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Rural Health
News by Topic: Broadband

Dec 19, 2024 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announcing seven regional meetings for Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) grantees between February and May 2025. Roundtables will provide technical assistance and oversight and conclude with a regional roundtable that enables the public to engage with grantees, local experts, and other stakeholders working to address digital inequities. Information on how to register will be posted on the BroadbandUSA website.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 13, 2024 - Announces a major update to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Mapping Broadband Health in America platform. Notes that the tool can be used to analyze data at the intersection of broadband connectivity and a range of public health challenges, now including maternal morbidity and mortality.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Dec 13, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the implementation of the 5G Fund for Rural America (5G Fund) to support the build out of advanced, 5G mobile wireless broadband networks for those who live, work, and travel in rural areas. Discusses the identification of areas that will be eligible for 5G Fund support, the 5G Fund budget, the acceptance of bids and identification of winning bids, compliance with 5G Fund public interest obligations and performance requirements, the promotion of digital equity and inclusion, and more. This rule is effective January 13, 2025. The compliance date for §§ 54.322(b), 54.322(g), 54.322(h), 54.322(i), 54.322(j), 54.1014(a), 54.1014(b)(2), 54.1018(a), 54.1018(b), 54.1018(c), 54.1018(d), 54.1019(a)(1), 54.1019(a)(2), 54.1019(a)(3), 54.1019(b), 54.1022(b), and 54.1022(f) will be announced in a future document published in the Federal Register.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 10, 2024 - Discusses the digital divide in Kansas counties due to slow internet connections and access to digital devices. Highlights policy efforts to close the divide and infrastructure challenges found in rural communities.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Dec 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that seeks comment on the implementation of the Alaska Connect Fund (ACF) for mobile service from the period January 1, 2030, through December 31, 2034, for areas where more than one mobile provider had been receiving support for overlapping service areas, or duplicate-support areas (ACF Mobile Phase II). Among other things, the FCC seeks comments on the methodology to determine support amounts in duplicate-support areas and the competitive or alternative mechanism to distribute support, how to distribute support in unserved areas, and Tribal consent requirements for the ACF. Comments are due by February 3, 2025, and reply comments are due by March 4, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 4, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on revisions to the information collection titled "Connect America Fund—High Cost Portal Filing." This information collection includes location reporting and related certification requirements for high-cost support recipients. Comments are due by January 3, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 3, 2024 - Notice from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on December 11, 2024, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Mountain. An agenda will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 26, 2024 - Highlights 2 rural Colorado communities among the first to receive federal funds to build infrastructure for high-speed internet access. Notes statewide goals for increasing access to broadband and projected impacts on rural communities.
Source: Government Technology
Nov 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the approval of an information collection related to the April 10, 2024, final rule that adopted a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), and the removal and reservation of 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22) are effective November 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 19, 2024 - Discusses mental healthcare challenges for rural Alabama residents including affordability, transportation challenges, and limited broadband access. Highlights a program aiming to reduce mental health disparities by addressing these issues through technology.
Source: WSFA