Oregon

The Federal Communications Commission announced that certain Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) census block groups (CBG) are now eligible for other funding programs.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Oregon's Final Proposal for the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, authorizing the state to move forward implementing the largest broadband infrastructure investment in Oregon's history. Through this approval, Oregon will invest $689 million to expand affordable, high-speed, and reliable internet service across the state.

“[Astound has] been awarded a lot of BEAD projects in the state of Washington as well as Oregon, and that is going to drive a lot of our expansion in the next two to three years.” That’s what Astound Senior Vice President of Operations Jared Sonne, who handles the company’s West Coast operations, said when asked about the provider’s recent provisional wins for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Astound has been provisionally awarded about $112 million in BEAD awards in Oregon, $166 million in Texas, and more than $100 million in Washington (largely as part of a con

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB or Bureau) announced that certain Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) census block groups (CBGs) are now eligible for other funding programs.

Lumen Technologies wrote to the Federal Communications Commission to relinquish Rural Digital Opportunity Fund awards in areas of Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Washington. "As a result of Lumen’s relinquishment of support, these census block groups may now become eligible for other federal, state, or local subsidy programs, such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.

Toptana Technologies—which calls itself the only Indigenous-owned internet infrastructure company on the West Coast—has extended its regional build with an east-west fiber route. The route was created in collaboration with MOX Networks and Assured Communications. The new route extends the previously completed north-south fiber route that was constructed in partnership with MOX Networks. The project will connect the Toptana Cable Landing Station in Ocean Shores (WA) to fiber connectivity corridors in Seattle and Hillsboro (OR).

The state of Oregon has opened its application window for broadband service providers and other entities applying for grants under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The program is being administered in the state by the Oregon Broadband Office. Oregon has $689 million to award for eligible projects, defined as qualifying last-mile broadband infrastructure to unserved (25/3 Mbps or less) and underserved (between 25/3 and 100/20 Mbps) locations. A 25% match is required of projects. The application cycle will close on May 22 at 5 p.m. 

Three states have provided updates in the long process of granting funds under the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. 

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $250 million to 24 organizations to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities across the country. The funding will support 24 projects across 39 states and territories. Awards will be issued following budget review and processing.