Trade Law Daily is a Warren News publication.

FBA Lauds Pro-Fiber Treasury COVID-19 Aid Guidance

The Fiber Broadband Association hailed the Treasury Department “recognizing the value of the deployment of fiber optics as critical infrastructure” in guidance for broadband projects eligible for money from the $10 billion Capital Projects Fund created in the American Rescue…

Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article

Timely, relevant coverage of court proceedings and agency rulings involving tariffs, classification, valuation, origin and antidumping and countervailing duties. Each day, Trade Law Daily subscribers receive a daily headline email, in-depth PDF edition and access to all relevant documents via our trade law source document library and website.

Plan Act (see 2103100065). Treasury urges states “to prioritize investments in fiber-optic infrastructure where feasible, as such advanced technology better supports future needs.” It calls for governments to pursue “projects that involve broadband networks owned, operated by or affiliated with local governments, non-profits and co-operatives -- providers with less pressure to generate profits and with a commitment to serving entire communities.” The money can be used in part for “repair, rehabilitation, construction, improvement and acquisition” of broadband infrastructure and gear, but not for spectrum licenses and operating expenses. The guidance “to prioritize investments in fiber-optic infrastructure will ensure that communities across the nation will be prepared for the broadband services of today and into the future,” FBA emailed.