The FCC has recently approved rule changes aimed at streamlining access to the 70 GHz, 80 GHz, and 90 GHz spectrum bands, immensely benefiting airborne and waterborne vehicles and promoting more innovative broadband service options. These updates will also impact the way backhaul service for 5G operates, enabling smaller, lower-cost antennas to be utilized, and ensuring a more efficient use of the spectrum through modifying the link registration process.
In a quest to bring hyper-fast broadband to Scotland’s most rural regions, the Scottish government launched the ambitious R100 (Reaching 100%) project. Backed with sizable financing, R100 aims to boost connectivity for over 180,000 premises. However, stumbling blocks including bidding disputes and slow deployment have pushed timelines back, igniting debates over the project’s efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, Colorado is investing $113 million from its Capital Projects Fund (CPF) in 27 broadband projects. These initiatives aim to connect nearly 19,000 homes and businesses, underscoring the state’s commitment to improving internet access.
In a significant digital milestone, Openreach reports a 9% surge in broadband traffic across the UK throughout 2023, totaling a staggering 94,722 petabytes of data. To put this colossal figure into perspective, one petabyte equals a million gigabytes, and an average 4K movie stream consumes approximately 7.2 gigabytes per hour, as highlighted by Openreach.
In a significant development, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released updated guidelines for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The revised framework, known as Uniform Guidance, outlines rules and requirements for federal financial assistance awards and subawards, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the grant management process.
House Republicans are seeking clarity from the NTIA on its stance on Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program initial proposals, pertaining to potential rate regulations. They argue such regulations may contravene the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) directives. Amid rising concerns, Louisiana becomes the first state to have its BEAD program approved.
Ofcom’s annual report, “Connected Nations,” provides a comprehensive update on the state of broadband and mobile services in the UK. The report reveals a noteworthy advancement, indicating that 78% of the UK now enjoys gigabit-capable broadband, marking an 8% surge from the previous year’s 70% coverage.
In the third quarter of 2023, Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data reveals a robust global uptrend in fixed network speeds. The median download speed for fixed networks worldwide reached an impressive 83.95 Mbps, marking a substantial 19% increase from 70.3 Mbps in the same quarter of 2022.
Broadband users face the most disruptions during peak hours, particularly at 11 am on Fridays or Wednesdays, according to a recent survey. The study pinpointed additional vulnerable time slots between 6 pm and 9 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm, and 10 am. The primary culprit for disconnections, as reported by users, is broadband provider outages, accounting for a majority of the incidents. Other contributors include power cuts (42%), planned maintenance to external cables (18%), and router issues (17%).
Several prominent German telecoms associations, including ANGA, Bitkom, BREKO, BUGLAS, and VATM, have united in a call to the German government, urging a reduction in funding for fibre-optic projects. Citing concerns over the overwhelming response to the German Gigabit funding program, the associations propose a cut in funding to €1 billion between 2024-2026.
