Michelle Quadt

States are navigating a complex path with BEAD program approvals, mapping challenges, and the uncertain future of the ACP. Despite hurdles, the $42.5B initiative aims to bridge the digital divide. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gda47Qe8 #digitaldivide #BEADProgram

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Verizon supports the FCC's efforts to apply a new unlocking policy equally to all wireless carriers. This will enable all consumers to make the best choices for themselves for their wireless service. Today, every carrier has a different approach and some (like Verizon) are subject to very different regulatory requirements.     An industry-wide approach should be simple and fair. It needs to promote consumer choice, increase competition, curb handset fraud, and encourage providers to offer subsidies on phones that promote affordability and benefit lower-income consumers.

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Are you on your way to #DHITS this week? Check out my G2Xchange report! 👀👀

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Over the past 2 months we have seen the DoD move toward the adoption of the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) for the Defense Industry Base, as part of the DoD DIB cyber strategy, and clearer oversight of their implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoDi 8510.01 and DoDi 5000.90. As cyber regulation in the U.S and EU aligns around cybersecurity risk management, the U.S National and international DIB will be affected by both the focus the DoD is placing on the CSF and RMF for the management of cybersecurity based upon risk. Thaddeus Dziekanowski and Brian D. McCarthy the DoD, DIB and the boards of covered entities require a greater understanding of the RMF (NIST SP 800-37), FISMA, the CSF 2.0 and associated DoDIs. The papers we wrote in 2021 are useful reminded of the challenges for the DIB.(https://lnkd.in/dVdM3ZRq) Bob Dix Veritas GRC United States Department of Defense #cybersecurity #cyberriskmanagement

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#publicsafety #5x5 For my public safety colleagues out there in LinkedIn land. Can you explain to me how the below will solve for in-building connectivity issues related to #firstnet and really all #firstresponders connectivity needs? I would love to understand this better, thanks! "Wassel noted that such coverage would not be provided solely as a traditional system of terrestrial cell sites. Instead, FirstNet Authority officials envision connectivity also being extended in other “fantastic ways,” including deployable communications assets, high-powered user equipment (HPUE) on 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum, the 5G Sidelink direct-mode standard technology, and nascent satellite-direct-to-phone functionality, according to Wassel." https://lnkd.in/gPR5Zdca

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Skill gaps in Federal acquisition aren't only an agency issue but an industry issue. There are many reasons and ways to mitigate and overcome gaps with strategic thinking and planning. I'm a huge proponent of skill gap analyses and have created several in my day that informed workload distribution strategies, surge and emergency response, created a focused training plan and framework of core skills, and helped prepare staff for their roles as future acquisition leaders. Check out the article and let us know what you think.

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The budget proposal for 2025 by the United States Department of Defense highlights their focus on technology investment, specifically in fields such as artificial intelligence, space surveillance, and cybersecurity. This funding is aimed at further improving and modernizing defense capabilities to address evolving threats and challenges. #Defense #DefenseTech

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An example of how Congress constrains innovation in the name of enhancing innovation. What is needed is a culture change not additional oversight by an organization still mired in the 20th century paper mill mindset (which translates to needing more staffers to do the actual overseeing, and more manual paper-based packages of materials traveling between the Pentagon and Congress). Even if Nevada were a hotbed of innovation (the metrics say it's not), this is a bad idea that needs to go away. If Congress wants to improve innovation within DOD, legislate the real changes that will enable culture change so that people are rewarded for taking reasonable risks and penalized when they don't. Mandate that civilian Acquisition workforce positions all be RENEWABLE TERM, not PERM assignments; all the benefits of a permanent civil servant (including retirement) for those who perform the needed tasks, but the ability to adjust the workforce to meet the mission needs (rather like a business).

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🔽 See DoD's input request below 🔽 Time for some of those great ideas batted around on LinkedIn to reach the right people in DoD, particularly how to reach small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors and bring them into the fold early in the design, development, and testing processes. The DoD needs DIB expansion. AI, like it or not, is the next big initiative for DoD and most Federal agencies. DoD needs help to make it happen and leveraging AI is going to be an avenue to get it done.

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#FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel: “In the not-too-distant future, we will integrate #space-based #communications in our terrestrial networks, including in the mobile phone you have in your palm or pocket right now… This will make it possible for every one of us to have a back-up connection in the skies when ground-based systems are unavailable or fail in disaster. If we do this, we can end mobile dead zones.” #satellites #telecom #internet #IoT https://lnkd.in/gMJZbtm3

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It’s what I’ve been saying. Tech and AI are crucial components of the battle fields of today and the future. Tech enhanced tactics is real. Booz Allen’s purchase of PAR Govt solidifies that notion. This also highlights the need and benefit of the privatization of key aspects of defense growth and ingenuity.

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Today, USTelecom | The Broadband Association brought together policymakers and business leaders at its annual Broadband Investment Forum to talk about what the next administration can do to help spur increased investment and innovation in our nation’s broadband networks. For context, broadband providers invested nearly $95B in American connectivity last year – the second highest level in 22 years. I had the opportunity to interview U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a champion of policies to spur greater investment in connectivity. Here are a few takeaways: ➡️Rep. Joyce said reauthorizing spectrum auction authority needs to be top priority. ➡️He also said that resources from spectrum auctions can address two major challenges. First, funds from auctions can address the deficit. And second, we need more spectrum to stay globally competitive. Rep. Joyce zeroed in on China specifically and said that we must reinvest in innovation because innovation must keep us ahead of China. ➡️As the Congressman of a rural district, Rep. Joyce understands the value of connectivity and the opportunities that are lost when it’s not there. One example he gave is precision farming. He mentioned that farmers in his district are buying million-dollar pieces of connected equipment to get real-time data on soil, crops, weather, and more. But the equipment can’t deliver if it’s not connected. ➡️One way to expand needed connectivity is to push the BEAD process along. He emphasized the importance of getting shovels in the ground. Thank you to USTelecom for putting on a great event and to Rep. Joyce for a great conversation. To end on a fun note, I enjoyed sharing the stage with a fellow Broadway fan! #USTelecom #Broadband #Investment #Spectrum #BEAD

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Make sure you check this episode out - some great insights from Peter Levine

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Connecting the most rural parts of America, in a sustainable and fair way, is a significant infrastructure challenge. There is still time for US stakeholders to learn from challenges that some broadband intervention schemes across Europe have encountered. More detail provided in the free article below!

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Expansion of Telco- SatCom operators alliance towards hybrid network coverage is a positive step towards enhanced and an optimized remote area coverage.

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The latest executive summary of the 2025 NDAA included this line: "Authorizes free high-speed internet access and wireless network connections to be provided to servicemembers who reside in unaccompanied housing within the United States." Using government funds to pay for Wi-Fi access in a dorm or building may seem straightforward, but we once faced a multi-year challenge trying to make this happen. After numerous rejections at various levels, we found a creative solution. We acquired a trailer from a construction company that was completing a project on base, and successfully had the internet service transferred to our account, bypassing the bureaucracy. While this can be labeled as a successful "innovation project" it also highlights how difficult authorizing small purchases can be in the US Government. In this instance, it was easier for our team to spend over $100k than it was to spend $50 per month. #innovation #defense #budget United States Air Force AFWERX Scott Nahrgang Jason Brown Elizabeth G. Joseph May NDAA Executive Summary Link: https://lnkd.in/e4a5SihK

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