FCC
Broadband Progress Hasn’t Closed the Digital Divide, Analysts say
The event examined the legacy of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
Digital Divide
Broadband Access Alone Isn’t Enough for Small Businesses
Panelists said small businesses need affordable, reliable service and the skills to use it, not just a connection.
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
Expert Opinion
Javier Palomarez: Washington Can't Ask for More Broadband Investment While Making Growth Harder
Expanding federal merger reporting requirements risk deterring the private investment needed to build out broadband infrastructure and close the digital divide.
BEAD
Panelists Consider BEAD Performance, Compliance and Affordability
Experts say connectivity gains are real, but affordability and oversight will determine BEAD's lasting impact.
Expert Opinion
Chip Pickering: Data Centers are America's Most Misunderstood Infrastructure Asset
The case for data centers rests on meaningful tax revenue, durable jobs, grid investment and the digital infrastructure that lets rural communities share in the AI economy.
Fiber Connect
Operators: Smart Communities Need More than Fiber, They Need Government Engagement
A Nebraska fiber provider built a wireless network into every city router that school-issued Chromebooks connect to automatically, turning any home into a homework spot.
Digital Divide
Charter, Cox Helping Pay for Free Internet in New York Homeless Shelters
This is part of the state's $1 billion plan to build accessible internet access in New York.
Labor Department
New Mexico To Close Digital Divide With $382 Million From BEAD
The state broadband office hopes to use BEAD non-deployment dollars to expand infrastructure, 5G, and workforce programs.
Massachusetts
$28.5 Million Massachusetts Initiative To Bring 27,000 Laptops, Tablets to Residents
Devices will be available at public centers or offered through free lending programs for rural and underserved communities.
AI
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.
SmartWAVE Webinar
April 9, 2026: Bridging the Digital Divide
A partnership between a city and a school district to Bridge the Digital Divide
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on April 29, 2026 – Older Adults Connectivity
Older adults remain among the least likely to have home broadband access or the digital skills to fully benefit from it.
Digital Equity Act
Court Asked to Pause DEA-Related Lawsuit Against Trump, Pending Key Court Decision
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has been fighting to restore a $2.75 billion digital equity program.
NTIA
Arielle Roth Says NTIA Won’t Allow State Rules to Undermine BEAD Success
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth was also questioned on screen time use in schools.
last mile
New York Opens $36 Million for Open Access, Municipal Broadband
Applications from interested providers will be accepted through April 30.
