Broadband
Mississippi broadband expansion moves forward despite federal changes
New federal rules for the program may mean higher prices for customers.
BEAD critic Arielle Roth confirmed to lead NTIA
Roth will oversee the $42 billion federal program, having previously criticized it for pushing a “woke social agenda.”
Better broadband needs better data collection, report says
A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts said the federal government has made progress, but BEAD and other programs could still struggle to achieve their goals.
Major broadband subsidy survives Supreme Court challenge
By a 6-3 majority, Justices upheld the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes low-income and rural Americans’ phone and internet bills.
Trump team’s reworking delays billions in broadband build-out
A Trump administration reworking of a $42 billion broadband expansion program will trigger delays as millions of rural Americans wait for promised connections and the telehealth services they bring.
New BEAD guidance leaves states searching for answers
Federal guidance issued last week has thrown much of the program into doubt, as states and other organizations try to find a way forward under a compressed timeline.
US agencies assessed Chinese telecom hackers likely hit data center and residential internet providers
Data center giant Digital Realty and mass media titan Comcast were documented as likely victims of the Salt Typhoon cyberespionage group, people familiar say, marking a potentially major expansion of the group’s initial telecom hacking campaign discovered last year.
Feds unveil ‘critical reforms’ to BEAD program
The $42.5 billion program to expand broadband will now be technology-neutral, rather than prefer fiber. Various workforce, climate and environment rules have also been relaxed.
Hunt for clarity on BEAD’s future goes on
With little word on the status of the Commerce Department’s review of the $42 billion broadband program, Senate Democrats and some industry groups have looked to up the pressure.
Alabama officials demand stricter reporting on $400M broadband expansion progress
State officials demanded more detailed progress reports from internet providers building the state's broadband network using public funds.
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At least 20 states have reportedly lost digital equity grant funding
States across the country have had their grant funding pulled after President Donald Trump announced he was ending the program. Program supporters say they are plotting their next steps.
BEAD uncertainty swirls, joined by Trump’s threats to the Digital Equity Act
State leaders want more guidance from the federal government amid a 90-day delay in their final plans. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he will kill a related digital equity program.
Senate votes to repeal rule allowing Wi-Fi hotspot loans
Senators passed a resolution overturning an FCC rule that allows schools and libraries to use E-Rate funds to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots. Opponents said the effort would only widen the digital divide.
A lagging broadband program faces more delays as Trump plans changes
States will have an additional 90 days to submit their final plans for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
Lawmakers strive to protect New York’s universal broadband rollout
The state is pushing forward with its goals under the threat of Trump administration cuts.
Trump nominee pledges to ‘finish the job’ on BEAD
Arielle Roth told the Senate Commerce Committee she would prioritize getting Americans connected if confirmed to lead the NTIA and not favor one technology over another.
Battle to save major internet subsidy reaches Supreme Court
Advocates and elected officials warned of the harm if the Universal Service Fund is struck down as unconstitutionally financed. Justices appeared inclined to preserve the fund.
Commerce Secretary’s proposal to prioritize satellite over fiber internet would ‘strand’ rural communities, experts say
Howard Lutnick’s proposal to change BEAD structure will line the pockets of billionaires and leave rural communities behind.
Vermont explores having telehealth hubs at libraries
An initial grant will help researchers study the feasibility of offering services at the state’s 185 libraries in a bid to help people access care even from remote areas.
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
