Universal Broadband

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.

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:

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.

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.

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. 

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 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 difference between opportunity and frustration often comes down to a simple digital connection,” said Abby Russell.

Internet connections on Beaver Island (MI) can be hit or miss, and it often depends on whether you can get a cell signal. For years, residents of remote Beaver Island more than 30 miles offshore from the mainland in northern Lake Michigan have said they want better internet access. They specifically want fiber-optic connections to every home, business, and community gathering place. That destination is becoming visible on the horizon.

This policy brief examines the targeting of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a $42.45 billion federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aimed at expanding high-speed internet access the United States. The analysis links state-designated BEAD-eligible locations to key demographic indicators, focusing on “BEAD clusters” – census block groups where at least half of broadband-serviceable locations qualify for funding.