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Rural Health
News by Topic: Broadband

Nov 7, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission announces a rule to promote the deployment of advanced, hardened networks in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in an effort to continue to restore broadband service to areas impacted by hurricanes in 2017, as well as develop systems that are better able to withstand the effects of future natural disasters. Most sections of this rule are effective on December 9, 2019, with effective dates for specific sections to be announced at a later date.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 5, 2019 - Notice of rulemaking from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a result of an August 2019 federal court ruling in the case of United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians vs. FCC. The rule repeals a section of the Commission's rules implementing the small wireless facilities exemption and deletes a cross-reference to that section contained in another part of the Commission's rules.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 5, 2019 - Announcement from the Federal Communications Commission of a public meeting of the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee on December 3, 2019. The agenda includes status reports and updates from three working groups: Disaster Response and Recovery, Increasing Broadband Investment in Low-Income Communities, and Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Job Skills and Training Opportunities. Participants may attend in person or via webinar.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 1, 2019 - Public notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the creation of a Rural Tribal Priority Window to allow Tribal entities the opportunity to assess and apply for unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum. Includes a webpage and information on a workshop that provides more detail on the Rural Tribal Window.
Source: The Federal Communications Commission
Oct 21, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau is seeking comments on how to best facilitate and improve communication between tribes and Eligible Telecommunication Carriers (ETCs). Feedback is intended to aid in the operation and maintenance of broadband adoption on tribal lands.
Source: The Federal Communications Commission
Oct 11, 2019 - Notice of rulemaking from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote transparency and predictability, and the efficient allocation of Rural Health Care Program resources while preventing waste, fraud and abuse. Many parts of the rule will be effective on November 12, 2019, with others sections to be announced in the Federal Register at a later date.
Oct 10, 2019 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announces the authorization of $61.8 million in funding for the next ten years to expand broadband in rural areas of 14 states. The sixth round of funding from the Connect America Fund will increase connectivity to an additional 22,000 homes and businesses across rural parts of the country.
Source: The Federal Communications Commission
Oct 9, 2019 - Summarizes a study that concludes that state mandates requiring the use of video-based telemedicine hinder access to care for those living in rural areas without reliable internet service. Describes how rural areas would benefit the most from telehealth, but they lack the bandwidth required to take advantage of video services.
Source: mHealth Intelligence
Oct 7, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its investment of $152 million in 19 projects across 14 states. The funds will provide and update broadband services in rural areas, improving communication and access to health, business, and educational opportunities.
Source: The U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sep 26, 2019 - Release from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing $950 million has been approved to rebuild broadband connections in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Both territories were recently devastated by hurricanes and the release includes information as to how the money will be divided over subsequent years.
Source: The Federal Communications Commission