August 2021

T-Mobile asks the FCC’s permission to keep using unlicensed 600 MHz spectrum

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, T-Mobile wrangled additional 600 MHz spectrum from a number of companies and from unused spectrum held by the Federal Communications Commission to bolster its capacity for Americans during a crisis. On July 27, T-Mobile filed a sixth application with the FCC f

What the $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Fund could mean for broadband providers

Of the $65 billion that the infrastructure bill allocates for broadband projects, $14.20 billion is set aside for the establishment of the Affordable Connectivity Fund. The fund is an extension and reworking of the existing $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, a subsidy program established during the pandemic to help low-income households and Americans laid off during the pandemic stay connected to the internet. While the EBB was seen as temporary, the new fund is seen as more indefinite.

FCC Grants Licenses for Wireless Services in Alaska Tribal Communities

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau granted an additional six spectrum licenses to Tribal entities in Alaska that filed applications during the 2.5 GHz band Rural Tribal Priority Window. The licenses granted will afford these rural Alaska Native communities the opportunity to deploy 5G and other advanced wireless services that are a vital part of staying connected in this digital age.

Rep Fletcher Introduces the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) introduced the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act (H.R.5058) to help communities across the country upgrade and expand their broadband infrastructure. Over the past decade, Congress has invested $12 billion for communities to deploy broadband, and as Congress moves to pass an infrastructure package with additional broadband investment, local governments will need support navigating the expected increase in permitting applications for these projects.

Will the Infrastructure Bill Fix America's Broadband Issues?

Many people with Internet problems are wondering how much of a dent the infrastructure bill's $65 billion for broadband will put into the digital divide. The bill's broadband section features $42 billion in grants to states for broadband infrastructure and about $14 billion to extend the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) for low-income citizens.

FCC Seeks USAC Board of Directors Nominations

The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau seeks nominations for the following Board member positions on the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) listed below for a three-year term.