NTIA
New Rules for Tribal Broadband Program Planned for Spring 2026, NTIA Says
The agency said no more awards would be made under current rules, and that previously announced awards would not be rescinded.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Rural
Senate Clears Agriculture Bill With $109 Million for Rural Broadband
USDA's ReConnect would see about $50 million for 2026, more than the Senate had previously put forward.
Funding
Cantwell, Schatz Press NTIA on Nearly $1B in Undistributed Tribal Broadband Grants
$980 million in funds remain frozen; $294 million in announced awards still undistributed.
Funding
Appeals Court Grants FCC Request to Pause USF Challenge
Fifth Circuit stay halts proceedings in Consumers’ Research v. FCC until government funding resumes
Land of Sky Regional Council
N.C. Launches $50M Broadband Recovery Program for Counties Hit by Helene
Hurricane Helene destroyed 1,700 miles of fiber, cutting service to 200,000 North Carolinians.
Funding
Reintroduced Bill Would Update, Fund ReConnect Through 2030
The bill would provide $650 million annually, more than other lawmakers are currently considering.
Funding
Anchor Institutions Face Funding Crisis as Digital Divide Widens, Panel Says
The Broadband Breakfast Live Online event comes two weeks before AnchorNets in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 29-31.
Funding
Shutdown Enters Third Week as More Than 4,000 Federal Workers Face Layoffs, Telehealth Services Disrupted
Healthcare groups warn that the lapse in federal funding is disrupting telehealth access for underserved patients
Funding
Uncertainty Grows as Government Shutdown Begins
What began as temporary furloughs could become lasting cuts that deepen the FCC’s workforce losses
Funding
Commerce: BEAD Work to Continue Amid Shutdown
FCC filing deadlines during the shutdown are pushed to the day after normal operations resume.
EU
Trump Vows Retaliation Against Countries With Digital Rules Targeting U.S. Tech
Trump threatened new tariffs and export curbs in response to European digital regulations targeting U.S. tech giants
Digital Equity
Georgia Lawmakers Urge Reversal of Cancelled Digital Equity Grants
NTIA’s ‘arbitrary termination’ has stalled $46M for digital skills training, lawmakers wrote.
Funding
Kansas Governor Announced $10.4 Million to Increase State Broadband Adoption
The funds are intended for device distribution and accessible public Wifi in underserved areas.
Digital Equity
Trump Administration Loses DEI Case
The state of digital equity remains unsettled.
Funding
USF Contribution Factor Expected to Hit Record 39.3 Percent
Would represent a 3.3 percentage point increase from Q3 2025.
Funding
Massachusetts Governor Announces $31.5 Million for Public Housing Internet
Funding will connect more than 13,700 housing units to reliable, high-speed internet service.
