Thread by @Benton_Inst

It's official. @POTUS signed the bipartisan #InfrastructureBill into law.

When Do We Get Our Broadband?
benton.org/blog/when-do-w…

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Now, action shifts from Congress to key federal agencies that will implement the broadband provisions.

@brookingsMetro noted it will be a longer-term, patient approach to rebuilding American competitiveness through infrastructure @jwkane1 @CarolineRGeorge @AdieTomer

Some key actions and deadlines in the months and years ahead:

Later this month @NTIAgov will expand the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and announce first round award selections.

The @FCC will launch a proceeding to evaluate the implications of the #infrastructurebill on ensuring everyone in the U.S. has broadband. They'll deliver this report to Congress by Aug 2022.

The @FCC will also transition the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program into the (permanent) Affordable Connectivity Program by the new year.
#EBBProgram #AffordableConnectivityProgram

By mid-Jan 2022 the @FCC, in partnership with the Dept of Labor (@USDOL), will establish an interagency working group to develop recommendations to address the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry, including the safety of that workforce.

By mid-Feb 2022 @FCC, @USDA, @usedgov, & @HHSGov must agree to share low-income connectivity eligibility data through the #Lifeline National Verifier.

The headline-grabbing number in the #InfrastructureBill is the over *$42 Billion* for broadband deployment grants to the states. By mid-May 2022, @NTIAgov will create the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to support construction projects.

.@NTIAgov will also publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) notifying states about the program and the minimum initial allocation of funding each state will receive. But,

.@NTIAgov will not make the bulk of that funding available until the @FCC implements the Broadband DATA Act, signed into law in March 2020. The FCC must collect & publicize much more granular data on broadband service availability throughout the country.

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All eyes will be on the @FCC in the coming months as it is unknown when this data will be available.

In mid-May 2022, @USGAO will submit a report to Congress that estimates the number of skilled telecom workers that will be required to build and maintain broadband infrastructure in rural areas and the wireless infrastructure needed to support 5G.

In Oct 2022, @NTIAgov will begin awarding planning grants to states for the purpose of developing State Digital Equity Plans. @pewtrusts @ndia

By Nov 15 2022, the @FCC must issue final rules on consumer broadband labels including information on introductory vs long-term rates paid by consumers. #consumerbroadbandlabels @freepress @publicknowledge

Also on Nov 15 2022, the @USGAO must submit an evaluation of the @FCC's process for establishing, reviewing, and updating the upload and download speed thresholds for broadband internet access service.

By May 15 2023, the @FCC will create the Broadband Deployment Locations Map, an overview of the overall geographic footprint of all federally-funded broadband networks. The FCC will update the map every six months.

By 11/15/2023, @FCC will issue final rules to facilitate equal access to BB, including: preventing digital discrimination of access based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin; & identifying necessary steps for the FCC to eliminate such discrim.

.@POTUS has signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.

It is a monumental day for expanding #broadband and closing the #digitaldivide.

Read the full timeline of broadband rollout and agency actions here: benton.org/blog/when-do-w…