Washington, D.C. (June 14, 2019) – This quarter has seen a flurry of broadband legislation and programs aimed at increasing high-speed internet access and adoption across the country. Our policy team tracks these developments closely as we work to get broadband deployed in even the most unserved of communities. Below are just a few of the items we are following: …
CAPITO, KLOBUCHAR LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY PASSES SENATE
The following press release was issued on Sen. Shelley Moore Capito’s website on June 6, 2019 Update: As of June 10, 2019, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Click here to the follow the latest on this bill. Bipartisan bill would call for a study of the effects of broadband deployment, adoption on the U.S. …
FCC Authorizes Second Wave of Funding for Rural Broadband From Connect America Fund Auction
The following press release was issued on the Federal Communications Commission’s website on June 10, 2019 Media Contact: Chelsea Fallon, (202) 418-7991 chelsea.fallon@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC AUTHORIZES SECOND WAVE OF FUNDING FOR RURAL BROADBAND FROM CONNECT AMERICA FUND AUCTION Another Round of Funding Starts This Month for Broadband Buildout in Rural Communities in 22 States — WASHINGTON, June 10, …
Another Congressman Signs Onto Bill to Improve Broadband Mapping in Rural Communities
The following press release was published on Tom O’Halleran’s website on June 6, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) joined Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) to introduce the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 alongside Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Ann Kuster (D-NH), David McKinley (R-WV), and Rob Wittman (R-VA). This bipartisan legislation would improve the broadband mapping process nationwide to …
$7.9 Million in Broadband Expansion Projects Planned for Rural Virginia
The following was published in The News & Advance on June 6, 2019 by Rachel Smith Lynchburg, Va. – Three counties in the Lynchburg area were among 14 in rural Virginia that on Thursday were awarded a total of $7,909,964 by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Region Commission to expand broadband services. Bedford County was awarded $670,500 for its broadband …
Nebraska Rancher on Why Broadband Matters to Rural America
‘It’s important to tell our own story’ by Jessica Denson Director of Communications, Connected Nation Grant County, Neb., (June 6, 2019) – Honest Beef is a family-owned beef business located in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Talk with owner Hannah Raudsepp for even a few minutes and it quickly becomes clear her family is not just trying to sell you beef—they’re …
After the Net Neutrality Debate Settles, Rural Texans Still Lack Broadband Access
The following was published by The Texan on June 4, 2019 by Brad Johnson Over 30 percent of rural Texans are without high-speed broadband internet access in their homes and government-led approaches are dominating the debate. Austin, TX – In 2017, the world was ablaze with the issue dubbed “Net Neutrality.” The spark that lit the fire was the Federal …
2021 Will Bring Broadband to Rural Counties In Delaware
Published by Inside Towers on June 4, 2019 On May 30, officials from the state of Delaware signed a deal with Bloosurf to expand rural broadband to 127,000 rural homes and businesses, reported Government Technology. According to Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins, “The [Governor’s] Administration has made it a priority to bridge both the accessibility and affordability gaps of …
North Carolina Broadband Bill to Help Rural Areas
Published by News 13 WLOS on May 31, 2019 By Rex Hodge SWAIN COUNTY, N.C.–Getting broadband to rural areas like our mountains takes a big step forward in Raleigh. The House signed off on a Senate bill that facilitates high speed internet access through electric cooperatives’ infrastructure.That would mean quicker internet speeds for places like Darnell Farms in Swain county. …
Alabama Bill Expanding Broadband to Rural Communities Signed Into Law
Published by WVUA 23 on May 31, 2019 Alabama took a major step in expanding its broadband internet service in rural communities across the state this week. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Rural Broadband Initiative into law Thursday. Started by the legislature last year, the bill will expand an existing grant program under the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. “Each day …