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.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
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.
FBA
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.
Data Center
The Case for Open Access Hyperscale Data Center Networks
The infrastructure powering hyperscale data centers risks bypassing the very communities that host it.
Rural
Bundling Emerges as Key Advantage in Rural Broadband Market
As ‘app fatigue’ grows, rural broadband customers are turning to bundled services, raising the stakes for rural providers.
Rural
Optimum Connects 3,000 Locations in Louisiana's Sabine Parish
Officials say the effort targets long underserved areas across the rural parish.
California
California Activates Nation’s Largest Middle-Mile Network, Connecting Tribal, Rural Areas
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is the first to access the state’s $3.2 billion broadband effort spanning 8,000 miles of fiber.
Energy Department
States Race to Win the Tech Economy in 2026 State of the State Addresses
Here’s what 30 governors said about broadband expansion, AI growth, and online child safety.
April McClain-Delaney
New Bipartisan House Bills Take Aim at Strengthening Rural Broadband Access
The four introduced bills look to expand broadband access, modernize utilities, and improve USDA programs.
Digital Equity Act
Court Asked to Pause DEA-Related Lawsuit Against Trump, Pending Key Court Decision
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has been fighting to restore a $2.75 billion digital equity program.
Satellite
Houses Passes Bill to Expand Broadband in Rural Appalachia
The act directs GAO to study satellite broadband use across 13 states.
BEAD 2026
Experts Say $21 Billion Remaining BEAD Funds at Risk of Going Unused
Industry leaders push for faster distribution to avoid defaults, delays, and efforts to close the digital divide
Connecticut
Connecticut Law to Require Affordable Broadband for Eligible Households
The state’s new law, taking effect Oct. 1, will require a low-cost plan at $40 per month.
Expert Opinion
Lance West: Delivering on BEAD’s Promise to Connect America
Comcast is an awardee in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program across 34 states
MWC
Indian Minister Said Country Grew Broadband Subscribers From 60 Million to 1 Billion in a Decade
Mobile data prices fell 97 percent over 10 years, dropping from $3 per gigabyte to nine cents
