1. Monthly archive
  2. February 2021

February 2021

Evaluating the Capabilities of Fixed Wireless Technology to Deliver Gigabit Performance in Rural Markets

This paper considers specifically the extent to which fixed wireless services may be capable of delivering Gigabit‐level services in the kinds of sparsely populated rural areas that the Rural Digital  Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction primarily seeks to serve. Fixed wireless networks will face difficult, if not insurmountable, challenges to provide Gigabit services in very select circumstances when attempting to service distant, non‐town rural subscribers.

NTCA, Rural Infrastructure Coalition Send Priorities to Biden Administration

As a member of the Rebuild Rural Coalition, which collectively represents US agricultural producers, rural businesses, rural communities, and rural families, NTCA sent a letter urging President Joe Biden and his administration to address the unique needs of rural infrastructure in all related legislative proposals. The groups wrote: Your plan to Build Back Better in Rural America rightly notes the crumbling state of our country’s infrastructure. We have witnessed this deterioration first-hand – how it jeopardizes jobs, our agricultural competitiveness, and the health of rural families.

Sponsor 

Attorney General Alliance

Date 
Wed, 02/03/2021 - 12:00 to 13:00

Moderator: Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General


Sponsor 

Central Florida Foundation

Date 
Thu, 02/11/2021 - 10:10 to 10:25

Interview with Gigi Sohn on Broadband as a Basic Utility


Sponsor 

Michelson 20MM Foundation

Date 
Thu, 02/25/2021 - 10:00 to 11:30

Following President Biden’s pledge to make digital equity a cornerstone of his administration, our panel will share their insights on the government’s approach to technology policy, and how the Biden-Harris administration can lead on one of the most potentially transformative economic development investments of the century.


T-Mobile to buy Shentel wireless assets for $1.95 billion

T-Mobile and Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) settled their dispute over the purchase price of Shentel’s wireless assets, with the final price coming in at $1.95 billion. Shentel was a Sprint affiliate since 1995 and was still using the Sprint brand post-merger. Shentel had about 1.1 million subscribers as of June 30, 2020. Shentel also offers cable and wireline services. T-Mobile and Shentel expect the transaction will close in the second quarter 2021 after satisfying customary closing conditions and obtaining required regulatory approvals.  

Momentum Grows to Shore Up FCC Subsidy Programs, But Deal Elusive

Pressure is rising on the Federal Communications Commission and Congress to rethink the $8 billion Universal Service Fund that subsidizes phone and broadband service, as it teeters on a shrinking budget base. Big phone companies like AT&T, entities that benefit from USF programs, and public interest groups see the Biden administration as a new opportunity to press their case for an overhaul of the funding mechanism.

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