Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced plans "for a pilot program to bring broadband internet to all of rural America." The plan "will provide $600 million in grants and loans to internet service providers to bring connection to parts of the country that are too remote, underpopulated or expensive to service." While most of the projects will bring internet connection to paying customers at homes or businesses, "19 proposals have laid out plans to build community centers where residents could access the internet free of charge," which Secretary Perdue acknowledged was necessary when he announced the pilot program.
Legislative push to boost broadband funding underway
Minnesota’s Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development urged lawmakers to reinstate the Border-to-Border grant program for rural broadband. At a press conference, Commissioner Steve Grove said legislation currently in the works would put $70 millio...
Microsoft says the FCC 'overstates' broadband availability in the US
Microsoft accused the FCC of over-stating actual broadband availability and urged the agency to do better. In the filing, Microsoft said, "For example, in some areas the Commission’s broadband availability data suggests that ISPs have reported significant broadband availabil...
Our view: Government funding speeds rural broadband
An editorial in GoErie.com highlighted the benefits of broadband expansion incentive programs in Pennsylvania. Currently, the lack of high-speed internet "imposes a crippling disadvantage on wide swaths of Pennsylvania." The editorial stated, "Broadband-expansion incentive program...
Interview with Scott Harry
Crown Castle’s Scott Harry participated in an interview with Denver’s Mile High Magazine. Harry discussed wireless networks, the need for improved infrastructure, small cells and the process for building out a 5G network. Speaking to 5G, Harry stated, "It’s the l...
Virginia electric utilities wiring rural areas for broadband
Virginia lawmakers have taken steps to address geographic disparities in broadband coverage by passing a bill that will give the state’s two largest electric utilities, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, the green light to provide broadband internet service to unserved a...
Gov. Lee announces $14.8M in broadband grants to expand service in 17 counties
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced $14.8 million in broadband accessibility grants. The grants are part of a plan to expand broadband service to "more than 8,300 households and businesses across 17 Tennessee counties." In a statement, Gov. Lee said he is "committed to ensuring ...