Broadband

Plus, Wi-Fi is expanding in New York homeless shelters, Vermont nonprofits gain access to low-cost Internet service, a new law aims to support rural broadband, a report examines digital accessibility, and more.

Officials have announced “first of its kind” AI intended to boost operations, including real-time security cameras and city-run 5G broadband. The software will also let residents see financial documents.

After a City Council vote, officials will seek bids to renovate an ex-wastewater treatment plant into a network operations center for Willmar Connect, the citywide broadband project.

A federal measure to increase Internet access in Appalachia is getting bipartisan support, with the introduction of a Senate bill requiring study of whether broadband can be incorporated into regional projects.

Plus, NYC has announced $2 million in funding to expand Internet, New Mexico launched a new broadband mapping tool, a bicameral bill could increase participation in the Lifeline program, and more.

New York political leaders have announced funding to provide high-speed Internet to underserved areas in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, as well as several other counties across the state.

Plus, a regional partnership launched to expand digital inclusion in Washington, stakeholders have raised concerns about the impacts of the FCC's proposed E-rate program bidding portal, and more.

Plus, the digital accessibility compliance deadline has moved but the need remains, Kansas is investing millions in broadband, federal legislation has advanced to support deployment, and more.

A school district in Connecticut is using a state grant to reach Bridgeport's public housing communities, where more than 800 students live, with Internet service and infrastructure.

Plus, Oregon has announced funding recipients for device access, broadband legislation is pending progress in the U.S. House of Representatives, a small town is expanding free Wi-Fi access, and more.

For the last year, general aviation pilots have paid about $50 a month for Starlink Internet on their airplanes, but the company recently announced a change that spiked costs to as high as $1,000 a month.

Plus, Massachusetts is distributing nearly 27,000 devices, the Atlanta Regional Commission is launching a digital skills training initiative, Nashville is working to expand language access, and more.

Plus, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance offers digital inclusion programming guidance amid mass enforcement actions, a report reveals consumer cost concerns, millions of seniors lack service, and more.

Plus, North Carolina is investing millions in broadband, legislation has advanced in U.S. Congress to assess satellite broadband in the Appalachian region, AI is impacting wireless network demand, and more.

The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program makes some $21 billion available for non-deployment purposes. States are exploring how this funding can be used, and questions remain.

County commissioners got a revised schedule for federally funded broadband work. Service provider contracts remain to be signed, and construction is slated to wrap by the end of 2029.

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.