State of the State
States Race to Win the Tech Economy in 2026 State of the State Addresses
Here’s what 30 governors said about broadband expansion, AI growth, and online child safety.
AI
AI's Arrival Complicates Big Tech Climate Goals, and Some Worry it's Locking in More Fossil Fuels
A backlog of projects waiting to connect to power grids, plus the Trump administration's war on renewable energy also are complicating efforts.
BEAD 2026
Experts Say $21 Billion Remaining BEAD Funds at Risk of Going Unused
Industry leaders push for faster distribution to avoid defaults, delays, and efforts to close the digital divide
universal service
Telecom Act Aides Say Partisanship is Behind Lack of Universal Service, Broadband Access
Panelists also discuss the unsustainable funding of the USF and the making of Section 230.
AI
Landowners and Locals are Fighting AI Expansion of High-Voltage Power Lines
High-voltage power lines cost tens of billions of dollars a year and are the latest front line in the battle over tech giants' massive operations.
Expert Opinion
Mary Guenther: BEAD Non-Deployment Dollars and the Risk of Unfulfilled Broadband Promises
The BEAD broadband program now has roughly $20 billion in leftover funds, and policymakers are debating how best to spend it
universal service
Telecom Act Aides Say Failure to Define Broadband Sparked Years of Regulatory Fights
At the Benton Institute event, panelists reflect on successes and failures of the Telecom Act of 1996
Expert Opinion
Debra Berlyn: Online Scams and Older Adults: It’s Just One Battle After Another
Scam losses among Americans 60 and older have quadrupled since 2020 to over $2.4 billion, with AI-powered fraud making it increasingly difficult for consumers of all ages to distinguish real communications from fake ones.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs, Upending Central Plank of Economic Agenda
Administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.
BEAD 2026
Rep. Greg Landsman to Speak at BEAD Implementation Summit
Keynotes join panels: State broadband roundtable, technology choices in BEAD, using remaining BEAD funds, and capital constraints on financing
Data Center
As Electricity Costs Rise, Everyone Wants Data Centers to Pick Up Their Tab. But How?
Data centers keep spreading fast, and some use as much electricity as a small city.
Expert Opinion
John Haraburda: What Telco Must Do Next on STIR/SHAKEN
Major carriers sign 85% of voice traffic while smaller carriers manage only 17.5%. We need AI-powered solutions to combat robocall fraud.
SpaceX
Jessica Dine: We Have the Tools to Head Off the Newest Digital Divide
If the NTIA would let us use them...
Expert Opinion
Brett Guthrie: Dominance, Deployment, and Safeguards – The Path for American AI Leadership
America must prioritize AI innovation over heavy regulation to outcompete China and maintain technological leadership.
Maine
Vienna, Maine, Looks to Grow Fledgling Muni Network
Vienna, Maine's municipal fiber network signed up 240 households immediately but must reach 270 subscribers for viability while competing against incumbent ISPs' promotional offers.
Broadband's Impact
They Came Not to Bury, But to Praise the Telecom Act of 1996
The biggest failure, according to panelists? The continued digital divide
