Message from Dave Koren, Executive Director,

OCTA – Ohio's Broadband and Cable Association 

Welcome to May's edition of The OCTA Connection, the monthly newsletter from OCTA – Ohio's Broadband and Cable Association.

We are happy to bring the latest in broadband news to your inbox each month and hope that you find this newsletter informative and insightful. Read on to see updates from OCTA members, important industry news and announcements from our national partner, NCTA.

Be sure to follow OCTA on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. And you can also visit our website at www.octa.org.

BroadbandOhio BEAD Process

The BEAD challenge portal is currently published on the BroadbandOhio website and contains the Ohio broadband map. Eligible participants may register to receive access to the challenge portal.

Starting May 28th, 2024, the challenge process will proceed through the following three phases, and each phase will be executed through the portal:

• Challenge phase: Eligible challengers submit challenges and supporting evidence. Ohio’s Challenge Phase will run from May 28 to June 17, lasting for 21 days.

• Rebuttal phase: Service providers rebut the challenge with supporting evidence. Ohio’s Rebuttal Phase will run from July 1 to July 22, lasting for 21 days

Please see the challenge guidebook for details on allowed challenge types and required supporting evidence.

All challenges and rebuttals will be published on BroadbandOhio's website before the final determination phase begins.

• Final Determination phase: BroadbandOhio determines which challenges will be sustained or rejected. Ohio’s Final Determination Phase will run from July 23 to August 21, lasting for 30 days.

Find More Here

6G Summit (Hosted by ATIS Next G Alliance) - Recorded Remarks of Alan Davidson

We are in the midst of a long boom of mobile communications connectivity and productivity. From 3G to 4G to 5G, advances in mobile data in particular have brought the Internet to billions of people around the world. It has been an amazing success story, powered by global standards and technology innovation.

6G will be the next step in that evolution. 

While we are still realizing the full benefits of 5G, we at NTIA know from past experience that we need to be planning ahead. So it is not too early to be preparing for 6G. In particular, it is so important for policymakers to consider how we can harness and support the innovations this next generation of technology will bring.

One of the exciting possibilities of 6G is network virtualization and openness, which presents incredible possibilities including: 

• Maximizing the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning throughout the network stack. 
• Facilitating ubiquitous coverage, including in the most hard-to-reach areas, and providing users with a seamless connectivity experience.  
• Reduced power consumption and increased energy efficiency.
• Innovative new business models and more resilient and diversified supply chains.

Read Remarks Further

FCC: FCC Proposes National Security Protections for Equipment Program

The Federal Communications Commission today proposed new rules to ensure that wireless equipment authorizations are not compromised by entities that have been found to pose national security concerns. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today will launch a proceeding to ensure that telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs) and measurement facilities (test labs) that participate in the Commission’s equipment authorization program, which authorizes wireless devices for marketing in or importation to the United States, are not influenced by untrustworthy actors. This new proceeding would permanently prohibit entities on the FCC’s Covered List from playing any role in the equipment authorization program while also providing the FCC and its national security partners the necessary tools to safeguard this important process.

The FCC prohibits authorization of communications equipment that has been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to national security. These rules place significant responsibilities on entities to which the Commission has delegated important responsibilities for authorizing wireless devices, namely TCBs and test labs. Read More Here

FCC Makes Updates to Broadband Data Collection Efforts

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today shared with her colleagues an Order and Declaratory Ruling that updates the FCC’s biannual data collection and audit processes and proposes further updates to the agency’s verification processes for its National Broadband Map. The Map displays specific location-level information about broadband services available throughout the country – a significant improvement from the census block level data previously collected.

An accurate map is an important resource for targeting funding and other efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities. The FCC remains committed to releasing updated versions of the map every six months, as Congress directed the agency to do as part of the Broadband DATA Act. Read More

Light Reading: The Technology Behind Wi-Fi 7 and its Testing Challenges

Wi-Fi 7 offers unmatched wireless performance for users and businesses, with high speed and low latency enhancing the broadband experience. It expands on Wi-Fi 6 features and introduces significantly more complexity with 4K QAM, multi-link operations, and the increased focus on performance and quality of service.

However, realizing these benefits requires translating technical specs into tangible user experiences at home or work. These new capabilities point to the future of Wi-Fi, where new use cases are emerging, and it gets used in completely new ways like AR/VR, mesh, or internet of things (IoT). But there are challenges with these new use cases, and if left untested, we leave a lot on the table, and expected customer benefits will not be realized. Read More

Broadband Breakfast: Rep. Latta Resolution Aimed at Blocking FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules

In what is likely a symbolic gesture, a senior House Republican last week took the first step in attempting to stop implementation of new Net Neutrality rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in April.

Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, introduced a joint resolution on May 23 to void the Net Neutrality rules under the Congressional Review Act. Latta is chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which oversees activity at the FCC. Read Statement Here

Broadband Breakfast: Gateway Fiber Receives Capital for New Markets

Fiber provider Gateway Fiber announced Friday that it closed a senior secured debt facility which will provide additional funding to continue expanding its growing network.



According to the press release, Gateway Fiber raised $175.5 million in debt financing. Chris Surdo, president of Gateway Fiber, said that the company is “excited about this new partnership,” adding that it will enable the company to “accelerate its growth plans across multiple markets.” Read More

Charter Communications

Comcast

Cox Communications

• Nearly 2 out of 3 Small Business Employees Say AI Can Increase or Retain Headcount, According to New Cox Business Survey

With ACP Winding Down, Cable Providers Are Committed to Keeping Customers Connected

Unless Congress acts, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is set to run out of funds this month. When that happens, millions of Americans will lose a significant benefit that helps them access critical online services like healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

With the program's future up in the air, America’s cable broadband providers are reenergizing their longstanding efforts to close the digital divide.

Why it matters: To date, ACP has helped connect over 23 million Americans across rural and urban areas, a significant step forward in the nation’s mission to connect everyone to the internet.

• In the month of May, most ACP households will receive partial monthly subsidies from their internet provider.

See the Impacts of ACP Here

Setting the Record Straight on Spectrum Priorities

As the debate over spectrum policy continues, the incumbent mobile industry continues to malign and inhibit the growth of technologies and spectrum uses that promote competition, innovation, wireless access, and consumer savings.

A further new line of attack argues that spectrum design decisions should be based on which industry has spent the most money on wireless infrastructure and auctioned spectrum.

That argument is not only conveniently slanted toward incumbent wireless interests, it is demonstrably wrong. Read More

Comcast Launches ASL Interpreting Services at Xfinity Stores

Comcast announced the launch of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services at eight Xfinity store locations in the National Capital Region, with plans to expand the offering nationwide over the course of this year.

The service, which uses video conference technology to connect customers requiring ASL support to an interpreter, was piloted last year at select stores. The service will allow the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to interact with any Xfinity associate, greatly expanding the customer service opportunities to the community. Read More

Walter Kaitz Foundation Partners With Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Foundation

The Walter Kaitz Foundation announced a new partnership with the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab last month. Spearheaded by Hillman Grad, the media company founded by Emmy award winning writer, producer, and creator, Lena Waithe, this program provides a six-month intensive development opportunity for a diverse range of actors, writers, and producers.

With this new collaboration, the Foundation has decided to sunset the Hollywood Creative Forum (HCF).

• HCF has been a powerful force for over a decade, offering educational and networking sessions to hundreds of creatives.
• While the HCF is concluding, this is a strategic move towards fostering new alliances that offer more comprehensive support and mentorship for those in the creative industry.
• HCF alumni are encouraged to continue their journey of growth and connection by joining the "Korgi Connect" online community. This platform, created by HCF co-founder DMA Anderson, is designed to support and facilitate the professional advancement of its members.

Read More Here