The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved another $700 million in winning bids to be authorized through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund this week, which funding will go to 50 broadband providers for projects in 26 states. The primary beneficiary of the funds was Conexon Connect, a fiber provider powered by electric cooperatives that works with rural electric cooperatives on building broadband networks. The post FCC Announces Additional Funding for Rural Broadband Expansion appeared first on Eversheds Sutherland Coop Law Blog ..read more

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Utilities Telecom Council, the American Public Power Association and the Edison Electric Institute have asked the Federal Communications Commission to require a 30-day advance notice period when a high-tech company deploys products or services that could disrupt a utility’s critical communication systems.  Progeny, a high-tech firm, plans to commercially deploy systems that the coop groups claim can interfere with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.  According to the coop industry groups, the systems operated by P ..read more

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has voiced concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to allow the use of certain broadcast technology may be premature given the potential for interference in the operation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, given the key role that SCADA systems play in the management of coop facilities.  Click here for more. The post NRECA Asks FCC to Rethink Waivers for Technology appeared first on Eversheds Sutherland Coop Law Blog ..read more

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accompanied by a white paper from the NRECA and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, detailing concerns about certain winning bids in the first phase of the recent Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction and offering remedies if an FCC review determines that any winners are unable to meet the commitments set forth in their bids. The post NRECA Expresses Concerns Regarding Winning Bidders in Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction appeared first on Eversheds Suth ..read more

A bipartisan group of senators and House members asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to verify the promises that broadband providers are making in their bid proposals to the recent Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction. This request is being made at the urging of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association due to the concerns that some of the winning bidders may not have the technical, financial, managerial or operational skills and resources to support their ambitious plans. The post Members of Congress Call on the FCC to Vet Prospective Rural Broadband Providers appear ..read more

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated $9.2 billion to roll out broadband in 49 States and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. Auction results released December 7 show that bidders won funding to deploy high-speed broadband to over 5.2 million unserved homes and businesses. A broad range of providers successfully competed in the Phase I auction, including electric cooperatives. The post FCC Doles Out $9.2 Billion in Phase I of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction appeared first on Eversheds Sutherland ..read more

About 190 electric cooperatives have qualified to compete for up to $16 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) largest reverse auction to fund broadband internet for unserved areas across the country. Winning bidders will receive funds over a 10-year period to deploy broadband to unserved census blocks identified by the FCC. The post 190 Electric Coops Qualify to Bid at FCC’s $16 Billion Broadband Auction appeared first on Eversheds Sutherland Coop Law Blog ..read more

Several electric cooperatives that provide broadband internet are taking steps to keep rural communities connected during the coronavirus pandemic, including measures that go far beyond a Federal Communications Commission call to sustain service for low-income customers. Those steps include delivering higher connection speeds, even for members who subscribe to more modest plans. The post Coops Pledge to Sustain Broadband Service as Pandemic Hardships Increase appeared first on Eversheds Sutherland Coop Law Blog ..read more

The Broadband Deployment and Technological Availability Act passed Congress and is expected to be signed by President Trump. The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to collect more detailed data from broadband providers. The bill will allow coops better information about broadband service in rural communities, addressing a common understanding that current data is insufficient. The post Congress Passes Legislation to Improve Broadband Mapping appeared first on Eversheds Sutherland Coop Law Blog ..read more

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai visited Michigan to get a firsthand look at Midwest Energy & Communications’ (MEC) broadband initiative. Pai’s trip preceded the vote on the rules for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), a $20.4 billion reverse auction aimed at bringing high-speed internet to the country’s unserved communities. Pai heralded MEC’s initiative, funded by a precursor to RDOF, as highly successful and thinks RDOF will help further address the challenges presented by rural broadband. The post FCC Chairman Looks at Michigan’s Rural Broadband appeare ..read more