Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a proposal to spend $50 million on building universal broadband internet service in his upcoming budget, the first part of a multi-year $250 million plan to improve internet access across the commonwealth. The increase for the state’s 2020 budget will connect tens of thousands more Virginians and potentially more than 100,000 more Virginians who currently do not have access to broadband internet.
How Forsyth County is getting ready for 5G
As small cell towers go up in Forsyth County and the city of Cumming, GA, Scott Evans, senior technology manager for the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce said 5G "is increasing its potential footprint beyond major cities." However, he noted that, right now, "5G is just k...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
Towers of power: federal, state and local governments vie for control of 5G
5G networks require the installation of small cells to improve wireless coverage and provide the necessary infrastructure to support the faster speeds and benefits that the 5th generation will bring. While some towns and cities have been receptive to companies like Crown Castle th...