Nicole Ferraro

In a letter to Congress last week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel reiterated the 'urgent need' for more funds for the 'rip-and-replace' program, warning of potential mobile network shutdowns in rural areas.

A new bipartisan amendment would attach funds for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and rip-and-replace program to a broader must-pass FAA bill. There is now 'a material chance' the ACP gets extended, said Blair Levin.

A bill in the New York Senate would streamline the process for municipalities to approve broadband projects. It's one example of how some states are working to allow and expedite municipal broadband builds in the run up to BEAD.

This week in broadband builds: LiveOak, Mediacom chart progress in Georgia; Surf Internet partners with Indiana's Newton County; GoNetspeed, Metronet start new construction in Maine and Illinois – and more.

This week in broadband builds: Nebraska awards $30.9 million to nine providers; Ziply heads to Camano Island; Brightspeed expands in southern Virginia – and more.

With concerns mounting about a telecom workforce shortage, Orbia's Dura-Line Academy seeks to recruit new talent to the fiber broadband field through mini, on-demand courses and online certifications.

This week in broadband builds: Verizon big winner in Massachusetts; North Carolina awards go to Brightspeed, Charter, AT&T, others; Alabama awards millions for middle mile; Conexon to serve fiber in Rocky Mountains – and more.

The FCC has concluded there is no need for 'broad relief' from penalties for broadband providers that default on awarded locations through RDOF and CAF II, citing its existing procedures and concerns about program integrity.

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, over 30 industry groups and associations argued that the NTIA's low-cost service requirements for BEAD are unsustainable and requested 'immediate' changes.

This week in broadband builds: Lumos to build 2,000 miles of fiber in Ohio; Brightspeed construction starts in multiple regions; Kansas awards go to local providers; Metronet starts $30 million build in North Carolina – and more.