July 2021

The bipartisan infrastructure bill is still far from a done deal, but after the political wrangling over what is and isn’t “infrastructure,” at least one area of firm bipartisan agreement has emerged: broadband digital access is infrastructure, but if the US lags behind our economy will not remain competitive. The broad agreement on broadband for all is a positive, overdue development. But by itself, without better digital norms and governance, universal broadband access in the US won’t do much to secure Americans’ digital rights, equitably distributed economic growth, or stronger competiti

Regional US broadband provider Midco announced a $500 million fiber project, aiming to deliver 10 Gbps service to hundreds of thousands of locations in the Midwest. Midco currently provides fiber service to around 460,000 homes and businesses across the Midwest; the company said its multi-year Fiber Forward initiative will connect 300,000 homes and businesses with 10-gigabit capabilities, with 150,000 locations each in North and South Dakota. Midco President and CEO Pat McAdaragh said in a statement that the company will “deploy a mix of next gen fiber technologies” to realize its goal.

“Our economy thrives on competition," said Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "It is the reason the United States is home to some of the most dynamic companies in the world. I welcome this effort by the President to enhance competition in the American economy and in the nation’s communications sector.”