ERIC KEBER

Discussed issues pertaining to permitting (H.R. 3557 and 4141), Buy America, cybersecurity and data breaches as they relate to small businesses.

Discussed need to expedite permitting processes on Tribal and non-Tribal lands to help in the deployment of broadband in rural areas. Tribal Lifeline program funding and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) funding in Tribal areas.

Lobbied on many issues relating to rural broadband and the Federal Universal Service Fund. -- S. 856, FAIR Contributions Act, requires the FCC to study and submit report to Congress examining the feasibility of funding USF through contributions supplied by edge providers -- S. 3321, would require the Federal Communications Commission to begin assessing all users of broadband networks to ensure that both network and affordability programs are sustainable. --S. 975 and H.R. 1812, Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, requires FCC to make changes to financing USF by extending the base of contributors to the fund S. 275, Rural Broadband Protection Act, requires the FCC to establish a process to vet applications for certain funding that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities -- supported the updating and extending the Alaska Plan to allow Alaskans to receive the same broadband services as those individuals living in the lower-48 H.R. 6929 and S. 3565, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Extension Act -- would fund the ACP program through the end of the year S. 4317, Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act -- provides $6 billion to continue the ACP program for the remainder for calendar year 2024 S. 4208, Promoting Affordable Connectivity Act -- provides $25 million to FCC to fund ACP program for 2 years H.R. 8466, Affordable Connectivity Program Improvement & Extension Act H.R. 8709, Funding for Rip and Replace Program and ACP extension -- discussed NTIA's Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD)program as well as its Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) -- discussed issues regarding the IIJA's Buy America provisions -- H.R. 889 and S. 341, Broadband Grant Taxation Act, would exempt broadband grant programs created during COVID from taxation H.R. 3557, American Broadband Deployment Act -- discussed broadband mapping in relation to the Broadband Data Collection Act -- discussed reclassification of broadband as Title II service -- discussed the FCC Broadband Labels provisions -- discussed cyber security and what small rural telco/broadband providers are doing to comply with regulations but also shared concerns with compliance and ability to secure cybersecurity insurance policies -- discussed numerous permitting issues small rural telco/broadband providers face; supported S. 2855, Close the Gap Act which would under certain circumstances exempt communications projects from NEPA review on federal lands -- discussed STIR-SHAKEN and call ID authentication for non-IP networks -- discussed data breach notifications (encouraged better coordination among agencies on data breach reporting requirements and to streamline the processes) -- Broadband Benchmark Requirements (stressed the importance accurate calculations of reasonably comparable broadband rate benchmarks for rural high-cost support recipients) -- supported efforts to provide more funding for ripping out and replacing telecommunications networks/equipment that pose a national security threat (e.g., Rip and Replace)

Lobbied on reauthorization of the Farm Bill, specifically as it relates to the Rural Utilities Services' ReConnect program. -- S. 130, Rural Internet Improvement t Act, reauthorizes and improves the ReConnect loan and grants programs Permitting reforms concerning the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and Federal Lands S. 2855, Close the Gap Act: would under certain circumstances exempt communications projects from NEPA review on federal lands H.R. 3557, American Broadband Deployment Act: would exempt broadband projects in existing rights-of-way and off federal land from NEPHA and NHPA

S. 341 and H.R. 889, The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act -- would exempt broadband grant programs created during COVID from taxation. H.R. 7024, Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act -- would extend the current 100% bonus depreciation for plant placed in service through 2026.

Supported S. 2855, Close the Gap Act: would under certain circumstances exempt communications projects from NEPA review on federal lands. H.R. 3557, American Broadband Deployment Act -- would exempt broadband projects in existing rights-of-way on and off federal land form NEPA and NHPA

WTA -- ADVOCATES FOR RURAL BROADBAND

WTA -- ADVOCATES FOR RURAL BROADBAND

WTA -- ADVOCATES FOR RURAL BROADBAND