Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
February 2023
It’s a central concern looming over the broadband industry as it prepares for a massive infusion of federal funds for infrastructure deployment: Will the providers of fiber optic networks be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?
12 Days of Broadband
An annual series of the year's top 12 stories in broadband.
Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
Green Energy and the Democrats
Just as crypto has emerged as a tech and infrastructure issue with a heavily Republican tilt, advanced energy may serve a similar role for Democrats.
Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As AI technology adoption increases, legislators are looking at cracking down on copyright concerns.
Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape
During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Understanding 'Junk Fees' in Broadband
President Joe Biden has made attacking 'junk fees' a key focus of his administration.
Challenges of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Rights of way, pole attachments, environmental permitting and other hurdles to broadband infrastructure deployment.
Navigating the Landscape of U.S. Data Privacy Regulations
There is a renewed focus on how best to protect personal information in an increasingly digital world.
The Smart City Blueprint for Urban Innovation
At play in Smart Cities: Data collection, smart infrastructure, IoT, communications technologies, regulations and more.
Unraveling the Complexities of Net Neutrality
Top controversies include 5G network slicing, paid prioritizing and exempting broadband providers from Universal Service Fund contributions.
The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing
At the center of the battle over the airwaves in the United States is the question of spectrum sharing.
The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.
The FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules
The controversies and details surrounding the FCC's rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination.
NTIA Finalizes BEAD ‘Buy America’ Waivers
The waiver exempts specific BEAD-funded equipment from the domestic manufacturing requirement outlined in the IIJA.
A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?
Evan Feinman Tapped as Keynote Speaker for BEAD Implementation Summit
Panel discussions will explore precursors to BEAD, private match funding, state broadband planning and more
Proposed ‘Buy America’ Waiver Will Give Industry Ability to Build By BEAD Deadline: Experts
Buy America provisions are seeping into state and provider policies.
NTIA Waives 55 Percent Cost Requirement for Fiber Electronic Components
Manufacturers can self-report products are Buy America compliant to be included on NTIA public list.
Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?
President Joe Biden Declares ‘Made in America Week’
Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative is investing billions of dollars into domestic manufacturing.
EU Privacy Framework on US Data Flow, FCC Pauses Voice-Only Phase-Out, STL Partners with Windstream
The new framework resolves earlier issues about US intelligence services’ access to EU individuals’ private data.
A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?
Permitting, Purchase Restrictions Still Outstanding as BEAD Makes Way to States
Permitting delays could make the five-year deployment timeline difficult to meet, panelists said.
Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.
Johnny Kampis: Broadband Industry Hopeful to Get Waivers from Biden Administration Protectionist Policies
The Buy America mandate could seriously hamper the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
Industry Optimistic About Calls for a Targeted ‘Buy America’ Waiver Ahead of Broadband Awards
Strict domestic manufacturing requirements may hinder the success of the $42.5 billion BEAD Program.
Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.
Senators Question BEAD Rules, Apple Wins Antitrust Case, Florida Fights Targeted Advertising
Senators are concerned about BEAD’s fiber preference and Buy America rules.
Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.
‘Buy America’ Waivers Possible, But Very Difficult to Obtain, Says NTIA Chief
The bar ‘is not impossibly high, but it is high,’ Alan Davidson said.
Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.
NTIA Stands Firm on Buy America Rules, Says BEAD Projects Must Be American
The NTIA’s comments came after President Biden said fiber optics should be made in America.
Reactions Pour In After State of Union Address, Apple’s 6 GHz Pitch, Digital Skills Necessary
Associations agreed on the need for baseline federal privacy legislation.
What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.
The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.
Chart of States' Planned BEAD Deployment by Technology
Broadband Breakfast is tracking planned BEAD connections by technology
Chart of Fixed Wireless Access Subscribers
Broadband Breakfast is tracking fixed wireless access subscriptions.
Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers
Broadband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscriptions.
Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers By Technology
Broadband Breakfast is tracking wireline and wireless broadband subscribers by technology.
Exclusive Reports
The Breakfast Club produces exclusive, Premium Reports on actionable topics of broadband policy and internet technology.
State BEAD
Broadband in the U.S.A.: Every state and territory
Earnings
Quarterly Earnings Reports
Infrastructure
Broadband infrastructure is the means to deliver Better Broadband, Better Lives
Policyband
Unlimited Access to Broadband Breakfast and Policyband
Broadband Breakfast Live Online
Broadband Breakfast Live Online is a FREE broadband news webcast on broadband technology and internet policy. It takes place every Wednesday at 12 Noon ET.
Data Center Summit
The 'Data Centers, Nuclear Power and Broadband Summit' took place on March 27, 2025.
American Energy
American energy production has increased substantially over the past few years.
Nuclear
As data centers proliferate, Nuclear Energy is potentially ready for a revival.
Energy
The rapid rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has placed an unprecedented strain on America’s energy grid.
Crypto
Cryptographic technologies and blockchain ledgers are driving a new era of decentralized finance.
Fiber
Fiber-optic technology is the gold standard for home or commercial broadband, and powers wireless connectivity, too.
Mobile
Mobile communication has become a central part internet connectivity.
Democracy
The internet has the potential to impact, and also to enhance, society's democratization.
Section 230
Section 230 is sometimes called the 26 words that created the internet.
BEAD
The BEAD program is implemented by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.
5G
The 5G wireless standard promises breakthrough in capacity, speed and dynamic spectrum-sharing capabilities.
Robocall
The scourge of robocalls is making America's once-vaunted telephone network less trustworthy.
Wireless
Wireless technologies are critical for mobile communications, and for being able to reach remote locations.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Open Access
Open Access networks separate network operations from internet services. Ownership may also be separate from operations.
Net Neutrality
Whether broadband providers may prioritize delivery of bits by the entities they own is a divisive topic.
Cybersecurity
Digital locks and keys are necessary, but not sufficient, to ensure cybersecurity.
Telework
Broadband internet service allows many people to work from almost anywhere.
Public Safety
Ensuring that emergency communications are enabled with broadband is the next frontier in public safety.
Health
The innovations of telehealth and mobile health care has transformed medicine and health care.
Education
Technology, particularly broadband access and adoption, plays a vital role in K-12 and secondary education.
Digital Inclusion
We need humans to make digital inclusion work.
WISP
Wireless Internet Service Providers play an important role in delivery of fixed wireless broadband.
Spectrum
Whether licensed, unlicensed or shared, radio frequency spectrum is the critical resource for wireless communication.
Antitrust
Antitrust has been re-invigorated by concern over the power of big technology, media and telecom companies.
Chips
Semiconductors are the world’s new oil.
Tribal
Tribal leaders say the federal government has failed to uphold its trust responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of Native American tribes.
Free Speech
Debates about the role of free speech have been transformed by broadband internet services.
Social Media
Social media plays a powerful force in the lives of most adults and teenagers.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform humans' relationship with technology, and each other.
Data Center
Data Centers and Cloud Computing rely upon robust and high-speed upload and download internet speeds.
Universal Service
The Universal Service Fund, codified in 1996 with the Telecommunications Act, remains the foundation of universal access.
Satellite
Satellite broadband remains an option those areas beyond the reach of fiber, terrestrial or mobile wireless.
Community Broadband
The last three years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of communities building publicly-owned, locally controlled infrastructure.
Drones
Drones and airborne transportation are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Advanced Energy
The infrastructure necessary for advanced energy also powers the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.
Smart Cities
Cities of the future rely on high-speed internet access and advanced fiber and wireless connectivity.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Accurate broadband mapping and data has been central to America's broadband buildout.
Privacy
The entire concept of privacy has been transformed by broadband and the internet.
FBA
The Fiber Broadband Association represents the interests of fiber builders.
