Commerce
Rural Co-ops Back NTIA’s Overhaul of Environmental Review Rules
NRECA praises alignment with new law and Supreme Court ruling.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
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.
SpaceX
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
Rural
Stakeholders Protest Rural Utilities Service Budget Cuts
Loans are 'a win-win situation for rural consumers and American taxpayers' because they are paid back with interest, the groups said.
New Hampshire
Fidium Brings Fiber Service To Pittsfield, New Hampshire
More than 3,000 homes and businesses gain access to high-speed internet in rural town.
Rural
NRECA Discusses Policies, Funding Needed For Rural Broadband
With the Trump Administration planning to cut ReConnect, rural broadband cooperatives are scrambling
Rural
FCC Approves Sale of TDS Networks in Western Colorado
ISP made $18 million on sale to Elevate.
