Fierce
Fastwyre scores $70 Million in USDA grants to expand fiber in Alaska
Fastwyre Broadband is aiming to expand fiber access in Western Alaska, with the help of two new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants totaling nearly $70 million. The funds came from the USDA’s recent round of ReConnect Round Four awards, in which the agency dished out $714 million to cover 33 buildouts in 19 states. In Fastwyre’s case, it’s using the money to deliver fiber to around 3,000 people and 75 businesses in several communities across Alaska’s Nome Census Area.
Analyst flags 'significant disparities' in BEAD funding
The broadband industry of late has been buzzing with excitement after the White House revealed how much each state is getting from the $42.5 billion Broadband Access, Equity and Deployment (BEAD) program. Some states—like California, Texas and Missouri—bagged sizable BEAD allocations.
White House commends Lumos for North Carolina fiber deployment
Mid-Atlantic provider Lumos turned up service in Burlington (NC), claiming it will be the first fiber provider for many of the city’s residents. Asad Ramzanali, Chief of Staff for the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, commended Lumos for its expansion across the state. For Lumos’ part, CEO Brian Stading stated the Burlington launch “represents our ongoing commitment to bridge the digital divide” and the operator will look forward “to working with our federal, state, and local partners to continue this expansion in the months and years to come.” Lumos serves more than 22
Vyve Broadband scoops up Oklahoma cable company to widen rural footprint
Vyve Broadband, a cable and fiber provider operating in 16 states, recently unveiled plans to purchase Oklahoma-based Community Cable & Broadband (CCB)—a move Chief Operating Officer Andy Parrott called a “tuck-in acquisition.” Parrot said Oklahoma is a key market for Vyve, as it has support and infrastructure that goes throughout the state.
FCC still hasn’t ruled on pole attachments, presenting a hiccup to aerial fiber
It’s been more than a year since the Federal Communications Commission sought comments regarding pole attachment rules. The FCC wanted to hear from telecoms and utility companies about how the cost of pole replacements should be allocated between the pole owner and the attachers, and what would be the best process to add more attachments to existing poles, among other issues. The FCC definitely got an earful. It’s received 4,180 comments to date. But the FCC has yet to issue new rules on pole attachments.
Gigi Sohn laughs at incumbents’ argument against community broadband
American Association for Public Broadband Executive Director Gigi Sohn’s hope is that the incumbents that oppose community broadband will come to realize that there are better business opportunities for them to support the concept rather than fight it. For instance, they could have bid on the project in Bountiful City (UT), rather than use shadowy tactics to try and kill it. For decades, these incumbents have argued that taxpayer dollars should not be used to compete against their private investments. In response to that, Sohn said, “I’m sorry to laugh.
New Hampshire, Vermont, and Delaware among states with highest broadband bill
Where might consumers be paying the most for cable and internet service? New data from doxo, a billing aggregator, points to East Coast states like New Hampshire, Vermont and Delaware. According to doxo’s analysis of the most and least expensive states for cable and internet, New Hampshire came out on top with an average monthly bill of $151 per month, which is paid by 83% of households in the state.
Maryland broadband chief: Broadband providers won’t get BEAD money until 2025
Maryland just scored over $267 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding. Kenrick Gordon, Director of Maryland’s Office of Statewide Broadband, is optimistic the amount will help fuel deployments, but he thinks it’ll take a couple of years before the money is available for broadband providers. Gordon said Maryland is currently working on its initial BEAD proposal and once it’s submitted, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has to review and approve it.
Colorado pledges 99% broadband connectivity by 2027
Colorado secured a whopping $826 million in funding from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which according to state lawmakers will help connect over 99% of Coloradan homes by the start of 2027. The collaboration of federal agencies, namely the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission, along with Colorado’s local stakeholders, served as a model for “how work gets done,” said Brandy Reitter, the Executive Director of the Colorado broadband office. As of now there are around 190,000 Colorado ho