- Legislatures Look at Broadband
- State Officials Call for BEAD Funds’ Release
- Report Explores “Dig Once” Impact
- 60% of Households Now Have Fiber Access
- Internet Providers Can Help Combat Sex Trafficking
LEGISLATURES LOOK AT BROADBAND
Federal and state legislatures are exploring bills related to broadband, specifically those addressing access and affordability.
At the state level, the Maryland Legislature’s House Bill 382, introduced Jan. 21 to be considered in the 2026 regular session, would require broadband providers to offer affordable service options to eligible consumers. These affordable options must maintain minimum broadband speeds as defined in the bill. Providers would be allowed to raise prices, but only once every three years and in accordance with limitations. Providers would also be required to be transparent about the existence of such programs with “prominent display” of related information on advertising materials.
In other state legislative news, New Mexico’s Senate Bill 152, introduced Monday, would amend the Rural Telecommunications Act of New Mexico to create a Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program by Jan. 1, 2027. The bill authorizes $10 million in broadband funding from the State Rural Universal Service Fund to support access to affordable broadband service for low-income families.
“Fully funding an Internet affordability program ensures all New Mexicans can live successfully in the information age and have access to economic opportunities, healthcare options and distance learning,” state Sen. Michael Padilla, the Majority Whip, who introduced it, said in a statement.
In West Virginia, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 213 earlier this month to provide the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) with more authority over Internet service providers. This bill would amend the Code of West Virginia by providing the PSC with jurisdiction over providers, and authorizing it to require providers to deliver safe and reliable service to consumers under “just, fair, and reasonable terms and conditions.” Consumers could file complaints of violations with the PSC, which could then fine providers that fail or refuse to comply with commission orders.
Notably, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Legislative bodies may explore the telecommunications workforce and its evolving needs as this anniversary is recognized, Nathan Leamer, executive director of Build American AI, indicated during a Wednesday event hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Academy exploring 2026 tech policy predictions.
STATE OFFICIALS CALL FOR BEAD FUNDS’ RELEASE
State officials have been seeking clarity about eligible uses for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program’s non-deployment funds since last summer, when program rule changes were issued. The funding, congressionally approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, was intended to support activities increasing broadband access in ways not specifically related to deploying the infrastructure, such as skills training. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump in December limiting states’ AI regulatory authority further complicates the issue, as it attempts to withhold non-deployment funds from states that do not comply.
A group of Georgia lawmakers called on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to “release all non-deployment funds immediately” in a Jan. 21 letter.
The lawmakers detailed their plans to use this funding for critical needs including upgrading 911 connectivity service, improving telehealth resources in rural areas, expanding precision agriculture technology use for farmers, and creating device access and education programs to support economic growth.
The letter underlines a “deep concern” over a “lack of clarity” around the $1 billion in funding being withheld from the state: “Georgians are tired of political agendas and bureaucratic delays that deny their communities 21st-century connectivity and technology upgrades.”
REPORT EXPLORES “DIG ONCE” IMPACT
The Government Accountability Office released a report to review the implementation status of the Federal Highway Administration’s 2021 “dig once” policy, which attempts to minimize costs and disruptions by installing broadband conduit during federal highway construction projects. The policy mandated coordination between state transportation departments and broadband providers.
The report found that the status of implementing this rule varies.
States were surveyed about whether they had established processes to register Internet providers and other entities and to electronically notify them of the state transportation improvement program. Out of 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 31 had the registration process fully established and 36 had the notification process fully established. Some states are still currently establishing the processes, and others have not yet done so.
With implementation progress varied, respondents revealed that the rule’s effects on deployment were not yet well known. However, some who responded indicated optimism about the potential benefits of this initiative.
60% OF HOUSEHOLDS NOW HAVE FIBER ACCESS
A new report from the Fiber Broadband Association and Cartesian explores fiber deployment and associated costs. Notably, the report found that more than 60 percent of U.S. households are currently serviceable by fiber. However, the cost of fiber deployment is rising.
Labor makes up the largest share of deployment costs, with underground deployments costing more than aerial deployments. Costs are expected to rise again next year, according to the report, mostly as a result of labor and material costs. Some governments, including Ohio, are investing in training the fiber deployment workforce.
Although satellite technology can be cheaper to deploy, its service is less reliable. Notably, the report dubs fiber “the only technology capable of supporting the backhaul requirements of AI data centers.”
Providers and cities are continuing to expand and build new fiber networks, as demonstrated by a new 126-mile fiber build project kicking off in Ocean Shores, Wash., and a public Wi-Fi network that is now available to residents, visitors and businesses in downtown Cortland, N.Y.
INTERNET PROVIDERS CAN HELP COMBAT SEX TRAFFICKING
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, organizations are calling on Internet service providers to participate in Operation Internet Service Providers Fight Against Sex Trafficking (IFAST).
Operation IFAST is a way to train employees to recognize indicators of human trafficking, and raise money to combat it. More than 110 broadband providers in 18 states currently participate in the program.
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) are calling on providers to join the effort.
“Through participation in Operation IFAST, our members can join a united industry effort to raise awareness, equip teams to recognize these unthinkable crimes, support law enforcement, and help make communities safer,” ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer said in a statement.
