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Wondering whether to pursue #BEAD funding? With the current landscape, this might be your best shot at securing crucial US #broadband infrastructure funds. Dive into our VP of Broadband Policy and Funding Lori Adams' insights in her latest article featured on Broadband Breakfast for guidance on whether to BEAD or not to BEAD. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dfshVwBu

Are you on the fence about whether you should apply for #BEAD funding? This could be the last significant US #broadband infrastructure funding program we see in our lifetime. Our VP of Broadband Policy and Funding Lori Adams weighs in on all things BEAD and whether you should BEAD or not BEAD in this Expert Opinion article published in Broadband Breakfast. Read more: https://lnkd.in/diU-DAD3

📑 Navigating government funding regulations is essential for successful #broadband infrastructure deployment. At AFL, we understand the complexities of these regulations and the ever-changing broadband landscape, and we are committed to guiding you, our customers, through them seamlessly. Read Part Two of this three-part #blog series to learn more about the intricate landscape of government funding programs for broadband, including #BEAD, and gain a better understanding of when and where #BABA rules apply. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3VYjR4y #WeAreAFL

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved initial Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program proposals from Alaska, Arkansas, California and Ohio, allowing them to access funding and begin implementation. Learn more via Inside Towers https://ow.ly/RFU350U9u0m #BroadbandEquity #Telecommunications #DigitalAccess #InternetForAll #DigitalInclusion #BroadbandDeployment #TechPolicy #FundingOpportunities #RuralConnectivity #InfrastructureDevelopment

It’s deeply concerning that Massachusetts is not one of the states prioritizing open-access networks in BEAD applications, especially when at least 15 other States have already mandated this approach. Open-access networks promote competition, lower costs, and long-term infrastructure resilience by allowing multiple providers to share the same network. The failure of Massachusetts to adopt this model, particularly when federal funding provided $147M in BEAD funding and $145M in GAP funding specifically for broadband infrastructure to the Commonwealth, represents a significant missed opportunity to deliver real value, choice and competition to taxpayers. As Utopia Fiber CEO Roger Timmerman said at the Digital Infrastructure Investment Summit yesterday, the current practice of awarding funds to incumbents is essentially "providing a subsidy or a gift" to ISP monopolies, reinforcing their control over the market. This approach not only limits competition but also perpetuates high prices and mediocre service. The fact that Comcast has authorized a $15 billion stock buyback initiative while receiving public funds is especially outrageous. Similarly, Verizon recently was awarded $37,068,263 by MBI to connect 1,211 homes in Massachusetts—amounting to an astronomical $30,358.94 per household, compared to the national average of $2,500 to connect a home to fiber. This is a clear example of public funds being misused to prop up corporate monopolies rather than being invested in critical open-access infrastructure that would benefit the broader community. The NTIA and Mass Broadband have a responsibility to ensure these funds are used effectively, but their failure to prioritize open-access networks suggests a lack of understanding and focus on long-term solutions and true competition. #opencape #openaccess #digitaldivide #massbroadband #mbi #broadband #utopiafiber #capecod #bostonglobe #cctimes

Could your property install fiber internet at a discount? It’s possible, thanks to a variety of new government initiatives aimed at promoting New Government Initiatives Support Your Propertyng broadband access. Examples include: The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund The American Rescue Plan — Broadband Expansion USDA ReConnect Program Other state and local initiatives Many of these programs provide funding to properties that invest in modern internet infrastructure. You’re especially likely to qualify if your community is located in a rural area. Elauwit can get you started. We install gig fiber internet infrastructure and help you run it with 24/7 support from real people. Get in touch to learn more about how we can support your property as you look to take advantage of these government funding opportunities. #broadband #RealEstate

Consolidated Communications’ latest public-private broadband partnership news is a bit different from some of the other public-private partnerships we’ve seen since federal legislators began making funding available for broadband buildouts during the COVID pandemic. The deal, pending completion of a… https://lnkd.in/eZDmGvMv #consolidatedcommunications #publicprivatepartnerships

Promoting competition in broadband networks is crucial for ensuring better service and affordability. At OpenCape, we believe in the power of open networks to provide more options for consumers, drive innovation, and create a level playing field for internet access providers. By requiring open access, federal and state grants can help prevent monopolies and ensure that communities receive the connectivity they deserve. #OpenNetworks #BroadbandCompetition #ConsumerChoice #DigitalInclusion #CommunityConnectivity #InternetAffordability

Just came across an article from InsiderNJ with the news that the Biden-Harris Administration just approved an initial $263M proposal to expand broadband internet access across the State of N.J. "The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New Jersey was allocated over $263 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses." https://lnkd.in/eDSaGNuT #NoOneLeftBehind

Gaining the public trust is not easy, but it's possible with tangible results. We recently completed a 13-mile fiber expansion project in California, resulting in over $100,000 saved in tax-funded fees for the public agency client. In addition, we reduced utility research and planning time by 95%. This means that the $100,000 in saved funds can now be allocated to advancing the delivery of additional fiber networks, faster. This is how you gain the public trust – by delivering results, not empty promises. The 4M Analytics 'Map-My-Town' program is now available for your local cities, municipalities and public agencies in Texas and California, with more states coming soon. -Press On! #publictrust #utilitymapping #fiberexpansion