Broadband

Mayors oppose a GOP bill to speed up broadband permitting

The proposal would put a “shot clock” on permit approvals in an effort to streamline the process to build broadband around the country. But mayors say it preempts their ability to make crucial construction decisions.

  • By Kery Murakami

Early funding allows states to explore broadband options

Vermont is using its share of the federal Capital Projects Fund for last-mile connections to underserved rural areas and boosting digital equity among disadvantaged residents.

  • By Chris Teale

New Mexico trying to build and train new workforce for broadband expansion

Officials anticipate a need for mechanical skills to set up internet services and educators to teach people how to use the technology.

  • By Megan Gleason, Source New Mexico

Solving digital inequity with resident input

The Golden State wants to hear from the public about their broadband connections and device accessibility to better understand how to address digital equity barriers.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Building better maps with open data on building heights

To inform broadband buildouts, positioning of solar panels and development of digital twins, state and local agencies can now tap into open building height data.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

6G promises immersive communications for public safety

The next-generation cellular network is poised to massively upgrade situational awareness for public safety agencies, experts say.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Proposals floated for streamlining broadband permitting

House Republicans and Democrats debated more funding, removing environmental reviews and putting a “shot clock” on approvals in an effort to get the $42 billion in funding to much-needed broadband projects faster.

  • By Kery Murakami

Inside one state’s decade-long effort to map broadband availability

Thanks to its detailed data on household internet availability and speed, Colorado has been able to make the most of federal broadband funding opportunities.

  • By Chris Teale

Could infrastructure dollars solve the lack of broadband in public housing?

Nearly one million households that live in public housing units do not have access to the internet, according to a new report.

  • By Kery Murakami

Iowa agency realignment includes tech tweaks

The new law calls for the consolidation of common tech services and makes the Iowa Communications Network a non-cabinet agency.

  • By Chris Teale

The barriers to getting more unconnected households online

A federal program meant to connect low-income households to the internet isn’t reaching all the people it is supposed to. Here’s how to change that.

  • By Molly Bolan

In the face of extreme floods, rural Kentucky lacked forecasting and broadband

As severe weather events increase, so does danger to rural communities. Plans are in place to address the urban observation bias in national weather prediction, but the other piece—reliable broadband—could still be years away for places like Eastern Kentucky.

  • By Anya Slepyan and Claire Carlson, The Daily Yonder

New HUD playbook guides underserved communities in accessing broadband funding

It seeks to help public housing authorities, multifamily owners and operators, and tribes determine how to spend federal broadband money to close the digital divide.

  • By Molly Bolan

Why community digital equity discussions should be in person

More than 50 town halls addressing accessibility, affordability, devices and digital skills will help Iowa’s Department of Management ensure that all residents can participate in the digital economy.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz
Featured eBooks

Satellite internet can fill broadband gaps

As the price of the technology comes down, low-Earth orbit satellites can complement fiber and wireless in helping close the digital divide, experts said.

  • By Chris Teale

Broadband equity means access and adoption, not just infrastructure rollouts

Governments should not just install new infrastructure but ensure residents can take advantage of the access, experts say.

  • By Chris Teale

‘Whole nation’ effort needed to build broadband workforce

Federal investment could mean the creation of up to 150,000 broadband-related jobs, but state and local leaders must build robust apprenticeship programs and commit to diversity to make it happen.

  • By Chris Teale

More details emerge on NYC free internet pilot

Residents in Section 8 housing in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan will be covered by a wireless mesh network under the program announced by Mayor Eric Adams.

  • By Chris Teale

Tribal broadband grants need better metrics

More quantifiable performance goals would help the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program better track internet adoption, GAO said.

  • By Chris Teale

States look to speed fiber installation across railroad tracks

Virginia’s legislature wants to cap crossing fees and speed up the review process, but railroad companies say current practices protect safety.

  • By Chris Teale

Broadband maps for Indian Country called ‘horrible,’ ‘egregious’ and ‘negligent’

Tribal advocates say the FCC’s maps are symbolic of wider, systemic issues, but help may be on the way via a new Virtual Tribal Broadband Office.

  • By Chris Teale