Monday, March 3, 2025
Headlines Daily Digest
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NRECA Urges Trump Administration to Support and Fix Rural Broadband Programs
Reps Latta, Kelly Reintroduce Bill to Help Farmers Access Wireless Technologies
Broadband Funding
Digital Equity
Broadband Infrastructure
Satellite
Industry News
Policymakers
Stories from Abroad
Broadband Funding
Even though the U.S. Commerce Department agency responsible for broadband officially approved federal funds for Louisiana, Delaware and Nevada, those state broadband offices are unable go forward because an unrelated federal agency—the National Institute for Standards and Technology—has not done its routine check-off. Then-National Telecommunications and Information Administrator Alan Davidson approved Louisiana’s final proposal on Jan. 13, one week before Inauguration Day. That was supposed to mark the starting gun for Louisiana to begin putting shovels in the dirt for construction under the $42.5 Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
NRECA is urging the Trump administration to update federal broadband policies and programs to better support rural America’s access to high-speed internet and strengthen the economy, public safety, health and education. In letters to several new Trump administration officials—Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr—NRECA outlined how the federal government can empower co-ops to provide rural broadband by reforming key programs, regulations and funding mechanisms. Topping the list is a recommendation to Lutnick that some of the current rules for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program be replaced with more “commonsense policies” that get BEAD funds to rural internet providers more quickly. In addition, the letter states that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the Commerce Department should maintain its preference for fiber within the BEAD program, add flexibility in meeting certain rate, wage and permitting statutes and remove non-statutory obstacles to disbursing BEAD funds.
NDIA is excited to announce the launch of our new interactive Affiliate Map, a user-friendly tool designed to simplify connections with other Affiliates! The map includes search and filter options to help find affiliates by organization name and location. We encourage everyone to explore the map and discover affiliates in your area. If you need to update your organization's information on the map, please email us at community@digitalinclusion.org
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office awarded nearly $10.6 million to 13 organizations who will serve as regional hubs providing digital skills training, device distribution programs, online accessibility, access to affordable broadband service and other activities. The Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology and Equity Network program aims to bridge the digital divide by establishing regional resource hubs to provide essential support for digital inclusion. The initiative is rooted in community input gathered during a statewide MI Connected Future listening tour and is designed to equip Michiganders with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in a connected world.
MCNC and Fybe, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roanoke Cooperative, announced the creation of eNCore. This new non-profit collaboration is tasked with bridging the digital divide for residential and business communities throughout rural North Carolina—providing next-generation connectivity and high-speed access to all the modern resources needed to participate in today’s digital economy.
Broadband Infrastructure
eX² Technology to Deliver an NTIA-Funded Fiber Optic Network in Pima County, Arizona, Enabling Long-Awaited Critical Connectivity Opportunities
eX² Technology announced the agreement to deliver an approximate $43.2 million fiber optic middle mile network in Pima County (AZ). The open-access fiber optic network will enable high-speed, reliable internet access to support remote learning, telework, telehealth, and more while fostering digital equity and inclusion. As communities across the country wrestle with limited internet options, Pima County is taking the necessary steps to drive its future connectivity forward. The County secured partial funds through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, receiving a five-year grant totaling $30.3 million. It also created a dedicated digital inclusion and infrastructure action plan, Connect Pima, to drive equitable access to reliable broadband connectivity. Pima County selected eX² Technology to design and build a 134-mile fiber network ring around its urban core, laying the groundwork for future broadband expansion. The middle mile network will reduce the cost for last mile providers to connect unserved and underserved communities and empower internet service providers with the ability to offer affordable, high-quality broadband services.
Brightspeed has made it easier for families and local businesses in Wake Forest and beyond to access multi-gig-speed internet. Joined by N.C. Department of Information Technology Representative Angie Bailey, State Representative Mike Schietzelt, Wake Forest Mayor Vivian A. Jones, community leaders, and local employees, Brightspeed celebrated the official launch of its state-of-the-art, blazing fast internet service. Brightspeed received broadband deployment funding in Wake County and Franklin County via North Carolina's Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant program, with funds allocated from the American Rescue Plan.
Reps Bob Latta (R-OH-5) and Robin Kelly (D-IL-2) reintroduced the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, which will help farmers across America more easily incorporate technology into their operations. Latta and Kelly previously introduced the bill in the 118th Congress, where it passed the U.S. House by a vote of 409-11 on April 26, 2023. The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act would require the Federal Communications Commission to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture. This bill continues to build upon Latta's Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, included in the Farm Bill and signed into law in 2018, which established the Precision Agriculture Task Force.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the federal government would take steps to hire more air-traffic controllers and spend billions of dollars to upgrade the nation’s aviation system. Duffy said he would ask Congress to fund upgrades to the technology underpinning the nation’s air-traffic control system, pointing to its reliance on decades-old copper wire, floppy disks and phone jacks. Duffy said he hadn’t made a decision about whether to use the Starlink satellite communications system to improve air-traffic-control technology. The FAA has been testing Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, in New Jersey and Alaska. Musk, on his X social-media platform, said Thursday he was providing Starlink terminals at no cost to taxpayers on an “emergency basis to restore air traffic control connectivity.”
OpenVault released the Broadband Insights Report for the fourth quarter of 2024. Highlights include:
- The monthly average data consumed by subscribers in 4Q24 was 698.2 GB, up 8.9 percent from 4Q23's average of 641 GB.
- The category of Super Power Users consuming 2 TB or more per month increased by 26 percent year-over-year.
- Average downstream speed was 569 Mbps, an increase of 11.9 percent from 4Q23. Average upstream speed was 32 Mbps, up 13.7 percent from 4Q23.
- The number of Extreme Power Users consuming 5 TB or more per month has increased by 2.4x since 3Q23.
- Monthly average upstream data usage growth, up 14.6 percent from 4Q23, continues to outpace average downstream usage growth (8.6 percent).
Brendan Carr, newly minted chair of the Federal Communications Commission, has been plenty busy making his mark in the telecommunications regulatory landscape. Here's a look at the most notable events that have transpired during Carr's first 30 days—and what we can expect in the months to come:
- Dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The U.S. government has launched a campaign to do away with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from both the public and private sectors. And Carr has been more than happy to carry out that directive, notably going after Comcast and its subsidiary NBCUniversal for “invidious” forms of civil rights violations. Not all of the FCC was on board, as Commissioner Geoffrey Starks later said, “this enforcement action is out of our lane and out of our reach.”
- Wiping the slate: Carr has wasted no time gutting Rosenworcel FCC initiatives. By the time he took the FCC reins, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals already ruled against the FCC’s attempt to reinstate net neutrality—a decision celebrated by Carr and telecom trade groups. He also axed the Commission’s Digital Discrimination Task Force (what he dubbed the “DEI Task Force”), which aimed to combat digital redlining. Carr has said he intends to cut the regulatory red tape surrounding broadband infrastructure projects.
- Spectrum showdown: Carr oversaw the first FCC meeting under his watch, where the topic du jour involved opening the floodgates for more wireless spectrum usage. Notably, the FCC voted to advance an auction of the AWS-3 band. The FCC also voted to open a notice of inquiry (on the best way to use the upper C-Band spectrum =—whether it’s for 5G or other services. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is understandably eyeing that spectrum for shared satellite use.
After nearly 15 years at the helm of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Michael K. Powell has announced he will retire later in 2025, capping a distinguished career of leadership in the cable and broadband industries. During his tenure, Powell strengthened NCTA’s role in shaping public policy and guiding the broadband and entertainment industries through rapid transformation. Under his leadership, NCTA successfully championed policies that expanded broadband access, encouraged technological innovation, and advanced a competitive digital marketplace. Prior to his tenure at NCTA, Powell served as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, playing a critical role in shaping modern telecommunications policy. His expertise in technology, regulation, and industry evolution has made him one of Washington’s most respected figures. The board will begin a national search for Powell’s successor to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued advocacy for the future of the internet and television industries.
Benton (www.benton.org) provides the only free, reliable, and non-partisan daily digest that curates and distributes news related to universal broadband, while connecting communications, democracy, and public interest issues. Posted Monday through Friday, this service provides updates on important industry developments, policy issues, and other related news events. While the summaries are factually accurate, their sometimes informal tone may not always represent the tone of the original articles. Headlines are compiled by Kevin Taglang (headlines AT benton DOT org), Grace Tepper (grace AT benton DOT org), and Zoe Walker (zwalker AT benton DOT org) — we welcome your comments.
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