As part of its efforts to close the digital divide, Mecklenburg County, N.C., is installing free public Wi-Fi at more than a dozen parks and recreation centers.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) has approved plans to expand its nationwide public safety broadband network and enhance network coverage where first responders need it – including in tribal, territorial, and rural areas.

In a move that will connect more than 25,000 homes and businesses to high-speed broadband, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced more than $70 million in funding awards through ConnectALL’s Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program.

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Funding for high-speed internet initiatives received by Federal agencies totaled $64.3 billion with an additional $11.4 billion in infrastructure contracts during fiscal year (FY) 2022, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) 2023 Federal Broadband Funding Report. 

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new Mobile Speed Test app that will help consumers ensure the accuracy of provider-reported mobile coverage data, as well as improve the accuracy of the National Broadband Map.

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The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) component could be doing more to help Tribal authorities with technical assistance as they seek to create and improve broadband services using $3 billion in funding from the Federal government’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Chicago is expanding Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Chicago Connected program and the Chicago Park District’s Citywide Broadband and Digital Equity Initiative to increase access to free WiFi service across the city.

As part of its efforts to expand broadband access, Nevada has created the Nevada Middle Mile Network. The network is a 2,500-mile open access, fiber optic network that will reach many unserved communities in Nevada.

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on May 31 – much to the chagrin of FCC and Biden administration leadership – leaving millions of Americans at risk of losing their subsidized internet service.

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