Expert Opinion
Samantha Schartman: AI Will Widen the Digital Divide — Cross-Sector Co-Investment Could Provide a Bridge
We need new ways to fund programs, and the Alt Funding Field Guide makes the case that digital inclusion creates economic value
ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a $14.2 billion program that provided subsidized broadband connections of $30/month, and $75/month for Tribal households. However, the program ended in June 2024 after Congress stopped its funding.
AI
How to Prepare Workers for Artificial Intelligence Disruption as Safety Nets Erode
Panelists debated AI's true impact on jobs while warning that support systems meant to help workers adapt are being cut.
New Mexico
New Mexico First to Replace Federal Broadband Subsidy
$10 million program takes effect Wednesday, with potential to expand to $45 million annually.
Ed Markey
Markey Criticizes FCC Rollbacks, Republican Opposition to Affordability Programs
Markey announced his children’s online privacy act passed the Senate.
Michelle Lujan Grisham
New Mexico Senate Approves $45 Million for Broadband Affordability
SB 152 would create a state-run, low-income broadband assistance program funded through the state’s rural universal service fund.
BEAD
Service Providers and California Officials Warn BEAD Builds Won’t Solve Affordability
Providers cited payment instability and post-construction costs, while officials urged an Affordability Connectivity Program replacement.
New Mexico
New Mexico Senate Bill Would Fund $10M Broadband Subsidy
The bill would replace the expired federal ACP with a state version for low-income households.
NTIA
New Mexico Unveils Plan to Expand Affordable Broadband
State proposes launching broadband subsidy program by 2027
LEO
NTIA Chief of Staff: 37 States Cleared to Build Under BEAD, Signals More
The shift followed a December executive order aligning broadband execution with federal artificial intelligence policy.
JD Vance
Broadband Affordability Falters in 2025
In spite of the political salience of 'affordability,' federal rollbacks, industry pressure, and stalled state efforts took a toll on low-income Americans' broadband.
12 Days of Broadband
Universal Service Fund Survived, Faces New Legal and Political Challenges
A follow-on legal case about the USF resumed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Fifth Circuit.
Digital Inclusion
Public Knowledge, NDIA Aiming to Platform Local Advocates
The groups' Connectivity Policy Corps will have a first cohort of 18 advocates from 14 states.
Infrastructure
12 Days of Broadband Covered Spectrum, AI Infrastructure, BEAD and Affordability
Leaders from the Vernonburg Group, Ookla, NextNav and Broadband Breakfast discussed linkages between spectrum, AI, BEAD and affordability.
Broadband's Impact
Virginia’s Next Governor an Advocate for Better Broadband
In the House, Spanberger acted to direct the federal government to ensure that broadband networks were built to meet modern upload and download standards.
Oregon
Panel Ties Broadband Affordability to Workforce and AI Readiness
New York’s internet policy illustrates state-driven affordability reform.
Affordability
Advocates Push to Rebuild a Permanent Federal Broadband Subsidy
Calls mount for a modernized Universal Service Fund to address broadband affordability
