A groundbreaking initiative by the government aims to incentivize Internet service providers (ISPs) to offer discounted rates to customers with lower incomes. This initiative involves the allocation of federal funds through states. However, there is resistance from ISPs who are hesitant to comply with the proposed pricing.
Recently, Ars Technica reported on a letter addressed to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, signed by more than 30 broadband industry trade groups such as ACA Connects and the Fiber Broadband Association, along with various state-based organizations. The letter expresses concerns about the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, highlighting the challenges faced by ISPs in participating. The BEAD program, which has been newly established, allocates over $42 billion in federal funds to enhance high-speed internet access through planning, infrastructure development, deployment, and adoption initiatives in states nationwide, as outlined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Initially, the funds are channeled to the NTIA before being distributed to…
2024-07-26 17:06:20
Read more on www.engadget.com