Funding
USDA to Open Applications for $26 Million Community Connect Program
Recipients last year included NEK Community Broadband, Lewis County PUD, and Pulse Broadband.
Jericho Casper
Reporter Jericho Casper graduated from the University of Virginia studying media policy. She grew up in Newport News in an area impacted by the digital divide and has a passion for universal access.
BEAD
State Broadband Leaders Speculate BEAD Future Under Trump Administration
More than half reveal permitting challenges, tariffs, and labor shortages threaten to impact BEAD rollout.
AI
House Representatives Call for Standards in Government Use of AI
A bipartisan task force urged Congress to establish policies governing AI use in federal agencies.
Social Media
Meta Scraps Fact-Checking Program Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
The platform will shift to a user-driven moderation model inspired by X.
Rural
NTCA Report Finds Middle Mile Costs Dropping for Rural Providers
High last-mile deployment costs, permitting delays, and inflationary pressures continue to hamper rural broadband expansion.
Broadband's Impact
Thune Hands Cruz Chairman’s Gavel at Senate Commerce Committee
Cruz's agenda includes expanding private sector spectrum access to drive investment and job creation.
BEAD
NTIA Finalizes Guidance on LEO Satellites for BEAD
NTIA said it has significantly reduced barriers to participation by LEO satellite providers.
Funding
Tech, Broadband Bills Dropped by Congress in New Funding Bill
Omits measures on NTIA coordination, deepfakes, and FCC transparency.
Congress
Rep. Hudson to Chair House Communications and Technology Subcommittee
Hudson pledged a 'commonsense approach' under his leadership as head of the subcommittee.
12 Days of Broadband
Loper Bright, A Court Ruling That Changes How D.C. Operates
Loper Bright sets the stage for a Republican-led overhaul of broadband and telecom policy in 2025.
12 Days of Broadband
A Year of Challenges for the Universal Service Fund
In 2024, USF encountered widespread calls for reforms to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
12 Days of Broadband
AI Revolution Sparked Growth in Data Centers
Nuclear energy gained momentum as a green solution to data centers' rising power demands.
12 Days of Broadband
A Big Launch Year for Low Earth Orbit Satellites
2024 marked the year LEOs went from experimental to expansive.
Justice
As Biden’s Antitrust Chief Exits, Will Trump Keep the Momentum?
The DOJ’s antitrust division saw record enforcement under Kanter.
Broadband's Impact
Broadband Prices Decline as Speeds Surge, USTelecom Reports
Still, a TPI study finds nominal prices for some speed tiers rose faster than inflation.
12 Days of Broadband
The Year States Stepped Up for Broadband Affordability
States, cities, and private providers led the charge as federal broadband affordability efforts falter.
