​The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the *Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports (ACCESS) Rural America Act*, which aims to relieve small broadband providers of costly regulatory burdens. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.  

The legislation has garnered praise from NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, with CEO Shirley Bloomfield expressing gratitude to Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) for their bipartisan support. Bloomfield emphasized that current SEC registration and reporting rules, designed for large public companies, disproportionately burden smaller, locally owned broadband providers. She noted the bill would enable rural providers to focus on expanding broadband infrastructure instead of navigating onerous regulations.  

John Klatt, CEO of Lakeland Communications, echoed this sentiment, stating the bill would allow rural providers like his company in northwest Wisconsin to concentrate on building fiber networks and supporting rural communities. He urged the House to pass the act promptly.  

In addition to Senators Baldwin and Ernst, the bill was co-sponsored by Senators Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Supporters believe the legislation is essential for fostering broadband development in rural areas by alleviating unnecessary financial and administrative strain.

CLICK HERE for more about the bill at Broadband Communities, a CBAN advocate member and media partner.

​The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved funding applications for several states and territories, including Iowa, under the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Iowa will receive $8,442,129 to implement key initiatives aimed at improving digital equity across the state.

This funding is part of the “Internet for All” initiative under President Biden's *Investing in America* agenda, a larger $1.44 billion effort to address barriers to digital access and inclusion. Many Americans face challenges such as a lack of Internet skills, affordability issues, and limited access to devices, which this program seeks to overcome.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized that affordable, high-speed Internet is essential for modern life, benefiting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Iowa’s digital equity plan, developed under prior NTIA funding, outlines actionable steps to empower residents and communities with tools and skills for meaningful Internet access.

This award could represent a significant step forward in ensuring digital equity across Iowa, as the state implements programs to address connectivity gaps, foster digital literacy, and expand opportunities for all residents.

How Iowa will spend their allocation is unclear. The Iowa Department of Management-Division of IT (DOM-DOIT) issued an RFI this fall asking for proposals from Iowa organziations on how to execute the state's goals. CBAN was one of the respondents to that RFI.

CLICK HERE to read the NTIA's news release on the latest funding awards.

The City of Ruston and RightFiber, a brand of Ritter Communications, have finalized an agreement for RightFiber to acquire Ruston’s citywide fiber network. The deal, announced last month by RightFiber, is projected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

Ruston, a community of approximately 22,000 residents in Lincoln Parish, is home to Louisiana Tech University, part of the University of Louisiana system. The partnership with RightFiber underscores the city's commitment to advancing its broadband infrastructure to support both residents and local institutions.

Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker praised RightFiber’s approach, describing the company as a dedicated municipal partner with a vision for growth. “RightFiber’s personal approach and future-minded vision set them apart as a service provider,” Walker stated in the announcement.

Kyle Keith, Chief Revenue Officer for Ritter Communications, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition. “The City of Ruston has taken proactive steps in planning for the growing need for top-tier fiber broadband,” Keith noted. “The decision to engage with RightFiber demonstrates their strategic foresight even further, which is focused on the growth and prosperity of their residents.”

This collaboration highlights Ruston’s dedication to fostering economic growth and ensuring robust connectivity for its community.

For more on the sale, CLICK HERE to read a story at Broadband Communities magazine.

​Senator Ted Cruz and other Republicans are seeking significant changes to the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and its associated policies. Cruz, who will chair the Senate Commerce Committee, criticized the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for prioritizing fiber networks and enforcing requirements for low-cost internet plans, which he claims violate the law. He called for a halt to the program until the Trump administration assumes leadership, accusing the NTIA of excessive bureaucracy, “technology bias,” and ignoring congressional intent.

The BEAD program, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) receiving subsidies to offer low-cost broadband options. NTIA guidance encourages states to set a $30 monthly rate for eligible subscribers, sparking GOP allegations of unauthorized rate regulation. NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson defended the guidance as consistent with the law, which mandates affordable service options but does not regulate rates.

Republicans, emboldened by electoral gains, aim to amend the law to remove affordability mandates and streamline funding distribution. Cruz also criticized the NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program for allegedly unconstitutional race-based criteria, despite Congress defining racial and ethnic minorities as covered populations. Advocacy groups like the Benton Institute counter that the NTIA is following congressional directives to address inequities.

With Republicans gaining control of Congress, BEAD program changes and broader broadband policy shifts appear likely, potentially delaying efforts to expand high-speed internet access nationwide.

The Boulder City Council has unanimously approved a 20-year lease agreement allowing ALLO Communications LLC (a CBAN provider member) to use the city’s fiber backbone to provide citywide broadband service. ALLO, a telecom company with over 1.2 million customers, plans to cover 80% of Boulder by 2028 and 97% by 2030. The deal is expected to generate $9 million in revenue for Boulder, including an upfront payment of $1.5 million, ongoing fees, and a share of wholesale lease revenue.

The agreement emphasizes equitable access, offering discounted services for low-income households, free services for nonprofits, and upgraded services for students. ALLO will also maintain a public transit-accessible store in Boulder. However, the broadband service will not extend to unincorporated areas of Boulder County unless annexed into the city.

The decision follows years of planning, starting in 2018 when Boulder committed to affordable broadband and constructed a $20 million fiber backbone. After exploring three operational models, city staff recommended leasing the network to a private company as the quickest and most cost-effective approach. ALLO was chosen for its commitment to net neutrality, inclusive service, and citywide coverage.

While council members largely praised the agreement, some expressed regret that Boulder could not provide municipal broadband. Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Speer acknowledged concerns about involving a for-profit entity but commended staff for balancing community needs. Councilmember Matt Benjamin called the deal a significant achievement, and Councilmember Lauren Folkerts highlighted the faster timeline it enables. Construction and service rollout could begin as early as next year.

As expected Jessica Rosenworcel, the first woman to serve as the permanent chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced she will step down when Donald Trump assumes the presidency. Rosenworcel joined the FCC in 2012 and made significant contributions during her tenure, including initiatives to expand internet access for students, crack down on Chinese telecom equipment, and launch a broadband subsidy program for millions of households. She also led the creation of the FCC Space Bureau to manage policies related to space-based communications and worked to restore net neutrality rules overturned during Trump’s previous administration.

Rosenworcel’s decision aligns with the FCC’s tradition of leadership transitions when a new president takes office. Her departure leaves the commission evenly split between Democratic and Republican appointees, which could shift as new appointments are made. Her legacy reflects a focus on equity in broadband access, technological innovation, and regulatory integrity.

CBAN has been busy creating great content for our members and Broadband Bytes subscribers over the past several weeks. We've produced and released three new episodes of our Broadband Action podcast, and we invite to listen or watch by clicking the graphics below. And please do us a HUGE favor - click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. That helps build our podcasts' reach and grow our community!

The links on the graphics take you to the audio version on Spotlify. However, just search "Broadband Action" on you favorite podcast player, or visit the CBAN YouTube page to watch the audio/video version of each!

​The Los Alamos County Council is set to vote on two pivotal agreements for the Community Broadband Network (CBN) during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. The meeting, held in-person and via Zoom, marks a significant step in a two-year initiative led by Broadband Manager Jerry Smith to establish broadband as an essential service, providing reliable, high-speed internet at competitive prices countywide.

The first agreement, with Bonfire Fiber LLC, is a Broadband Network Design/Build Agreement, outlines plans to construct a County-owned, open-access fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. This fiber network aims to deliver scalable, high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses. The second agreement, the Broadband Operations Agreement, details how the network will be managed by an external vendor. This vendor will not offer internet services directly but will oversee the network and facilitate partnerships with multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs), giving subscribers flexibility in choosing their provider. The operations agreement is also with Bonfire Fiber.

The project has a budget cap of $35 million and aligns with the Council’s strategic priorities. During the meeting, officials will present the project’s timeline, subscriber cost estimates, and key milestones. If approved, the agreements will enhance broadband infrastructure, fostering better connectivity for the community.

Read more about the project on the Los Alamos Daily Post.

​The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has been awarded a nearly $30 million grant through New York State’s ConnectAll program to develop an open-access fiber-optic broadband network. This project, supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer, aims to expand high-speed internet across Jamestown and surrounding areas, enhancing access and competition among providers. 

The BPU, alongside EntryPoint Networks and Quanta Telecom Solutions, will build the infrastructure to serve its electric service territory, covering urban, suburban, and rural regions. As the network owner, the BPU will handle operational support, while EntryPoint will supply technical architecture and open-access systems. Quanta will manage construction and materials logistics. 

The initiative promises affordable and reliable internet, with rates of $50.20 per month for 300 Mbps and $65.20 for 2 Gbps. Construction begins upon contract finalization, with completion expected by 2026. This project also supports broader goals like economic development, public safety, education, and healthcare improvements.

BPU General Manager David Leathers emphasized the community benefits, citing increased consumer choice and reduced costs. Outreach efforts will engage schools and the broader public to ensure widespread awareness and participation in the program.

CLICK HERE to read the article from the Post-Journal