FCC
FCC Denies Mercury’s RDOF Waiver Request
Provider now faces over $25M in penalties for defaults.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Expert Opinion
David Zumwalt: Rural America’s Wireless Revolution
In rural America, fixed wireless access powered by CBRS is delivering fiber-like speeds at a fraction of the cost—and connecting millions who would otherwise be left behind.
Rural
Ookla Finds Stark Differences in Tribal Broadband Performances
Tribal Nations continue to push for better connectivity.
Rural
Work Begins on $87M Michigan Middle Mile Project
Project will pass fiber through island relying on DSL.
Rural
Rural Co-ops Back NTIA’s Overhaul of Environmental Review Rules
NRECA praises alignment with new law and Supreme Court ruling.
Funding
Senate Bill Would Terminate USDA’s Community Connect Grant Program
The program supports broadband expansion in rural areas where service does not exist.
Public Safety
Rural Texas County's Top Leaders Were Asleep, Out of Town During Initial Hours of Flood Crisis
Lawmakers have filed bills to improve emergency communications and provide additional funding for affected areas.
Rural
California Bill Modernizing 'Carrier of Last Resort' Rules Advances
AB 470 clears Senate committee by a 9–1 vote
NTIA
Quintillion to Repair Broken Arctic Fiber Line After Six-Month Delay
Repairs begin, but plan for terrestrial backup network remains on ice
Rural
Blackfoot Asks FCC to Waive Over $1 Million in RDOF Penalties
Cites ‘unforeseeable site-specific geographic and economic challenges’ as reason for default
Funding
New Jersey Launches $40M Broadband Expansion
Brightspeed alone expects to receive $9.8 million
Rural
Cox Back On Track with RDOF, Except in Nebraska
ISP still subject to financial penalties in the Cornhusker State
Rural
Lumen Fully Exited from Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
The company said the 41,000 locations it handed back earlier this month were the last of its commitments.
House Appropriations
House Restores ReConnect Funding for FY26
House doubles funding for rural broadband program, despite Trump proposing cuts.
Rural
D.C. Circuit Upholds LTD RDOF Denial
The FCC had found the company wasn't capable of expanding under its $1.3 billion award, the program's largest.
Rural
Lumen Defaults on More Than 41,000 RDOF Locations
Telecom giant offers no reason for relinquishments
