Energy and Commerce
House Reauthorizes National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The Senate Commerce Committee also postponed, for a second time, a markup session with short-term funding for ACP.
Digital Equity Act
A $2.75 billion program created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 to expand broadband access and promote digital literacy. In May 2025, the program was defunded by the Trump administration.
Broadband's Impact
NTIA Approves Digital Equity Plans from all 50 States, D.C., Puerto Rico
States are now free to apply for funding to address barriers to broadband adoption.
Digital Equity Act
NDIA Releases Digital Equity Implementation Manual
The document is intended to help states and territories carry out their IIJA digital equity plans.
IIJA
NTIA Releases Initial Funds for State Digital Equity Plans
Commerce unveiled plans to allocate an additional $1.25 billion in digital equity grants, alongside the capacity grant program.
BEAD
Flush With BEAD Cash, at Least 13 States Make Plans For ‘Nondeployment’ Funds
Several state offices expect to utilize nondeployment funds in conjunction with infrastructure deployment funds for BEAD.
Labor Department
House Democrat Introduces Bill to Add Local Parks to E-Rate Program
The Technology in the Parks Act would also put parks in line for used computers and equipment from federal agencies.
Biden-Harris Administration
Connect20 Summit: Building Trust with Communities is Key to Adoption
Digital navigators spoke about their work at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
Biden-Harris Administration
Federal Officials Agree: Infrastructure Alone Will Not Close the Digital Divide
Officials from broadband funding programs emphasized the important of non-deployment projects at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.
Digital Equity Act
North Carolina Launches Digital Equity Grant Program
The program sets aside $14 million in ARPA funds for digital literacy and affordability efforts.
Digital Equity Act
Mississippi Nonprofit is Looking to Fill Gaps in Affordable Connectivity
The nonprofit Connect and Literacy Fund is planning to increase ACP adoption in Mississippi.
ACP
NTIA Announces Middle Mile Funds, NDIA Director on Closing Digital Divide, More Tribal ACP Outreach Funds
Nearly $50 million will go to middle mile projects in four states.
Expert Opinion
Craig Settles: Believe in the Healing Power of Telehealth
Healthcare organizations are seeing telehealth as an opportunity to enhance connectivity with patients and improve healthcare outcomes.
Digital Equity Act
State Leaders Set Sights on Long-term Digital Equity Planning
Digital Equity projects will be an ongoing effort for many states.
Commerce
Digital Literacy Skills Not Enough to Bridge Digital Divide
More than just access, new technology users also need help navigating software applications.
Funding
Lawmakers and GAO Call for National Strategy to Address ‘Fragmented’ Broadband Programs
The GAO report identified 25 different broadband-focused funding programs, but some lawmakers argued that all are important.
Expert Opinion
Kelly Wert: States Seek to Fund Broadband Upgrades in Affordable Rental Housing
Efforts in multiple states aim to address connectivity challenges for low-income residents.
