Today’s Regulatory Mix: Delaware Invests in Broadband, DIRS Update for Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas, FCC Announces Support for 466 Winning Bids

 

Delaware Invests in Broadband 

Delaware announced a $110 million investment to cover every “last mile” of Delaware with high-speed, wireline broadband internet service.  The investment, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), seeks to make Delaware the first state to provide wireline broadband access to every Delaware home and business.  Currently, about 11,600 Delaware homes and businesses lack access to high-speed, wireline broadband service. “Delawareans rely on stable internet connections to apply for jobs, help their children do homework, work from home, or continue their education online,” said Governor Carney. “This significant investment will recognize that reality, and make sure all Delaware families have access to high-speed broadband service. We know that’s more important than ever after the lessons we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

 

DIRS Update for Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas 

As of September 19, 20201, the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) remains for the following areas affected by Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas:  

Louisiana: Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, and Terrebonne. 

No PSAPs are reported as being affected. The percentage of cell sites out of service was reduced to 1.5% compared to 4.5% the previous day. 

 

FCC Announces Support for 466 Winning Bids 

The FCC authorized Rural Digital Opportunity Fund support for 466 winning bids identified in the Commission’s September 15 Public Notice. The long-form applications have each been reviewed, including the letter(s) of credit and Bankruptcy Code opinion letter(s).  

A state-level summary shall soon be posted for each longform applicant included in the Public Notice showing: 1) the total support amount over 10 years and total number of locations that the long-form applicant is being authorized for in each state, 2) the total number of locations to which the authorized support recipient must offer the required voice and broadband services for each performance tier and latency in each state, and 3) the eligible census blocks included in the winning bids that are being authorized in each state. Once issued, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will begin disbursements. The support will be made in 120 monthly payments, which will begin at the end of this month. 

 

The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.