Broadband

The Trump administration has asserted for months that its “bargain” version of the federal $42.5 billion grant program to expand access to broadband Internet would save taxpayers money.

Plus, Maine is looking for partners for its middle-mile network, New Mexico has enacted a law establishing a broadband affordability program, fiber infrastructure expansion is continuing, and more.

State lawmakers overrode a gubernatorial veto to bring the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, which runs the state’s high-speed fiber network, under the Commonwealth Office of Technology.

Plus, a lack of funding is impacting digital inclusion initiatives, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill for rural and tribal broadband, San Francisco has expanded its free Wi-Fi network, and more.

A new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy urges regulators and utilities to make the grid operate more efficiently. There are ways, experts said, to absorb part of data centers’ growth.

Plus, Massachusetts is opening applications for its Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board, Denver launched a streaming platform, experts dub fiber broadband deployment as essential, and more.

Plus, New Mexico is increasing access to affordable Internet, federal legislation has advanced in Congress to better track funding, Indiana residents have expanded access to fiber broadband, and more.

Plus, during the State of the Net conference, officials discussed broadband funding proposals and the importance of AI-supporting communications infrastructure; new state bills address broadband; and more.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system has introduced new features to make paying, booking and going online at BART stations more convenient. Five heavily traveled stations now offer free Wi-Fi.

Plus, the debate around congressionally approved federal broadband funding continues, a report highlights access barriers for government services, a Massachusetts tool shows progress on broadband, and more.

A new report finds labor still accounts for a large portion of the cost of deploying the necessary infrastructure. But advocates say technology is worth it, given the resiliency and future-proofing it offers.

The state has received final federal approval on how it plans to spend nearly $149 million to expand Internet access statewide. The funds come from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.

Plus, federal legislation supporting rural Internet access gets introduced, Utah’s legislature will consider a law establishing digital literacy education, Texas is investing millions in broadband expansion, and more.

The City Council approved giving OnLight Aurora, set up to manage the city’s fiber network, $80,000 via either a loan or grant. A key issue, an alderman said, is getting the organization back on track.

Plus, New York has reopened applications for grants through its ConnectALL program, New Mexico celebrated progress on connectivity expansion, fiber networks continue expanding to new locations, and more.

All middle-mile construction is now either built or funded, an official said. The next step is last-mile work, bringing actual connections to homes, and meeting with stakeholders to gather infrastructure data.

The broadband and telecommunications company Brightspeed, which is based in the North Carolina city, is probing multiple reports its customers may have been victimized by a data breach.

Plus, New Mexico has launched its three-year broadband plan, North Carolina has debuted a program to expand Internet access in rural communities, a report shows progress on broadband expansion, and more.