Expert Opinion
Jim Brisimitzis and Stephen Leotis: How CBRS is Powering Rural America's Agricultural Future
CBRS shared spectrum is solving rural farms' connectivity crisis, but proposed higher-power rules could dismantle the balance making it work.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Funding
Treasury Extends Capital Projects Fund Deadline for Broadband Builds
Recipients can request a six-month extension after citing permitting delays, material shortages, and weather disruptions.
New Mexico
New Mexico Launches Digital Navigator Program
The state’s broadband office has a goal of achieving universal access by 2029.
Rural
Trump Signs USF Reform Bill Backed by Sen. Capito
The new law requires the FCC to establish a vetting process for USF applicants.
Rural
USDA Accepts Telehealth, Distance Learning Grant Applications
Approximately $27 million in federal grants were made available.
Rural
Rural-Focused $42 Billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program Becomes Operational
Early signs of a massive federal broadband expansion effort are beginning to reach local communities.
Rural
Capito Bill Tightens FCC Vetting of Broadband Providers
Measure targets accountability in how federal broadband funds are awarded
Farm bill
RUS Signals Launch of Next ReConnect Funding Round
Elmshaeuser says program remains central as federal broadband funding expands
Kari’s Law Reporting Act
House Passes Slate of Broadband Bills
They included the Senate-approved Rural Broadband Protection Act.
LEO
Ookla: Once ‘Science Fiction,’ Satellite-to-Mobile Phone Technology is Quietly Emerging
Ookla’s latest report reveals 24.5% space satellite growth between July 2025 and March 2026.
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.
Education
USDA Requests $230 Million for Rural Broadband and Telehealth, a Decline Over Previous Budgets
The agriculture department proposed canceling $40 million in unused ReConnect funds in 2027 budget.
Rural
Ookla: U.S. Digital Divide Narrows in 43 States
Aggressive broadband expansion in late 2025 extended fiber access to 60 percent of U.S. homes.
Pole Attachments
Bill Maguire: The FCC Secures a (Bipartisan!) Win for Rural Broadband
The FCC's unanimous pole attachment ruling is a promising sign of bipartisan pragmatism in broadband policy, the author writes.
USF
Expert Says Millions of Areas Remain Unserved In Spite of BEAD and Other Programs
Increased competition in already-served markets could leave rural communities behind.
Massachusetts
$28.5 Million Massachusetts Initiative To Bring 27,000 Laptops, Tablets to Residents
Devices will be available at public centers or offered through free lending programs for rural and underserved communities.
