Izzy Abbass

🚀 Bridging the Digital Divide🌐 I came across this insightful article by Brad Randall from Broadband Communities on San Diego County’s initiative to expand broadband access to its unincorporated areas. It's a stark reminder of how we often overlook rural areas that are just a short drive from densely populated regions. It's fascinating to realize that while urban areas have robust internet services and many times are arguably overserved, many communities within a short commute remain severely underserved. This initiative, powered by $9 million in ARPA funds, aims to change that, but it requires input and collaboration from stakeholders to maximize its impact. As we push for digital equity, it’s crucial to remember our neighboring rural communities. Their connectivity is just as vital and deserving of our attention. I can't help but also think the the #BulkBan push from the #FCC doesn't help in the efforts to reach communities just out of reach but close enough to infrastructures where going Bulk or Bulk managed Wifi allows providers to reach what would normally be unreachable for multiple reasons, many of the reasons Dan Myers has pointed out / outlined in his recent posts (check them out of you missed them) Kudos to San Diego County for taking this significant step forward! Let’s all contribute to making high-speed internet a reality for everyone, no matter where they live. #DigitalDivide #BroadbandForAll #SanDiego #CommunityEngagement #RuralDevelopment

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♥️ THIS!! “Greater levels of fiber, delivered by local service providers, improves economic outcomes for rural communities.” The presence of small broadband service providers is the key. Providers that live, work, employ, shop, and pay taxes in the same areas they serve are the economic multiplier magic that should get max points in a BEAD application. It’s the secret to lengthening the investment dollars vs the disaster of a reverse auction in rural areas.

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Heading to D.C. for the Federal Communications Commission Technology Advisory Council quarterly meeting tomorrow 6/21. We are midway through the year and will provide an update alongside Brian Daly on #6G developments as part of our charter. We have explored the recently concluded first 6G workshop in 3GPP, interacted with IEEE 802.11 working group(s) to expand the horizon beyond cellular to unlicensed and #WiFi and looked at the state of the art and requirements for 6G of #URLLC applications in the automotive sector. The breath of technologies being investigated ( #ISAC, #RIS, #metasurface, #nativeAI, #quantum, #security ) will need motivating use cases and spectrum needs will tie it together. Look forward to updates from the spectrum sharing and AI working groups as well. Tune in on www.fcc.gov/live starting at 10 AM ET. https://lnkd.in/eeU38TJx

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Interesting Read - The Western Governors Association is pressing Congress and Federal agencies to cut thier own red tape around Broadband Funding. Historically, most all of the Federal programs around Broadband funding are frout with Polices, Decres and procedures that impede the approval process, and limit the ablity of many Rural Providers to bid on and win funding. Tha WGA is also pushing to standardize the approved definition of broadband to "at least" 100 megabytes per second (Mbps) for downloads, 20 megabytes per second for uploads, and "scalable to" 100 Mbps for both, across all Federal Funding. #ruralbroadband #ruralinternet, #ruralconnectivity, #wisp, #wirelessbroadband

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📶 Facing the Post-ACP Broadband Affordability Challenge with Vanguard’s Expertise 📶 With the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), millions of low-income and rural households are now facing significant hurdles in accessing affordable internet. This lapse not only affects everyday connectivity but also complicates plans tied to other federal broadband initiatives, creating a critical need for effective solutions. At Vanguard, we are committed to supporting telecom providers in navigating these challenges head-on. 🔹 Cost-Efficiency: Our expertise in cloud and CX (contact center) software can help you reduce operational costs by up to 40%. This allows providers to maintain competitive pricing for their services, crucial for keeping broadband accessible to underserved communities. 🔹 Driving Revenue Growth: Even as subsidies fade, our targeted sales and marketing strategies empower telecom providers to expand their subscriber base and enhance revenue streams. We focus on sustainable growth that aligns with the evolving market landscape. 🔹 Strategic Consulting: We provide tailored go-to-market strategies that not only address current affordability issues but also position telecom providers for future success. Our comprehensive support ensures that your organization can adapt quickly to changes while keeping customer satisfaction high. As states explore alternative funding methods to bridge the gap left by the ACP, Vanguard is here to help telecom providers deliver on the promise of broadband for all. Let’s work together to create lasting solutions for rural and low-income communities. Connect with us today to discover how Vanguard can assist in overcoming these broadband affordability challenges! #BroadbandForAll #TelecomConsulting #VanguardTech #DigitalDivide #AffordableConnectivity #RuralGrowth https://lnkd.in/en6Kqmyn

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Verizon’s Frontline survey of #PublicSafety professionals has revealed insightful information about what technology is needed to support their #MissionCritical communications needs. First responders find that reliable #5G networks are a top priority for day-to-day communications. Additionally, many in public safety are optimistic about the future of AI, wanting to deploy AI to optimize resource allocation, enhance situational awareness, and improve early warning systems. 

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We’re here to do internet differently. BAM Broadband is blazing trails where the big companies haven’t, connecting our communities with fiber-to-the-home internet that’s so BAM good, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! That's BAM Good Internet. #LocalInternetProvider #ServiceProvider #HighSpeedInternet #FiberInternet #DirectLinkCO

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We’re here to do internet differently. BAM Broadband is blazing trails where the big companies haven’t, connecting our communities with fiber-to-the-home internet that’s so BAM good, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! That's BAM Good Internet. #LocalInternetProvider #ServiceProvider #HighSpeedInternet #FiberInternet #DirectLinkCO

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What a great Opportunity we all have in front of us! Rural America is going digital, fueled by $42 billion in federal broadband investment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. But how will states choose to deploy that money over the next two years? It is imperative that state leaders go local with BEAD funds. Cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other local broadband service providers (BSPs) serve as trusted partners—providing excellent service while understanding the unique needs of their members.   Kerry Haughan, senior vice president of commercial strategy for Calix, shares five reasons why states should go local with these partners through BEAD funds:  ✔️ Their long history of serving their communities  ✔️ Their ability to rapidly scale and innovate  ✔️ Their deep understanding of their community’s needs beyond speed  ✔️ Their capacity to grow long-term value for the community  ✔️ Their exponentially higher customer satisfaction  Read the full article to explore how BEAD funding can help BSPs continue to build on a legacy of serving their communities. 🔗https://ow.ly/EWJG30sAvtj

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Many will apply for BEAD funds – few will actually have what it takes to use these grants most effectively to deploy, maintain, and future-proof new networks on time and on budget. As NCTA - The Internet & Television Association's very own President & CEO @MichaelPowell writes in his new Governing op-ed: “Now is not the time to gamble on regulatory decisions that check political boxes or place faith in empty promises from unproven Internet providers. Now is the time to lean on the expertise of those who have gotten the job done time and again and who will stand by their networks for decades to come.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Read the full op-ed here: https://bit.ly/46HbBew #BEAD #Connectivity #CableIndustry #10G #InternetForAll #DigitalDivide 

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The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment or BEAD Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect all Americans. But to do that, we have to get the requirements around the deployment right. At the recent Connect (X): Powered by WIA conference I spoke about why it’s so important that states' BEAD programs look to trusted and experienced providers like Verizon who have the skills and experienced workforce not just to build correctly, but to maintain and care for those networks and serve residents for years to come.  #broadbandforeveryone #BEAD

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The recent news of Verizon's $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications has significant implications for the future of broadband networks in the US. This deal marks a major step forward for Verizon's ambitions in the broadband space, granting it access to Frontier's established infrastructure and expanding its reach to millions of new customers. Frontier's network, spanning over 7.2 million locations, is a formidable asset that Verizon will leverage to accelerate its broadband deployments. This acquisition significantly boosts Verizon's footprint, bringing them closer to their target of reaching 10 million locations by the end of 2026. The deal is likely to intensify competition in the US broadband market, putting pressure on other major players like AT&T and T-Mobile to step up their investments. However, increased competition should benefit long suffering US consumers with faster network deployment and potentially more competitive pricing. With all three major mobile operators now focusing on fibre – AT&T through organic growth and T-Mobile US via its recently-announced acquisition of Metronet – this deal gives Verizon a significant step up. #Verizon #Frontier #FiberOptics #Telecom #US #Technology

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My thoughts are with those impacted by Hurricane Helene.   T-Mobile’s network and engineering teams are assessing sites across Helene’s path to identify damage. Overlapping coverage and hardening efforts have helped to keep customers connected where available. We have identified some interruption of service due to commercial power loss and storm-related damage. We are deploying network assets to restore coverage and support first responders and public safety. We’ll continue to monitor the network, partner with local utilities and authorities, and assess more sites as conditions safely allow. Teams will also be on the ground to re-direct antennas that shifted due to wind and refill generators as it is safe to do so.   Additional updates: https://lnkd.in/geMTSh6n

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The latest information from Fierce Telecom regarding the ACP program ending and the impact of Comcast, Charter, and Consolidated. https://lnkd.in/eTDfER9k

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More than 1 in 5 homes on tribal lands across the U.S. lack access to adequate #broadband. If broadband expansion is to succeed on these lands, people will need to understand the nuts-and-bolts of connectivity and how to make the most of it in their communities. For that, training is essential.     To address this need, Matthew Rantanen and Christopher Mitchell created the Tribal Broadband Bootcamp, a hands-on way to help people understand the technology. It’s a big step forward for making broadband successful on tribal lands.     https://lnkd.in/eVVxCqRb    #remoteaccess #TribalBroadbandBootcamp 

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Diving into the complexities of the BEAD program, NTCA’s Shirley Bloomfield offers a masterclass on the nuanced challenges of rural broadband deployment. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate the intricate dance of policy and technology. For an insightful analysis, check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/ghby-Vt5   #BroadbandPolicy #TechInsights

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Survey: TV Declines as Preferred Source of Local News A major new survey and study of local news reveals a number of unsettling trends for broadcasters. Key findings from the Pew Research Center survey include a declining preference for local TV news as a preferred source of local news, declining usage of news from local TV stations and extensive dissatisfaction with the way all local news outlets cover such issues as the economy, local governments, schools and crime.

A new economic study from the Center on Rural Innovation highlights the transformative impact that fiber broadband, provided by local BSPs, has on rural communities. 📝 Co-sponsored by Calix, NTCA, and Fiber Broadband Association, the study revealed that communities benefit economically when local BSPs provide services that go beyond fast internet and address broader subscriber needs. Our customers leverage the Calix Broadband Platform to address evolving subscriber needs with comprehensive experiences that boost income, entrepreneurship, and business investment in their communities. For example: 🎮 Paul Bunyan Communications built their popular GigaZone network with the Calix Platform. The innovative BSP has turned its region into a tech hub thanks to initiatives like its annual GigaZone Gaming Championship. 🛡️Bulloch Solutions is committed to delivering high value to their communities with managed Wi-Fi, parental controls, and security to enhance their subscriber’s experience. 🛜 Blackfoot Communications deploys the latest innovations from Calix to ensure residential subscribers and businesses receive safe, secure, and reliable connectivity. Discover more insightful industry findings from the CORI study here: 🔗https://ow.ly/Pf3G30sGVJN

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