Infrastructure
FBA Study Highlights One Permitting Rule as the Most Disruptive to Broadband Deployment
The FCC is considering preempting local permitting regulations
FBA
The Fiber Broadband Association is a trade association that represents the fiber industry. Its mission is to accelerate the deployment of fiber broadband networks across the U.S. to promote digital equity.
BEAD
Trump Administration's BEAD Overhaul Aided SpaceX: Levin
Delaying funding allowed the company more time to scoop up rural subscribers, he said
permitting
Industry, Local Governments Still Disagree Strongly on Permitting
FCC received comments on its proposal to set shot clocks and fee limits for wireline projects
BEAD
State Broadband Heads Tired After BEAD’s ‘Long Haul,’ Benton Finds
The group is working on two research projects based on interviews with broadband directors and ISPs
People
Tower, Fiber Trade Groups Back Thumann Severs for FCC
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus said the Senate shouldn’t move forward without a Democratic pairing
BEAD
FBA, Benton Pleased By New BEAD Round, Electric Co-ops Want ‘Course Correction’
Based on tentative location counts, as much as $2.4 billion could be available for additional projects
Infrastructure
Fidium Breaking Ground on BEAD Work, Signing Hyperscaler Deals
The company is still aiming for 2 million fiber passings by the end of 2027
Expert Opinion
Chad Johnston: After 26 Years Building Fiber Networks, Here's How My Thinking Has Changed
A fiber veteran argues there's no single right architecture. Rising costs and scarce labor mean operators should design for long-term flexibility, not habit.
AI
Calix CEO Sees AI as Key to Making Fiber Operations More Predictable
Practical AI tools can help broadband providers turn growing amounts of network and customer data into more consistent business results.
permitting
Appeals Court Sides With Fiber Provider in Railroad Crossing Dispute
Seventh Circuit says railroads can’t charge fiber providers for access without the property rights to do so
FCC
In FCC’s High-Cost Modernization Docket, SpaceX Stands Alone
SpaceX wants the FCC to sunset ‘high-cost’ rural broadband subsidies – almost no one else agrees.
AI
Fiber Users More Likely to Engage With AI More, Analyst Finds
AI sessions with fiber connection are 50 percent more intensive than those with cable.
FCC
FCC Ponders ‘Large Scale Changes’ to School and Library Broadband Subsidy
Wireline chief discusses updating the program which supports internet access for nearly all U.S. public schools
Funding
Broadband Trade Groups Not Fans of Proposed Federal Grant Update
OMB is proposing making it easier for agencies to cancel awards and eliminating milestone-based payments
Digital Inclusion
Trade Groups Push FCC to Keep Lifeline Verification With USAC
NTCA, NRECA say new identity-check and Social Security number collection duties should not be shifted to individual carriers.
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.
