USF
State Broadband Bills of 2025: A Legislative Review
Across the U.S., lawmakers considered more than 600 broadband bills in 2025.
Jericho Casper
Assistant Editor Jericho Casper graduated from University of Virginia studying telecommunications policy. She previously served as a research assistant examining state laws that restrict local governments from owning or operating broadband networks.
12 Days of Broadband
Data Centers Dramatically Drive Up Energy Needs
AI exposed the limits of the U.S. grid, and nuclear power became Washington’s answer.
Digital Inclusion
Libraries and Schools Urge FCC to Restore Off-Campus Wi-Fi Support
Backing petitions for reconsideration, advocates say E-Rate rollback threatens students’ connectivity.
FCC
FCC Chairman Carr Highlights Agency Accomplishments in 2025
The agency moved aggressively, drawing legal challenges
12 Days of Broadband
With Denunciation of Digital Grants as ‘Woke Handout,’ $2.5 Billion in Funding Scrapped
As of Dec. 5, the government had not yet filed its response.
FCC
California Regulator Asks FCC to Reverse Course on Lifeline Revocation
State regulators warn 1.77 million Californians could face service disruptions
AI
FTC Vacates Consent Order Against AI Company Rytr
Agency says AI tools should not be judged on potential misuse
California
Golden State Fiber Poised to Connect 31,000 Locations in Rural California
Counties secure $110 million in bond financing and $185 million in state grants to expand rural fiber access
12 Days of Broadband
Three Branches of Government – or One?
White House action reshaped federal tech and telecom regulation in 2025
Broadband Mapping and Data
NTCA Members Deliver Fiber to Rural Schools, Libraries, and Hospitals
Survey of NTCA members finds nearly nine in 10 schools, libraries, and hospitals are served by fiber.
Tribal
NTIA Recommends $6.5M in Tribal Broadband Awards
Tribal consultations in January will help shape updates to the broadband program, NTIA says.
FCC
FCC Urged to Repeal Remaining Broadcast Ownership Rules
Broadcasters spar over whether the FCC should relax or retain its remaining media ownership limits
FCC
FCC Sets 2026 Urban Rate Benchmarks for Broadband
FCC establishes $96 benchmark for broadband plans offered by USF recipients
FBA
States Deemphasize Local and Rural Focus After BEAD Restructuring, Report Finds
Kaptivate analysis finds some states’ references to rural America dropped 80 to 100 percent
Public Safety
More Lawmakers Call for Terrestrial GPS Backup
Four Republicans warn FCC to proceed with caution as it explores GPS alternatives
Democracy
Is the FCC an Independent Agency? Legal Experts Say Yes
Experts dispute FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's denial of agency independence
