Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on February 18, 2026 - AI, Nuclear Power and Data Centers
As AI-driven data centers strain the grid and tech companies turn to nuclear power, can utilities and policymakers scale energy infrastructure fast enough?
Data Center
Facilities designed to house computer systems, servers, and other related equipment, data centers support critical computing functions. Many technology companies are building data centers across various states to support artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
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.
AI
Panel: Data Centers Won’t Drive Up Energy Rates
Companies are legally required to ensure rates will not increase, but Google promised to pay for transmission upgrades and develop on-site power generation.
permitting
Holistic Approach Is Needed to Solve Energy Bottlenecks, Panel Says
Permitting is a good start, but other changes and incentives are needed to solve energy challenges, INCOMPAS panel says.
permitting
Federal Permitting Council Introduces Faster Data Center Permitting Process
In alignment with President Trump’s goals, the council is working on new data center projects through a streamlined process.
Satellite
Elon Musk Joins SpaceX and xAI Businesses Into a Single Company, Pre-IPO
Musk's rocket venture announced on Monday that it had bought xAI in an effort to help the world’s richest man dominate rockets and AI.
FCC
SpaceX Seeks FCC Approval For One Million Satellites in Space
The European Space Agency says that 16,910 satellites currently orbit Earth, making this a 5,813% increase over current satellites.
Wisconsin
Madison, Wis. Joins Growing List of Cities Pausing Data Center Development
The city has enacted a one-year moratorium on new large data center construction.
AI
Internet Caucus-Affiliated Org Previews Tech Policy in Congress
A panel of policy experts said there could be movement on areas of bipartisan consensus
Data Center
Senate Bill to Offset Data Centers' Impact on Energy Costs Introduced
The bill would require data centers to pay for local transmission upgrades and offset their grid impact through new power resources.
Energy
Virginia’s Gov. Spanberger Targets Energy Costs as Power Demand Surges
‘Virginians are paying far too much,’ Spanberger said in her inaugural address.
Energy
White House and Governors Pressure Grid Operator to Boost Power, Slow Electricity Hikes
The White House and the governors are trying to pressure the operator of the mid-Atlantic power grid to get tech companies to bid on contracts to build new power plants.
Data Center
Energy Leaders Say Permitting Reform Key to Powering AI, Data Centers, and Broadband
Panelists raised concerns about lagging U.S. energy infrastructure amid growing AI demand.
Data Center
Partnership Targets Low-Latency AI at Internet Exchange Points
Platform offers a capital-efficient and scalable alternative to centralized AI data centers.
Data Center
Microsoft's Brad Smith Pushes Big Tech to 'Pay Our Way' for AI Data Centers
Amid rising opposition, Microsoft is trying to win over communities concerned about AI data centers.
Data Center
Big Tech Data Centers: Meta's Massive Nuclear Power Deals, $20B by xAI in Mississippi
Meta's Prometheus AI data center is being built in New Albany, Ohio, and will be a 1-gigawatt cluster spanning spanning multiple buildings.
