Fiber
Fiber is the Foundation for the Next Wave of Connectivity, Say Advocates
‘Fiber always wins,’ said market analyst Michael Render
BEAD
Chambers Criticizes BEAD Delays, Calls for Clearer Broadband Standards
The BEAD program, Chambers argued, has done more to delay construction than to drive it.
BEAD
Speed Tests Could Help Improve Broadband Oversight, Ookla Executive Says
Rural Starlink users often report higher speeds than customers in congested urban areas
BEAD
Broadband Spared as Ernst Urges $2 Trillion Cuts
After calling BEAD a “boondoggle” last year, the Iowa senator omitted the program.
BEAD
Minnesota Broadband Chief on BEAD Challenges, State Investments, and Tribal Partnerships
While BEAD changes complicated Minnesota’s broadband plan, state investments and tribal partnerships remain strong.
Pole Attachments
Citynet CEO: West Virginia Broadband Held Back by Pole Fights
W.V. provider expresses hope that problems will soon be fixed
NTIA
FBA: ‘The Fiber Industry Could Not Be Better’
Trade association elated by passage of OBBB
BEAD
Gomez: Preserve Remaining State Control of BEAD
The FBA president said he was optimistic states would ultimately be able to maximize fiber deployment.
Infrastructure
West Virginia Received Few Non-Fiber BEAD Applications
State set its threshold at $28,000 per location, but average per-location cost was $9,182
Fiber Connect
Fiber Lobbyist: Keep States in Control of BEAD
Other broadband industry groups made similar asks in a separate letter to the Trump administration.
Briefs
Phoenix Center Challenges Brattle Group’s Fiber Value Impact
Ford said that fiber is too expensive in many rural areas to be a practical solution.
AI
Broadband Industry Coalesces in Support of ‘SPEED for BEAD’
Fiber-focused organization isn’t discouraged by Rep. Richard Hudson measure that touts ‘technology neutrality’
LEO
AI Boom Drives Demand for Fiber Data Center Infrastructure
Shortages in power and semiconductors render fiber the only solution to sustain AI growth, panelists said.
Fiber
Fiber Broadband Association Rings in New Year Touting 100 Gbps Service
'The only thing that is certain in 2025 is uncertainty,' said GFiber's Ariane Schaffer.
Starlink
Maine's Free Starlink Initiative Sparks Debate Over Rural Broadband Solutions
These locations will remain eligible for fiber deployment under BEAD.
What's New
Broadband Breakfast: Your Gateway to the Politics of Internet and Infrastructure
Two events, and two tools for Better Broadband, Better Lives.
