and cultural resources,” said Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will expand opportunities for people to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives in their Tribal communities.”&nbsp;

NTIA and BIA announced this week that they're working together to speed up broadband deployment 

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NTIA strikes deal with Bureau of Indian Affairs to reduce red tape

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Three years ago, the $45 billion state Rebuild Illinois law directed $420 million alone towards broadband expansion. Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker,&nbsp;the state established its Office of Broadband – a continuation of prior state broadband efforts under former Gov. Pat Quinn&nbsp;– and launched its state program to put these funds in use.Illinois is benefitting from its foresight. Several projects from the first round of the the state’s Broadband Grant Program have concluded. Others are underway, or providing services in the state. The Office of Broadband is also growing in capacity and collaboration with stakeholders across the state.Because of these ventures, Illinois officials believe they are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the federal funding coming down the pipeline from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide $42.5 billion for broadband infrastructure.&nbsp;First, the state broadband office will deploy planning dollars to engage stakeholders across Illinois. Then, the office will direct the investments to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas.&nbsp;Illinois’ Office of Broadband recently posted a new request for information soliciting feedback from applicants to the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s $1 billion Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. The state broadband office will use the request for information to help align applications, ensure quality, and position the state to make the most of the funding opportunity.&nbsp;

Illinois is benefitting from its foresight in passing the 2019 Rebuild Illinois law, directing $420 million towards broadband expansion.

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Illinois well-positioned to take advantage of federal broadband funding

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Tera Whipple

Reporter

All states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia must submit detailed project and budget narratives to the Biden administration by August 15th if they're planning to apply for BEAD grants.The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has made <a href="https://www.internet4all.gov/program/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a packet </a>with detailed instructions available to state and territory level broadband offices.&nbsp;Here's the basic checklist of documents required:&nbsp;<ul><li>Project Narrative</li><li>SF 424 (Application for Federal Assistance)</li><li>SF 424C (Budget Information – Construction Programs)</li><li>Detailed Budget Justification</li><li>Budget Narrative</li><li>Negotiated Indirect Cost rate Agreement – as applicable</li><li>CD-511 (certification of lobbying activities)</li><li>SF-LLL (disclosure of lobbying activities) as applicable</li><li>SAM.gov registration</li></ul>The Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA,) otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, made a total of $65 billion available to close the digital divide. The grant program is known as the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant program. It also includes funds for digital equity, which the NTIA expects grant recipients to use concurrently as they plan for new broadband networks to <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unserved</a> and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">underserved</a> locations.States can apply for an initial $5 million, which they can use over five years, to do their broadband planning. Territories and D.C., have access to $1.25 million.&nbsp;Instructions from the NTIA state that applicants should indicate who they're working with in the form of partners and subrecipients, and that project summaries should outline “how the project will advance the objectives of the BEAD program as well as specific objectives outlined in the NOFO for Initial Planning Funds and Five-Year Action Plan.”Applicants must also provide high-level financial figures and budget information, and limit their summaries to 1,000 words. &nbsp;Below are a list of eligible costs that can be incurred for BEAD funds used for broadband planning. The table came from the NTIA's planning documents.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Administration and Legal Expenses</td><td><ul><li>Publications, outreach and communications support</li><li>Establishing, operating and increasing capacity of a broadband office that oversees broadband programs and broadband deployment in an eligible entity</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Reasonable post-NOFO pre-award expenses in an amount not to exceed $100,000 relating to the preparation of program submissions to the NTIA (such as a Letter of Intent) or adding additional capacity to state or territorial broadband offices in preparation for the BEAD program may be re-imbursed if they are incurred after the publication of the NOFO and prior to the issuance of the grant reward from the NTIA, except that lobbying costs and contingency fees are not reimbursable from grant funds.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Other architectural and engineering fees</td><td><ul><li>Asset mapping across the eligible entity to catalogue broadband adoption, affordability, equity, access and deployment activities occurring within the eligible entity</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Conducting surveys of unserved, underserved and underrepresented communities to better understand barriers to adoption</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Miscellaneous</td><td><ul><li>Research and data collection including initial identification of unserved locations and underserved locations</li><li>The development of a preliminary budget for pre-planning activities</li><li>Providing technical assistance to potential subgrantees, including through workshops and events</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Training for employees of the &nbsp;broadband program or office of the eligible entity or employees or political subdivisions of the eligible entity, and related staffing capacity or consulting or contracted support to effectuate the goals of the BEAD Program</li><li>Other uses approved in advance writing by the Assistant Secretary (including in response to an eligible entity's request) that support goals of the program.</li><li>Other uses approved in advance writing by the Assistant Secretary (including in response to an Eligible Entity's request) that support the goals of the program.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>The NTIA also provides examples of what a budget narrative would look like, as well as other planning templates.&nbsp; Fund recipients have 270 days, or about 9 months after they receive the grants to provide the NTIA with a 5-year action plan. For more detail on this, <a href="https://broadband.money/ntia-bead-nofo/program-structure-sequencing-and-requirements" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">refer to </a>Broadband.money's Annotated Guide to the BEAD NOFO.&nbsp; Broadband.money provides detailed <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-grant-portals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">broadband availability maps</a> of served, unserved, underserved, and related categories of "likely underserved," and “arguably underserved" areas. For more detailed explanations of how we do this, read “<a href="https://broadband.money/blog/why-ready-speed-rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why Ready Speed Rank</a>,” "<a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/how-to-measure-broadband-performance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Ready Speed Rank Works</a>," and see how the maps <a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/how-to-create-a-project-area" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">can be used </a>to create "project areas."Check <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-grant-portals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">them out</a>, and <a href="https://broadband.money/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">contact us</a> for more information. &nbsp;

State broadband offices must submit their BEAD initial planning funds applications by August 15 

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Applying for BEAD initial planning funds? Here's what state broadband offices need to do

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Broadband providers submitting coverage information to the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Data Collection database will be required to submit information on how they obtained the coverage information.That’s according to an FCC webinar on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.&nbsp;Governmental and third-party entities must provide information on the methodologies they used to collect, organize, and verify the data as well as the entities they collaborated with in the process.All providers must submit information on how they generated the availability data for each technology involved in the submissions. Included should be the distance from the aggregation point for each technology and the relationship between the entity and any other firm involved.Fixed wireless broadband availability data will require additional information including propagation modeling information, base station location and height, base station carriers, budget parameters, and clutter category data.Facilities-based fixed providers may report data by location list or coverage polygons representing the availability of the provider’s service through the acceptable formats. Mobile broadband providersFilers will also be required to submit the maximum download and upload speeds associated with the service offered to each location. <a href="https://help.bdc.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/articles/6047589372059-Video-Resources">Video training</a> for completing the FCC’s BDC can be found at the FCC website.The FCC opened its new system to collect broadband service information from more than 2,500 broadband providers in June, marking the start of its efforts to establish new maps. Following the completion of the maps, government entities and internet service providers will be given a challenge window where availability claims may be challenged based on submitted data.

Governmental and third-party entities must provide information on the methodologies they used to collect, organize, and verify the data as well as the entities they collaborated with in the process.

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Sources of broadband coverage information will be required by FCC

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The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband announced on July 20, 2022, that it has partnered with the Rasmuson Foundation to administer the Digital Equity Planning Grant over the next 10 months.The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorizes $65 billion in public investment to improve broadband access and deployment throughout the country. This funding includes $2.6 billion to implement the Digital Equity Act Grants. These grants are designed to help states improve digital inclusion and equity within historically underserved communities and populations.&nbsp;Alaska expects to receive an initial $567,000 grant to prepare Alaska’s digital equity plan. The plan will identify existing barriers to broadband access, outline potential solutions to eliminating them, and will establish the foundation for supplemental federal funding to build Alaska’s broadband capacity and improve digital equity."Access to broadband for all Alaskans has been a priority of my administration," said&nbsp;Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a statement. "Digital equity means unprecedented access for our residents to work, learn, and receive health care, even in the most remote areas of the state."The Office of Broadband has partnered with the Rasmuson Foundation to assist in the development of the state’s digital equity plan. Operating as the state’s designated administering entity, it is expected that the foundation will manage a number of activities to include conducting stakeholder outreach, holding statewide listening sessions, and facilitating the data collection required to develop a comprehensive plan.The Rasmuson Foundation’s “willingness to serve as the administering entity preserves the eligibility of Tribal, municipal, and other non-profit entities to receive funding through upcoming Digital Equity Capacity and Competitive grant programs,” said Julie Sande,&nbsp;commissioner of the state’s Department of Commerce.The Rasmuson Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to promote a better life for Alaskans, has agreed to supplement these federally funded efforts with additional foundation staff and financial resources, allowing 100 percent of the state’s planning grant to go towards public outreach and stakeholder activities, according to Sande.“Numerous Alaska communities face prohibitive broadband costs or lagging speeds which results in a meaningful or complete lack of access to tools broadly taken for granted elsewhere,” said&nbsp;Rasmuson Foundation CEO Diane Kaplan. “Impaired broadband access relates to so many core Rasmuson Foundation grantmaking areas like healthcare, economic development, arts, culture, and education.”&nbsp;Other significant partners in this broadband planning effort include the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), Tribal entities, the Alaska Municipal League, local governments and representative non-profit organizations across Alaska.<a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/alaska" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alaska has historically been held back</a> by its 600,000 square-mile size, sparse population, rugged terrain and weather. That has led it to use wireless technologies outside of urban areas for connectivity, including microwave and satellites.&nbsp;But the state's 2021 broadband report was bullish on the new infusion of federal money, including from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed in November 2021. That report said that a "generational infusion of resources" made it "possible to build terrestrial middle and last-mile capacity to places never before considered feasible.""Fiber-optic cables are considered by the task force to be the gold standard middle-mile solution," the report said, adding other technologies are still in the mix. "As such, it should be deployed wherever feasible."

The Rasmuson Foundation's involvement will allow 100 percent of the state’s planning grant to go towards public outreach and stakeholder activities.

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Alaska Commerce Department partners with non-profit foundation to administer state’s Digital Equity Planning Grant

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul's administration needs to "ensure that future state-funded projects are based on accurate broadband availability data," and that it should fund technologies that actually do provide high-speed, reliable internet service, because it hasn't been doing so despite millions of dollars in funding.That's according to a little-noted <a href="https://www.osc.state.ny.us/state-agencies/audits/2022/07/01/new-ny-broadband-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">audit </a>published earlier this month by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.&nbsp;“The New NY Broadband Program did not meet its goal to close the internet gap because of poor planning and execution,” DiNapoli said in a press release. “As my office’s audit found, the program took years longer than promised and supplied many communities with slow, satellite-based internet that is inadequate for today’s needs. The state is now embarking on another effort to provide all New Yorkers with broadband access called ConnectALL and it is my hope it learns from the issues we found in this audit so they are not repeated.”DiNapoli’s audit recommended that ESD and BPO:<ul><li>Work with ISPs to complete outstanding projects as soon as possible;</li><li>Use a disclaimer when reporting the percentage of broadband availability in the state to reflect limitations in the data’s accuracy; and</li><li>Ensure that future state-funded projects are based on accurate broadband availability data; and that technologies that provide high-speed, reliable internet are used.</li></ul>National Public Radio affiliate WBFO recently <a href="https://www.wbfo.org/2022-07-18/new-yorks-broadband-program-to-provide-service-across-the-state-is-behind-schedule-uses-an-inaccurate-tool-to-monitor-how-well-its-doing-and-is-getting-another-billion-dollars?utm_source=sendgrid&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletters&amp;mc_cid=4a875cd440&amp;mc_eid=f63cc288fd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">highlighted</a> the report and spoke with two county leaders whose geographies have been impacted by the faulty data and technology decisions. Those are Orleans County and Chautauqua counties.&nbsp;<blockquote>Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel has a particularly choice words for the FCC's Form 477 data: “You gotta get sick and tired of fighting those, 'Yeah, well these are our numbers and we stand by them'" Wendel said. "Yeah, you can balance an elephant on a quarter, too, but that doesn't necessarily mean it could happen. Physics can tell you that.”</blockquote>Hochul's administration disagreed with DiNapoli's characterizations of its funding program so far. Felisa Hochheiser, New York's Director of Compliance for its economic development authority Empire State Development, said that satellite tech was only funded in areas where fiber deployment was prohibitively high and couldn't be provided at an affordable rate.&nbsp;And Empire State Development's Broadband Program Office has established a new broadband mapping and data collection program and is investing significant new resources in wireline rural broadband deployment, she wrote <a href="https://www.osc.state.ny.us/files/state-agencies/audits/pdf/sga-2022-20s19.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in a response</a> included in the audit. The BPO realized that the Federal Communications Commission's Form 477 data is faulty, she wrote.&nbsp;The comptroller's findings are concerning because Hochul announced that the state is putting another billion dollars into broadband funding this year under its <a href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-new-1-billion-connectall-initiative-bring-affordable-broadband" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ConnectALL initiative</a>. Her administration has come under fire for violating the Governor's promise for more transparency than her predecessor Governor Andrew Cuomo, who first announced a $500 million broadband initiative several years ago. Projects from that initiative are way behind and remain unfinished, DiNapoli's report noted.Broadband.money <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">projects </a>that New York State could receive another $672.8 to $756.4 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's BEAD program.Perhaps ESD's BPO (or even the counties) should look into using <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband.money's New York State broadband coverage map</a>, which use Ookla and MLab speed data and compares it with the FCC's form 477 data to illustrate where areas are <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">unserved</a> and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">underserved</a> as defined by IIJA's BEAD broadband grant program.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/Orleans_County_New_York_min_d4915a14fb.png"></figure>The map above, for example, shows this data comparison within a census block within Orleans, one of the counties named within the NPR affiliate story. It's also worth noting here that the IIJA's BEAD program <a href="https://broadband.money/ntia-bead-nofo/program-description" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">allows local entities</a> to challenge a state's planned funding allocations if they use their own verified data.&nbsp;

New York State needs to improve the way it administers broadband grants, according to a new audit from the state comptroller's office. 

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New York State needs better broadband data, says comptroller

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Great news last week: all 50 states and 5 territories and the District of Columbia announced their intention to <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/get-broadband-grant-alerts-news/all-50-states-territories-and-d-c-join-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">come on board for Access for All.</a> This means it’s Go Time for local providers and communities preparing to get their share of the historic program.On behalf of the Broadband.money and Ready teams, we are thankful you are undertaking the quest to help end the digital divide once and for all. Enrollment is now open for local providers intending to pursue <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a> grants.Our goal is to make the process of applying for <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a> grants as easy as possible. We've done that in several ways: helping you to learn, providing you with data and maps, as well as access to experts and a community.We built Broadband.money for local providers and the communities you serve to get the lion’s share of our nation’s largest-ever historic investment in broadband. We believe you are better qualified than national incumbents to get the job done, even if you might not have on-hand the array of resources you will need in order to get your share.You have the grit and genuine desire to get the job done. With the right resources in hand, you can get it done.To get your share of <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a>, you’ll need:<ul><li>Deep expertise in broadband grants, GIS, and community relations</li><li>At least 25% of the amount you’re applying to win – with documented proof up front</li><li>Tools for advanced geospatial analysis across complex data sets, and empirical data analysis</li><li>Hundreds of hours to build each of your project applications separately</li></ul>With Broadband.money, you get a partner and platform with:<ul><li>Built-in tools and resources to help you navigate grants, data, and effective community engagement</li><li>A common foundation – build one or more project applications from a single set of inputs</li><li>A collaborative platform – invite your consultants and other stakeholders to manage specific parts of your application journey</li><li>A lot of your time back – you’re busy connecting families and businesses to broadband</li><li>An easy way to apply once for matching funds from a variety of sources, including <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/common-equity-stock" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">equity</a>, <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/debt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">debt</a>, and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/letter-of-credit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">letter of credit providers</a></li><li>A community of broadband pros who want to help you win</li><li>Loads of other time-saving resources including office hours with former NTIA execs, <a href="https://broadband.money/ntia-bead-nofo/notice-of-funding-opportunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">annotated guides</a>, and more</li></ul><h2>What’s inside?</h2><h3>1. An A to Z Curriculum: Guides, Lessons &amp; Templates</h3>Broadband.money is <a href="https://broadband.money/start-broadband-grant-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">curriculum-based</a>, so you can work through your journey on your terms according to your timeline, at your pace. This way, you can work in logical units over the coming months in accordance with the requirements of the grant programs.<ul><li><a href="https://broadband.money/start-broadband-grant-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guides</a> walk you through the questions needed in order to build your most effective broadband grant project proposals, and get you oriented for the next steps in your journey, such as partnering with great communities and lining up matching fund sources.</li><li><a href="https://broadband.money/lessons/bead-nofo-deep-dive" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lessons</a> go into more detail about specific topics and themes you’ll need to know about in order to reach your full project proposal potential. This way, you’ll have the knowledge you need to answer questions with confidence.</li><li>Templates assist you in composing responses to structured inputs, such as <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a> grant pro forma, and more.</li></ul>Together, these building blocks will help you compose your best IIJA broadband grant project proposals starting with the groundwork for <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a>.<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/what_s_inside_1_82fa8ae1d9.png" alt="broadband money grant guides portal image"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/rsz_1whats_inside_2_5ac6b498bc.png" alt="broadband money grant guide lessons image"></figure><h3>2. Powerful, Easy-to-Use Geospatial Tools</h3>Get to know your territory and areas of interest in an all-new light. Quickly build up your understanding of the areas for which you might apply. Get filterable address-level insights and multiple points of view on current service, competition, and socio-demographics – all in a single place. Best of all, you can import and export to popular formats so you can use your existing geo tools.<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/power_easy_to_use_geospatial_tools_min_ff006db948.png" alt="broadband money grant portal data image"></figure><h3>3. Dashboard + Area Analysis</h3>Track your journey to win broadband grants with a dashboard overview, and get into detail about areas of interest you’re looking to take on – months ahead before the <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/federal-communications-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Communications Commission</a> publishes its own national map known as the “Fabric.” Stay informed with community events, industry updates and more.<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/dashboard_area_analysis_7c7ab7cbdc.png" alt="broadband money funding portal image"></figure><code>Soon, the Community Broadband Toolkit will allow the communities you’re partnering with to get going on their side with community broadband performance data collection.</code><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Why Now?</h2>While each state will have its own project-level requirements, the core of what you’re going to need to produce is already well-documented by the <a href="https://broadband.money/ntia-bead-nofo/notice-of-funding-opportunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTIA’s NOFO</a>. Think of it like Turbotax – you can do your main “application” (1040 federal return) and then later do your state-level “applications” (returns).States will finalize submission requirements in a few months. Meanwhile, your application model is safely stored while you develop answers, team up with collaborators, and make progress through developing your proposals. This way, when your states of interest open their portals, you’ll be ready.While it’s certainly possible to wait on state plans and Fabric maps, it’s not clear that’s a winning strategy. Three reasons you should consider starting now:<h3>Incumbents aren’t waiting</h3>Local providers and the communities they’re teaming up with to serve need every advantage in the fight to divert resources from where they’ve historically gone.While <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/federal-communications-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FCC </a>Fabric will surely be light years ahead of Form 477 self-reporting, the self-reported nature of the data still remains a risk for local providers and communities who need better broadband. It’s worth having a different point of view. Luckily, NTIA allows for challenges to Fabric data.<h3>Neither is your competition – current or future</h3>If you’ve been the only game in town for years, you might be caught off guard by the number of new entrants popping up as a result of our nation’s largest-ever investment in broadband. <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a> provides the resources to defend, strengthen and increase your territory… but only if you apply and win.<h3>You need matching funds up front</h3>For many local providers and communities, the minimum 25% matching fund requirement – with proof required at the time of filing your proposals – will be the Achilles heel for otherwise great applications. With Broadband.money, qualified providers will be able to line up matching funds from a range of sources. This way, otherwise capable, qualified local providers, and the communities they are serving, won’t be left in the dust by well-funded rivals.<h3>Get Started on BEAD Grant Applications</h3>If you’re already pre-enrolled, look for your email invitation to join Broadband.money. The first guide you’ll complete is <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-guides/getting-ready-for-bead" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Getting Ready for BEAD</a>.

On behalf of the Broadband.money and Ready teams, we are thankful you are undertaking the quest to help end the digital divide once and for all. Enrollment is now open for local providers intending to pursue BEAD grants. Get Started on BEAD, Middle Mile, Digital Equity, and Tribal Broadband Grants.

Get Started on BEAD, Middle Mile, Digital Equity, and Tribal Broadband Grants

BEAD Grant Applications are Now Open | Broadband.money

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BEAD Grant Applications are Now Open for Local Providers

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Identifying <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/unserved-location">unserved </a>and <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/underserved-location">underserved </a>communities is the central challenge for policymakers when deciding where to allocate federal broadband funding flowing from the BEAD grants.&nbsp;To bring more precision to the process, Broadband Money uses multiple sets of data that measure network performance to build the Ready Speed Rank. We have combined datasets collected by <a href="https://www.measurementlab.net/">Measurement Lab</a> (MLab,) <a href="https://www.ookla.com/articles/how-ookla-ensures-accurate-reliable-data-2021">Ookla</a>, and the Federal Communications Commission’s <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/general/broadband-deployment-data-fcc-form-477">form 477 data</a>. The benefit of this approach is that it provides a multi-faceted view of geographic areas – instead of unchecked, self-reported data from providers that is submitted in the form 477 data collection process.&nbsp;Here’s how the Ready Speed Rank system is better than the FCC's when used as a sole source of truth.In this article, we compared the FCC’s form 477 data to the address level speed test <a href="https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/broadband-availability" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">survey data</a> collected by the state of Vermont. (Remember that the FCC’s form 477 data relies instead on block-level reporting from providers.) Then we compare the Ready Speed Rank to the FCC's form 477 reports.&nbsp;When we performed this comparison, we found that 41.5% (25,359) of the unserved addresses (service tier below 25/3 Mbps) in Vermont would be classified as "served" if we only relied on the FCC's form 477 data. In contrast, the Ready Speed Rank only shows 0.6% (371) of the unserved addresses from the Vermont survey within blocks that we define as served.<h2>Compare the FCC’s Form 477 block level speed report with the address-level speed survey from the state of Vermont.</h2>We first associate the address-level speed report data from the state of Vermont to US Census Block data. A total of 310,633 addresses were included in the Vermont study, among which 61,194 (19.7%) households are reported unserved (service tier below 25/3 Mbps.) For each census block, we obtain the FCC 477 data, including the consumer level's maximum download and upload speed.Fig. 1 shows a mapping comparison of the broadband services from FCC's form 477 reports versus data from Vermont's current address level speed survey.&nbsp;Table 1 summarizes the results. We show that around 41.5% (25,359) of "unserved” addresses are currently classified as "served” per FCC’s current 477 data.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:73.72%;"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/why_Ready_Speed_Rank_01_4942b0deb0.png"><figcaption>Fig. 1. Compare the FCC’s Form 477 report (census block level) and Vermont address-level speed survey data.</figcaption></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:42.94%;"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/report_ready_vermont_c1e2c7b8a5.png"><figcaption>Table 1. Percentage of addresses classified into different categories based on the FCC form 477 reports. Around 41.51% of currently unserved addresses (reported by Vermont Speed Survey) are within the "served" territory based on FCC's 477 records. Number in each row will add up to 100%</figcaption></figure><h2>Compare the Ready Speed Rank with Vermont's address-level survey.</h2>Ready Speed Rank is a metric that integrates FCC 477 form data and Ookla, and MLab speed test data. If the FCC’s 477 report indicates no provider in a census block, we assume the census block is “unserved”. If a census block is reported with upload and download speeds above 25 Mbps/3 Mbps by FCC 477, but MLab and Ookla imply otherwise, we consider this census block “likely unserved”. The Ready Speed Rank only considers a census block as "served" when all three data sources report that a census block is “served.” In this way, we mitigate the bias brought by potential sampling errors and different speed test methods. Again, Fig. 2a shows the Ready Speed Rank distribution in Vermont, and Table 2 reports the confusion matrix*.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50.75%;"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/fig_02_f402767eb6.png"><figcaption>Fig. 2. Distribution of Ready Speed Rank</figcaption></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:59.04%;"><img src="https://api.broadband.money/uploads/report_confusion477_vermont_f82392aa9e.png"><figcaption>Table 2. Compare Ready Speed Rank with Vermont speed survey. We can reduce the miss-classification of unserved addresses to 0.61%. By combining other metrics, Ready Speed Rank can capture unserved addresses under the “likely" and "arguably" categories.</figcaption></figure>To conclude, by leveraging multiple data sources, Ready Speed Rank provides better estimates of the unserved and underserved communities. This is the first of our case studies to demonstrate how our team leverages data so that policymakers and grant seekers and grant makers can make better funding allocation decisions. &nbsp;<h4>Data Used in this Report</h4><ul><li>Vermont Address Level Speed Data: <a href="https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/broadband-availability" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><code>https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/broadband-availability</code></a></li><li>Category of served, unserved, underserved with FCC 477 (redistributed by NTIA): <a href="https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/census-block-lists-state-and-territory" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><code>https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/census-block-lists-state-and-territory</code></a></li><li>Ready Speed Rank &nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Footnote:</h4>*Confused? A “confusion matrix” is a data science term that summarizes the results of a classification task. Each address point could be classified as “served”, “underserved”, and “unserved” per Vermont’s speed survey and Ready Speed Rank. The matrix shows the proportion of addresses classified into the same class or different classes by the two methods.

Identifying unserved and underserved communities is the central challenge for policymakers when deciding where to allocate federal broadband funding flowing from the BEAD grants. The Ready Speed Rank pinpoints unserved and underserved communities.

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Why Ready Speed Rank?

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Applicants to the National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s $1 billion <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/program/enabling-middle-mile-broadband-infrastructure-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Middle Mile Grant Program</a> will be required to submit project details prior to being awarded grant funds.<a href="https://grants.ntia.gov/grantsPortal/s/funding-program/a0g3d00000018PAAAY/middle-mile-broadband-infrastructure-grant-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Middle Mile program</a> will allocate funds based on a competitive process for building out middle mile infrastructure. Eligible entities include states, tribal governments, tech companies, utility cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations.Project details should include an executive summary that analyses how the proposed project will advance the Middle Mile Grant Program and Notice of Funding Opportunity objectives, <a href="https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/MIDDLE%20MILE%20NOFO.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">which can be found in the NOFO.</a>&nbsp;It will also provide an overview of the proposed route or service areas and indicate a level of need in the service areas.&nbsp;Applicants should then submit a Level of Need Narrative which will describe the level of need in the proposed service areas, estimated end-users, and any service providers that have expressed interest in completing last mile infrastructure after the project completion.&nbsp;The project detail should also include a government and community involvement section where applicants need to detail the coordination and level of involvement with local and state governments.Eligible entities will make a binding commitment to prioritize at least one of the objectives of the Middle Mile Grant Program: Connecting middle mile infrastructure to last mile networks that service unserved areas, connecting non-contiguous trust lands, and offering wholesale broadband service. The entity should make additional commitments as part of the project detail portion of the application.&nbsp;Applicants are expected to explain:&nbsp;<ul><li>How projects have taken national security requirements into account </li><li>How projects will train a workforce to develop the needed skills </li><li>How projects improve climate resiliency.&nbsp;</li><li>Applicants also need to provide a project timeline.</li></ul>See also:<h3><a href="https://broadband.money/blog/ntia-officials-detail-middle-mile-application-process" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTIA officials detail Middle Mile application process</a>, Broadband.Money, July 5, 2022</h3><h3><a href="https://broadband.money/blog/ntia-officials-review-middle-mile-grant-program-process-in-webinar" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTIA officials review Middle Mile Grant program process in webinar</a>, Broadband.Money, May 27, 2022</h3>&nbsp;

Needed elements include executive summary,  overview, Level of Need Narrative, government and community involvement section, and binding commitment to prioritize at least one of the program's objectives.

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Contents of NTIA’s Middle Mile Grant Program application

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At a small telecommunications industry event in Park City, Utah, called the “Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit,” officials at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration refined their broadband infrastructure spending message to include a role for wireless deployment.“We are thinking about deploying fiber really deep into the country” and putting “wireless on top of that” to enable multiple applications – including precision agriculture – that will benefit from better broadband deployment, said Phil Murphy a senior advisor in office of the assistant secretary of NTIA, on June 28, 2022.The&nbsp;NTIA is the U.S. Commerce Department agency responsible for spending more than $45 billion of the $65 billion for broadband allocated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. His virtual keynote address was followed by state-level broadband officials and others in the rural wireless space.&nbsp;“We see a lot of benefits here to the industry as a whole, and to able to access high speed services as a result” of the administration’s push for broadband. Although he acknowledged that <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2022/06/ntia-official-acknowledges-clear-preference-for-fiber-in-infrastructure-deployment-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTIA has a preference for fiber deployment</a>, he also noted that states will be the primary drivers of their respective spends on funding.What works in Delaware may not work in Wyoming, he acknowledged.Murphy also addressed digital equity planning grants, which are due to be filed by states on July 12, 2022, as well as issues of Tribal broadband funding, a subject of particular interest to many in the Western U.S.Although a previous funding round for nearly $1 billion in Tribal broadband funding closed last year, IIJA provides an additional $2 billion for Tribal broadband. Murphy said the NTIA will release a second notice of funding opportunity for Tribal broadband later this year.“We found many Tribes that didn’t apply, or applications that were as strong as they should have been,” he said, speaking about the first round of funding.Tribal leaders, he said, “face a lot of unique kinds of resources challenges,” including the need that many Tribal elders had to apply for the first round of broadband grants at the same time as the subsistence hunting season.Murphy said the NTIA will create a new funding window during a different time of the year.&nbsp;<h3>Other digital infrastructure investment matters for Rural America</h3>The Park City event, which featured other keynote remarks by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2022/06/fcc-chairwoman-jessica-rosenworcel-emphasizes-100-percent-broadband-adoption/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jessica Rosenworcel</a> and Commissioner <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2022/06/fcc-commissioner-supports-rural-telco-efforts-to-implement-rip-and-replace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geoffrey Starks</a>, was co-hosted by the Rural Wireless Association and the <a href="https://rinawireless.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rural Independent Network Alliance</a>.RINA has core strength in the intermountain West. It aims to help rural wireless carriers with a number of technology tasks, including replacing Chinese-manufactured telecommunications equipment, such as has been purchased by many in recent years from Huawei.Other speakers at the event focused on the way in which fiber deployments deeper into communities (both urban and rural), coupled with money from private equity, represent an infrastructure opportunity for Rural America.Speaking on an infrastructure roundtable, Alok Sarsidharan, vice present of specialized and asset management procurement for the Macquarie Group, said that mixing private capital with IIJA funding provides an opportunity for both investors and broadband users to win.

The industry as a whole, including wireless and fiber providers, will benefit from the Commerce Department's broadband deployment under the bipartisan infrastructure law.

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Wireless infrastructure part of fiber-fed future, says NTIA official at rural summit

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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s “Internet for All”-branded series of webinars hosted a program on June 30, 2022, that provided step-by-step instructions for entities looking to apply for the Enabling Middle Mile Grant program.&nbsp;The Enabling Middle Mile Grant program is part of the $65 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It is, however, a relatively modest program in that it makes only $1 billion available for middle-mile infrastructure builds.&nbsp;Unlike the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, in which the “eligible entities” to apply to the NTIA are the states themselves, in the Middle Mile Grant program, a wide range of telecommunications providers – including electric coops. telecom companies, non-profit foundations, or partnerships between any of the listed entities – are eligible to apply.&nbsp;The NTIA will award Middle Mile funds on a competitive basis no earlier than March 1, 2023. Applications are due September 30 and upon accepting awards, entities will have a 5-year deployment window for their middle mile infrastructure buildouts.Applications begin by completing the SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance form which is available in the Middle-Mile Grant Program Application Package. The package includes an application checklist, forms, templates, and instructions and can be found on the Internet for All webpage.SF-424 form content will be inputted into the NTIA grants portal. Detailed instructions for inputting information will be available in the Middle Mile Grant Program Application Guidance.Applicants then continue the process through the grants portal, where they will provide details of their organization’s management and capacity. Applicants also indicate what type of entity they are, and the primary applicant in the case of partnerships. Applicants also upload one-page resumes for all key management personnel and all key personnel of subcontractors or entities that will play a substantial role in operating programs built through funding.&nbsp;Applicants then upload organizational charts detailing all their parent companies. An organizational details narrative describing an entities readiness to manage a middle mile broadband network are required. The narrative should identify who will own the assets, the experience and qualifications of key management to undertake the project, the applicant’s experience in undertaking projects of similar size and scope, recent and upcoming organizational changes, and relevant organizational policies.Finally, entities will upload forms CD-511: Certification regarding lobbying, and Form-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying activities. A screenshot verifying the entities registration at SAM.gov will also be required.In the webinar, NTIA’s Middle Mile Program Director Sarah Bleu suggests that applicants use the NTIA-provided templates to ensure the integrity of the application, and that applicants confirm that the project name and budget information are consistent across all forms.

The June 30, 2022, webinar provided step-by-step instructions for entities looking to apply for the Enabling Middle Mile Grant program. 

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NTIA officials detail Middle Mile application process

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Ohio submitted a planning grant application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for the “Ohio Digital Equity Plan” via the grant portal.&nbsp;Cleveland, Ohio has been named by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance the worst big city in America for connectivity, stated the application, with an estimated 30 percent of households without internet access. Miles away in a rural Appalachian village called Coal Grove, Ohio, thousands of residents lack basic internet access.&nbsp;The state of Ohio is determined to resolve its “widespread” connectivity issue. In 2020, the state established its broadband office, called BroadbandOhio, to improve internet access for its citizens.&nbsp;“A step towards achieving the goal of universal coverage in Ohio will be taking part in the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program,” continued the application. “Developing this plan for the state of Ohio will promote the achievement of digital equity, support inclusion activities and increase the adoption of broadband in Ohio.”BroadbandOhio is preparing to hire a Manager for Digital Equity and Inclusion to lead the development of this plan. The position will be responsible to manage the planning process, coordinate meetings with stakeholders, and manage data. The office has already identified the next steps in planning that will occur immediately upon funding.&nbsp;Ohio has a “rich history” of groups that have been working in the digital equity space for some time, and it hopes to benefit from these relationships.“The initial objective is to convene key stakeholders that BroadbandOhio has already identified and been working with as well as new stakeholders to develop a plan of statewide collaboration and coordination with organizations that represent covered populations, CAIs, local governments, educational institutions, non-profits, and many more,” read the application.BroadbandOhio has already enjoyed success at hosting statewide meetings with stakeholders to share broadband ideas and objectives. It hopes that this practice will help shape the digital equity plan by identifying and measuring the impact of barriers to digital equity in its communities. It believes that this group will become the focal point for outreach at a grassroots level.The office will sub-award planning grant money under two categories. The first sub-award category will be allocated to sub-grantees for meeting facilitation, data collection and community engagement activities. The second sub-award category will help fund pilot programs to engage with covered populations to ensure coalitions are collecting proper data and engaging in proper populations.Ohio anticipates that the planning process will be executed over a year period with total estimated costs of $1.47 million. It will be “a clear path forward with actionable and achievable next steps,” promised the application.BroadbandOhio has not received any comment from the NTIA on the application. Applications for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program are due July 12 and are submitted through the NTIA application portal.&nbsp;

In its planning grant application to the NTIA, Ohio says it is determined to resolve its “widespread” connectivity issues.

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Ohio submits its application for a Digital Equity Planning grant 

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The Federal Communications Commission on June 29, 2022, released a complete tutorial for filers in the Broadband Data Collection system <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/2022/06/webinar-using-broadband-data-collection-system">in a webinar</a>.&nbsp;Broadband providers, third parties, and government entities will submit broadband coverage information into the system. This data will be aggregated into a comprehensive coverage map that federal grant programs will use to help funnel federal dollars where broadband infrastructure is needed.&nbsp;The filing system opens for filing on June 30, 2022, but <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2022/06/tiktok-data-concerns-broadband-data-collection-system-impact-of-internet-access-on-covid-19-mortality/">early access has been available a week prior</a> for users to register their entities and become familiar with the system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon beginning the filing process, entities will complete four steps for their data to be aggregated into the FCC maps.&nbsp;The first is subscription where service providers will provide data on mobile and fixed broadband subscription. This step will not be completed by government agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second step is availability and supporting data where entities will provide the FCC with broadband availability data. Each technology included in the submission will require supporting data which differs for each technology but may include sections such as “propagation modeling information” and “link budget information.”&nbsp;The third step is final data checks to analyze the data for any abnormalities or inconsistencies. This step serves as a safeguard to prevent any inaccurate data from being accepted by the BDC system. Every warning flagged by the system will require a full explanation to the FCC team before proceeding to the final step.&nbsp;The fourth and final step is certification.&nbsp; This step clarifies that the entity confirms the accuracy of the data and allows entities to require confidentiality for submitted data. This step confirms the submission and the FCC will then review the data.&nbsp;&nbsp;All submissions should be completed by September 1 and questions can be submitted via the FCC website.

The Federal Communications Commission released new instruction for entities to submit mapping data.

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FCC unveils system for its Broadband Data Collection

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On June 21, 2022, fixed wireless internet service provider LTD Broadband announced that it will no longer use the Federal Communications Commissions’ Rural Digital Opportunity Fund grant for telecom builds in rural California.&nbsp;The company petitioned the FCC in June of 2021 to extend deadline requirements for the funds granted them. The petition was <a href="https://www.neca.org/docs/default-source/wwpdf/public/da21908.pdf">denied shortly thereafter</a>. In response, LTD issued a <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/file/download/LTD_Broadband_Petition_for_Partial_Reconsideration.pdf?folder=1082588694209">petition for partial reconsideration in August</a>, which they redrew this week.&nbsp;“It has become apparent that LTD will not be able to obtain Eligible Telecommunications Carrier designation for the required census blocks within a reasonable timeframe to allow it to meet its RDOF obligations,” said LTD <a href="https://www.neca.org/docs/default-source/wwpdf/public/62122ltd.pdf">in a new filing</a>.The California Public Utilities Commission denied LTD’s application and request for ETC designation in California.&nbsp;LTD asserts that “this decision [by the CPUC] was premised on errors of both fact and law.” Former LTD lawyer Kristopher Twomey had, unknown to LTD, submitted the ETC application 5 weeks later than reported to the company and the press.&nbsp;The company claimed in the August petition for partial reconsideration that it was “affirmatively misled by its then-counsel as to when the application should have been filed according to the CPUC communications division staff and when it was actually filed.”However, “the broad discretion afforded to the CPUC by the California courts makes it unlikely that it could obtain reversal of that decision [to deny request for ETC designation],” said the report issued this week, announcing its withdrawal from California. “It would therefore be an imprudent expenditure of time and money to continue litigating that case.”&nbsp;LTD Broadband is <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2021/08/more-companies-are-defaulting-on-rdof-areas-they-won/">not the first company to default on RDOF funds</a>. At least five companies have asked the FCC to waive penalties for defaulting on coverage areas they promised to connect with their winning bids.&nbsp;The $9.2 billion RDOF funds were allocated via reverse auction where awards were given to companies that could promise coverage for areas at the least amount of money. <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2021/02/anti-muni-broadband-bill-introduced-boost-act-from-michigan-ltd-responds-to-rural-broadband-critics/." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTD had been tentatively awarded the largest amount</a> of funding <a href="https://www.lightreading.com/opticalip/here-are-all-winners-of-fccs-$92b-rdof-auction/d/d-id/765937" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">at $1.32 billion</a>, although that number <a href="https://broadband.money/events/ask-me-anything-with-corey-hauer-984-million-broadband-grant-winner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">was subsequently trimmed to $984 million</a>.Charter received the next-largest initial award, at $1.22 billion.The difficulties the FCC faced in allocating RDOF funds could have implications for the rollout of the $42.5 billion in funds through Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program, even though the programs operate very &nbsp;differently.

One of the largest winners in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund reverse-auction has withdrawn from California projects, casting doubt on unserved areas in the state.

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Major RDOF winner LTD withdraws from California awards

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When looking for partnerships, there are a few key things that internet service providers and government agencies can be aware of, said experts at the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Broadband Access Summit on June 22, 2022.First, have the right people at the table. Think about the people who really have impact in the neighborhood, beyond the local leaders and officials.&nbsp;Oftentimes, partnerships disregard the importance of local residents or groups, including religious groups, that have established trust with community members. Kristi Westbrock from the Consolidated Telephone Company, shared that valuable members would include “Ms. Susie who has lived in the neighborhood for 35 years, or the local barber shops that really have residents that hear and listen.”Second, have agreed upon working principles. When partnerships collaborate with one another to develop working principles, they establish a framework of accountability, said Danny Peralta from the POINT. Having several working principles, “creates space for people to be accountable and work together.”Put your goals in writing and determine how the separate agencies will work together, continued Peralta. Determine how you will share staff, resources, and tasks prior to starting the project.“Listen such that you can hear what your partner’s goals and aspirations are,” added Corey Bryndal of Region 10, Colorado.Third, come with an open mind with a determination to establish a high level of trust. All members of a partnership must come with an expectation to collaborate and innovate. “Be open to doing things differently than in the past,” advised Sarah Tennant of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Partnerships require that all members shed their ego at the door.&nbsp;Fourth, offer something before you ask for something. “Anytime you offer a give, things happen and doors open,” said Bryndal. It is a good practice to show trust and a willingness to work with your partner to achieve your collective goals and support them in their personal goals.

Internet service providers and government agencies seeking to form partnerships for broadband projects should be aware of these suggestions.

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Advice for forming partnerships from the Pew broadband access summit

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When she was very young, Shirley Bloomfield used to <a href="https://www.ntca.org/ruraliscool/newsroom/every-little-girl-can-grow-be-chairwoman-fcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tell </a>her parents that she was going to be the first Jewish woman president of the United States.The CEO of <a href="https://www.ntca.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association</a> may not have achieved that very specific goal (yet.) However, she’s risen to the top of another hard-to-achieve leadership position: The head of America’s premier rural telecommunications association as its first female CEO.The Midwesterner left briefly for three years to work for Qwest and Verizon, but before that she had worked at NTCA for 21 years, rising up the ranks to become a vice president of government affairs. The NTCA Board hired her back as CEO in 2010.And Bloomfield has become an influential policy leader in that role. 2021 was a proud moment for the rural broadband advocate. President Joe Biden finally signed the $1.2 trillion <a href="https://broadband.money/annotated-resources/annotated-guide-to-iija-broadband-programs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act</a>, $65 billion of which is dedicated to making access to broadband equitable across the United States.&nbsp;Bloomfield was one of the key advocates for the legislation. As an acknowledgement, she was invited to <a href="https://www.ntca.org/ruraliscool/newsroom/when-schoolhouse-rock-becomes-real" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the White House signing ceremony last November</a>, which she <a href="https://www.ntca.org/ruraliscool/newsroom/when-schoolhouse-rock-becomes-real" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wrote about on her blog</a>, where she dryly observed that her “mother would have been appalled that I was on a stage with the President of the United States wearing black jeans.” At the same time, she noted her own enthusiasm for having been part of such an important moment in history as a representative of companies that are helping rural America participate in the global economy.&nbsp;Rural telecom pioneerHere are the adjectives and nouns that one could use to describe Bloomfield: advocate; unflappable; someone who has a lot of chutzpah; patient; tenacious; kind; ubiquitous – and most definitely a pioneer.That’s the impression one receives after chatting with Bloomfield for an hour on the phone and combing through various forms of testimonies and columns that she’s written over the years.&nbsp;Another longtime Beltway insider, who’s been in the industry probably as long as Bloomfield (if not longer,) describes their professional interactions as “buttoned down and serious,” which in some ways is interesting because of the witticisms she can come up with at a moment’s notice, such as the <a href="https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2021/12/supply-chain-issues-delaying-fiber-builds-and-concerning-industry-before-influx-of-new-federal-money/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">comment</a> she made in December 2021 at a Fierce Telecom conference, where she said that her 850 member rural telecommunication companies were “hoarding fiber like toilet paper.”It’s a funny and memorable quip, yet delivers a serious point: Despite all the federal grant funding that’s pouring into this space, anyone hoping to build a fiber network in the next few years faces severe nosebleeds in terms of costs because supply chain issues are pushing up the prices of fiber optic cables. Some of her members are facing as much as 30 percent cost increases between the time they made the orders for fiber optic cables and the time of receipt.Ask Bloomfield AnythingBroadband Money is hosting Bloomfield for an “<a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/broadband-grant-events/ask-me-anything-with-shirley-bloomfield" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ask Me Anything</a>” event on Friday at 11.30 am PST.&nbsp;As someone with such longevity in the industry, she’s an encyclopedia on rural broadband funding in all of its incarnations at the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and at the United States Department of Agriculture.She’s also worked at the House Budget Committee and was an economics and urban studies major at Northwestern University. And currently, she also serves on the board of <a href="https://www.serc1.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The SERC Reliability Corporation</a> (SERC,) an organization responsible for ensuring a reliable and secure electric grid across 16 southeastern and central states.The Broadband Infrastructure PlaybookCommunity members have a huge choice of options on what to ask Bloomfield. The NTCA, along with the Fiber Broadband Association, has released a <a href="https://www.fiercetelecom.com/broadband/trade-groups-write-playbook-spending-infrastructure-money" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Infrastructure Playbook</a> to help state governments plan and coordinate their broadband grant programs in order to get ready for the NTIA’s <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-grant-portals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment</a> (<a href="https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEAD</a>) program.It’s a focused and handy document that explains the role of the broadband office. It provides state case studies, checklists, deadlines, and various templates to help state officials through various stages of the BEAD application process. It also provides various other bits of collated wisdom, such as:<ul><li>How to think about establishing objectives, identifying capacity, and gaps in capacity.</li><li>Communicating and coordinating across government departments and agencies</li><li>Re-examining assumptions and identifying any conflicts between state and federal grant program rules</li><li>Designing grant programs and scoring criteria</li><li>Adopting best practices in challenge processes</li><li>Being mindful of key deadlines</li><li>Adoptng best practices for reporting and monitoring of grants after awarding them</li><li>Creating checklists for project reporting requirements</li></ul>NTCA's Women in TelecomBloomfield is passionate about helping other women in the field of telecom. When in conversation about what her members are doing, she’ll often say: “My guys are doing …”The world of telecom — especially rural telecom — needs more women, Bloomfield says. She’s conscious of the fact that women who serve in leadership positions are role models for younger generations.“When I attend meetings — if I’m at the White House, or at a top level meeting at an agency, I still catch myself looking around the room” and counting the women in the room, she said in an interview.“I’m a huge fan of [Secretary of State] Madeline Albright’s quote that there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women,” she said.That’s why she created NTCA’s <a href="https://www.ntca.org/member-services/getin/women-in-telecom" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Women in Telecom </a>program. The program offers mentorship, book recommendations and virtual discussions on leadership, a listserv where members share everything from kudos to board openings, and more. The organization also organizes fly-ins for women telecom executives to meet female Beltway leaders and to participate in fundraisers.What are the issues that face women in telecom? There are several of the regular challenges that come with leadership.&nbsp;But in years past when Bloomfield first started the group 20 years ago, women leaders often found themselves wondering what the best course of action was in social settings.“What my women CEOs would say to me, as they would go to local, state and national meetings is: ‘Do I stand at the bar with my male peers, or do I sit at the table with their spouses comparing recipes? Either way, I lose. If I stand at the bar with my peers, the spouses think I’m too good for them, but if I hang out with the women, my male peers won’t take me seriously, and they won’t invite me to the golf game where business gets done.’” What was Bloomfield’s advice?&nbsp;Join our <a href="https://discuss.broadband.money/c/broadband-grant-events/ask-me-anything-with-shirley-bloomfield" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AMA session</a> to find out, and to soak up years of accumulated wisdom from someone working in an industry "<a href="https://www.ntca.org/ruraliscool/newsroom/when-industry-more-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">that is more like family</a>."&nbsp;

The NTCA -- the Rural Broadband Association's CEO Shirley Bloomfield is one of those people whose life could become a book. 

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NTCA's Shirley Bloomfield: A rural broadband pioneer who encourages everyone to bring their unique superpowers to work

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<a href="https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/broadband/plan.php">Texas announced its initial state broadband plan</a> on June 15, 2022. The plan compiles results from the Texas Broadband Listening Tour in 12 Texas communities, in them, state officials heard from local Texans about their experiences with broadband.The tour found that Texans wanted reliable broadband access, faster speeds, and more affordable rates. The plan developed an initial outline of actions that Texas plans to undertake on broadband.Texas plans to establish federally compliant grant programs and develop a map identifying broadband availability to Texas households and businesses.&nbsp;This includes partnering with state agencies, nonprofits and associations that serve residents with digital literacy challenges so that Texas Broadband Deployment Office can expand its digital literacy outreach efforts.Beyond this, Texas plans on capitalizing on federal grant program Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment.The plan was built on guiding principles to use existing and emerging funding sources, encourage connectivity for anchor institutions like schools and libraries, promote coordination among private and public infrastructure owners, and embrace all avenues to quality broadband service, thus removing adoption barriers for Texans.All aspects of the plan are projected to be completed by the end of 2023, with many finishing well before then.

The tour found that Texans wanted reliable broadband access, faster speeds, and more affordable rates. 

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Texas announces its state-wide broadband plan

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Colorado's broadband office announced a new grant program Wednesday called <a href="https://broadband.colorado.gov/advance-colorado-broadband" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advance Colorado Broadband</a>.It's the office's state-managed grant program to deploy more than $500 million that the state expects from <a href="https://broadband.money/resources/your-guide-to-broadband-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">federal broadband grants</a>. That includes the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), Enabling Middle-Mile Programs (MM) and the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.The office invited local “stakeholders and communities interested in applying for funding to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for grants” on Wednesday in its monthly newsletter.The office said that it “will review each submission and work with stakeholders to develop high-impact project plans and determine the best funding source for each proposal.”LOIs will be due July 18, 2022.&nbsp;The office reminded applicants that “LOIs are not required as part of the official grant application nor do they guarantee you will receive funding.”Colorado's Governor Jared Polis has set the target date of 2027 for near universal broadband coverage for his state.&nbsp;To help applicants, CBO is hosting two identical webinars on <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ld-mqpj4uGdA1lwWXMmgPNNpANWgX2M9o?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">June 17</a> and <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ld-mqpj4uGdA1lwWXMmgPNNpANWgX2M9o?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">June 21</a> at 10 a.m. MT to review the LOI content and process. They'll be recorded and posted to the CBO's website. The office urged prospective attendees to only attend one.Check out <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-offices/colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Broadband Money's Colorado profile page</a> and interactive <a href="https://broadband.money/state-broadband-map/colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mapping portal</a> to explore coverage and BEAD funding opportunities.

Colorado is racing ahead and soliciting input from local stakeholders and communities ahead of the NTIA's July 18 deadline for state submissions of letters of intent to apply for federal broadband funding

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Broadband Grants Blog

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